Diplomat to lecture on foreign relations

By: Melissa Appel

Posted: 10/16/08

Eric Bost, the U.S. ambassador to South Africa, will speak to Texas A&M faculty and students Friday about the relationship between the United States and South Africa.

Bost's presentation, "South Africa-U.S. Relations: Present and Future," will be at 4 p.m. Friday at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. The event will also allow time for open questions and a short reception. The event is free to the public.

Bost became the South African ambassador in July 2006. Prior to that position, Bost was the undersecretary of agriculture for food, nutrition and consumer services. The ambassador has ties to Texas from his previous job within the Texas Department of Human Services as commissioner and chief executive.

Bost also has personal ties to the A&M community. While at the Department of Agriculture, he worked with Peter Murano, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science and husband of A&M President Elsa Murano. Murano served as the deputy administrator for special nutrition programs while Bost was undersecretary.

"Mr. Bost has the right combination of experience with social and political issues in the positions he's held with Texas and the federal government, as well as common sense, great people skills, the inner conviction to 'do what is right' and a sharp intellect," Peter Murano said.

Bost's stateside trip has included visits to Fordham University and Penn State University. The ambassador visited College Station in May, when he was a spring commencement speaker.

For this trip to A&M, Bost will speak primarily regarding international relations between the U.S. and the Republic of South Africa. His speech will focus on previous political issues with South Africa diplomatically and implications of the relationship the U.S. has with the country.

Before his lecture, Bost will visit with multiple groups of students and faculty on campus for more personal conversations. Bost will talk to members of the Academy for Future International Leaders and students from South Africa. Faculty members include those from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Borlaug Institute and Black Faculty Alliance. He will also meet with Provost Jeffrey Vitter and Elsa Murano.

"He wanted there to be an opportunity for conversation," said University spokeswoman Nancy Sawtelle. "The Office of the Provost is hosting and organizing the ambassador's visit. We hope he's going to have a good group of people to talk to."

Bost anticipates that his visit to A&M will promote knowledge and understanding of the international community. "[Bost] hopes that the faculty and students of Texas A&M will gain a broader understanding of the major issues in U.S.-African relations, as well as the overall nature of globalization," according to statement from the press office at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.

Bost's ideals also mirror the values and traditions that are cornerstones to the A&M community, Murano said.

"Being part of the Aggie family makes us a part of something much bigger than ourselves. That means we know each other and care about each other," Murano said. "It means we're dedicated to selfless service, to serving the greater good - things which already resonate strongly with Ambassador Bost."

The statement added: "Service to one's country is important and meaningful, and our lives are intertwined with people and events all over the world. It is critical that we recognize and respect how globalization affects us each day."

By listening to Bost, students will have the opportunity to come to a greater appreciation of the role that the United States, A&M and students as individuals have on the surrounding world and its international policies.

"I think that [students] can learn about a world view from his experiences and his unique perspective," Murano said. "He sees things with seasoned international eyes that students have not developed, and can impart that wisdom through his presentations."