People: William Danvers

NATIONAL SECURITY LIAISON

When President Bill Clinton and his key advisors plan their foreign policy on Bosnia, the process is not cut and dried. A tremendous amount of consultation and give-and-take occurs between the White House, the State Dept., the Defense Dept., and Capitol Hill, not to mention various other groups and think tanks. That's where William C. Danvers, '74, comes in.

As the National Security Council's senior director for legislative affairs, Danvers plays a pivotal role in making sure all bases are covered in that complex process. 'We make sure we have an active, consultative process with Congress so they understand what's going on and so we can get the benefits of their views,' he says. 'Frankly, it's a very collegial process.'

William says he enjoys working for National Security Adviser Anthony Lake and deputies Sandy Berger and Nancy Soderberg. 'They are some of the best, brightest and most decent people in DC,' he says. 'The hours here are deadening, and that's rough on my wife and family. But it's a challenge and a privilege. You have a unique angle on history in the making.'

A native of Pittsburgh, Bill credits MSU with inspiring him to his interest in international affairs. 'I was interested in history, but at MSU my eyes were opened by some brilliant professors,' he recounts. 'Robert Slusser (history emeritus), his graduate assistant Peter Clement (now with the CIA), Phil Korth (arts and letters), Ed Graham (history emeritus), and Frank Ingram--they may not remember me, but I remember them well. They opened my eyes and made a profound impact on my life. They were all accessible and helpful, and that's what made MSU such a great place.'