"I think what I learned in history class, government, and even English classes, to understand the human condition and where people are coming from, and have a respect for other people's point of view is what you get in a liberal arts education," said Hill. Christopher R. Hill, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon.
US Ambassador to Iraq Chris Hill speaks with students, staff, and faculty
Chris Hill ’74 visits campus
Obama’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Iraq speaks with students, staff, and faculty
April 3, 2009
By Cati Mitchell
ORIENT STAFF
Caption: Chris Hill ’74 speaks with Kristina Ng ’09 at a dinner for approximately 35 students, faculty, and staff on Thursday night before addressing a larger crowd in Pickard Theater. Hill is President Barack Obama’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Iraq. Photo: KING OF THE HILL: Chris Hill ’74 speaks with Kristina Ng ’09 at a dinner for approximately 35 students, faculty, and staff on Thursday night before addressing a larger crowd in Pickard Theater. Photo: Margot D. Miller, The Bowdoin Orien
A week later than expected, Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to listen to Chris Hill '74 speak on a myriad of issues related to his work with the U.S. State Department.
Hill, who was recently nominated to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq by President Barack Obama, was originally scheduled to speak at last Friday's Common Hour, but rescheduled due to his pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
Hill spoke on Thursday night for more than half an hour before answering audience questions for 45 minutes. The event was closed to the press.
In an interview with the Orient after his lecture, Hill cited Bowdoin's liberal arts education as playing an important role in his current work in diplomacy.
"I think what I learned in history class, government, and even English classes, to understand the human condition and where people are coming from, and have a respect for other people's point of view is what you get in a liberal arts education," said Hill.
After graduating from Bowdoin with a major in economics, Hill served in the Peace Corps in Cameroon before joining the State Department, working extensively in Poland, Macedonia, Kosovo, and most recently, North Korea.
From his work in North Korea, Hill learned that it is important to "maintain a sense of patience, but also some persistence, as you deal with people who don't want to do something," a lesson he hopes to take with him as he moves forward.
Since he has yet to be confirmed by the Senate, Hill could not speak on the record about any issues pertaining to Iraq. He did, however, comment on the current economic crisis, noting that he did not think it would weaken America's diplomatic leverage.
"Frankly speaking, when you look at the G-20 and you look at the role that the United States has played in the G-20...I think actually the financial crisis may surprisingly turn out to be a moment where America will be able to rise to the occasion, and help us in the future," said Hill.
Hill will remain on campus through the weekend. This afternoon, he will attend the Common Hour lecture given by Bowdoin classmate Geoffrey Canada '74. On Saturday, Hill will take the field for the alumni lacrosse game.
His goal for the weekend?
"Not to get killed playing lacrosse," he quipped.
