William Root MIA ’48

The SIPA community is looking forward to the School's 65th graduation later this month, but it was a member of SIPA's very first class, William Root MIA '48, who stood out at Alumni Day 2013.

Now 90 years old, the resident of Gaithersburg, Maryland, attended the April 27 program with his wife and daughter. “I’m always happy to be back,” he said, noting that he had last visited campus in 2006.

Root recalled his mentor at Columbia, John N. Hazard, an expert on Soviet government institutions and a founder of the Russian Institute (now the Harriman Institute). Hazard was a pioneer in his field but also, in Root’s words, emphasized the importance of open minds. “I have determined to keep an open mind ever since,” Root said.

After graduating from Columbia, Root spent two years in the federal budget office, before moving on to the State Department. He moved from a civil-service position to the foreign service and back, joining the Office of East-West Trade in 1963 as an export-control official. After 20 years, Root experienced what he called his “15 minutes of fame” when he resigned on principle in 1983.

Root has worked as a private consultant ever since, reaching a total of 50 years in the field. “I have a reputation of knowing more about export controls than anyone else,” he said. “That’s why I find it so fascinating to stick with it.”

He is not entirely pleased by contemporary politics but said he remains optimistic.

“In our heart of hearts, I think we all subscribe to the golden rule,” he said. “It gives me basis for hope in the world. We need hope.”

pictured above (L-R): Connie Root, Roger Baumann, William Root