[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6966]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING DR. RUSSELL ROSS

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I would like to recognize the passing 
of a mentor to me and many other political science students over the 
years.
  Russell Marion Ross was a professor of political science for more 
than 40 years at the University of Iowa. He died on Tuesday, April 27, 
at age 88.
  Dr. Ross was an Iowan through and through. Born in Washington, IA, he 
received his bachelor and master degrees, and Ph.D. in political 
science from the University of Iowa. He served as chairman of the 
department for many years. In 1987, he wrote a book on the department's 
history for the Iowa State Historical Society. Following his 
retirement, he continued to teach long-distance education classes until 
the time of his death. Dr. Ross began his association with long-
distance education while serving in the Navy on the aircraft carrier 
USS Manilla Bay.
  He was an expert on local government and politics. He wrote several 
books in his field, served as executive assistant to Governor Norman 
Erbe in the 1960s, and was the mayor of University Heights for more 
than 10 years.
  Dr. Ross influenced numerous students over the years. Online 
condolences included postings by two city managers who said Dr. Ross 
guided their vocations. Other postings came from those with fond 
memories of Dr. Ross' friendliness, approachability, and honesty.
  As Joel and Sandy Barkan of Washington, DC, wrote: ``He was devoted 
to the University, a good steward, and a straight shooter in the Iowa 
tradition. He will be missed.''
  That is exactly the sentiment I have about Dr. Ross.
  In 1957 and 1958, Dr. Ross was my professor at the University of Iowa 
when I was pursuing course work toward a doctorate in political 
science. As an authority on state and local government, he would have 
been my adviser on my dissertation topic, which was the reorganization 
of state government to save money.
  Professor Ross was an expert and very well-regarded in his field, 
sought after for decades by the news media for his sharp insight into 
Iowa politics. He combined his significant knowledge with a plain-
spoken common sense that cut to the chase. For example, in assessing 
the Democratic Presidential caucus fight in 2000, Dr. Ross was quoted 
as saying of candidate Bill Bradley, who was slow to respond to attacks 
from Al Gore, ``He muffed it pretty badly.'' That was the bottom line 
in just five words.
  So Professor Ross was generous with his insight. He also was generous 
with his time. To a 23-year-old graduate student, as I was, an 
accomplished scholar can be intimidating and hard to approach. Dr. Ross 
was the opposite. He always had time for his students, and all of these 
years later, that's the first impression that comes to mind when I 
think of him.
  I didn't finish my doctoral program, but that had nothing to do with 
Dr. Ross. I ran for the State legislature instead. With his generosity 
of spirit and knowledge, Dr. Ross helped me to find my calling, as he 
excelled at his. Iowans are fortunate to have had such an outstanding 
person in our lives.

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