Who was Dr. Rowe?

Dr. Leo Stanton Rowe was born in McGregor, Iowa, on September 17, 1871, and died on December 5, 1946, in Washington, D.C. He served with exemplary dedication and vision as Director General of the Pan American Union (the precursor to the Organization of American States "OAS"), from 1920 up to the day of his death. His life revolved around two main concerns: advancing Pan-Americanism and promoting education.

From 1920, when he took charge of the Pan American Union, he dedicated himself to laying the basis for projects and programs for the development of pan-American conferences and technical meetings. He also devoted the greater part of his life to fostering understanding and integration among the American nations demonstrating special interest in the education of Latin American youth, whom he assisted during his lifetime, and to whom he bequeathed a legacy in his will.  

During his life he also devoted his efforts to the union of the Americas, thus becoming an important leader of Pan-Americanism. Three characteristics define the work of Dr. Leo S. Rowe as Director General of the Pan American Union:

• Lover of the ideal of Pan-Americanism

• Friend of peace

• Promoter of the economic welfare of the Latin American nations

  "And now, Mr. Secretary and members of the Governing Board, permit me to assure you that my heart and soul are in this work. All the strength and energy of which I am capable are at your service. It has been and is the one ambition of my life to contribute, even in some small measure, toward  the closer union between the republics of America; and if, under your guidance, I may be able to make such a contribution to that great cause, I shall consider that I have not lived in vain." 

Final Words of Dr. Leo S. Rowe

in the speech of possession to the position as

General Director of the Pan-American Union,

in the seat of PAU, Washington, D.C. 1920

                                                                                               1889 F. St N.W., (619), Washington, DC 20006

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