Clovis Maksoud, JD '51, a scholar, journalist, and prominent diplomat passed away in May at the age of 89.
Mr. Maksoud was born in Oklahoma to Lebanese parents in 1926. He graduated from the American University in Beirut in 1948 with a degree in political science and then moved back to the United States to study at GW Law.
He is best known for the diplomatic positions that he held with the Arab League: He was the Chief Representative of the then "League of Arab States" in India from 1961-1966 and a Special Envoy to the United States in 1974. In 1979, he served a dual role of observer at the United Nations and Chief Representative in Washington, D.C. He held those posts until 1990 when he resigned after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
"While he was known for his mastery of the politics of the Middle East, Clovis will also be remembered for his love of people. A luncheon or dinner with Clovis was always a festive occasion with artists, poets, politicians, and academics."
– Susan L. Karamanian, Associate Dean for International and Comparative Legal Studies; Burnett Family Professorial Lecturer in International and Comparative Law and Policy