Terence Todman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Terence A. Todman
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Todman (right) next to U.S. President Ronald Reagan (left) in 1985
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| United States Ambassador to Argentina | |
| In office June 13, 1989 – June 28, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Theodore E. Gildred |
| Succeeded by | James Richard Cheek |
| United States Ambassador to Denmark | |
| In office November 17, 1983 – January 8, 1989 |
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| Preceded by | John Langeloth Loeb Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Keith Lapham Brown |
| United States Ambassador to Spain | |
| In office July 20, 1978 – August 8, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Wells Stabler |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Ostrom Enders |
| Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs | |
| In office April 1, 1977 – June 27, 1978 |
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| Preceded by | Harry W. Shlaudeman |
| Succeeded by | Viron P. Vaky |
| United States Ambassador to Costa Rica | |
| In office March 17, 1975 – January 24, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Viron P. Vaky |
| Succeeded by | Marvin Weissman |
| United States Ambassador to Guinea | |
| In office August 26, 1972 – January 3, 1975 |
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| Preceded by | Albert W. Sherer Jr. |
| Succeeded by | William Caldwell Harrop |
| United States Ambassador to Chad | |
| In office August 21, 1969 – June 29, 1972 |
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| Preceded by | Sheldon B. Vance |
| Succeeded by | Edward W. Mulcahy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 13, 1926 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Died | August 13, 2014 (aged 88) St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Doris Weston |
| Profession | Career Ambassador |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Award |
Terence Alphonso Todman (born March 13, 1926 – died August 13, 2014) was an important American diplomat. He worked as the U.S. Ambassador to several countries, including Chad, Guinea, Costa Rica, Spain, Denmark, and Argentina. In 1990, he earned the special title of Career Ambassador, which is a very high honor for diplomats.
Early Life and Education
Terence Todman was born on Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on March 13, 1926. After high school, he joined the military and served in Japan from 1945 to 1949.
He later went to college and graduated with top honors from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. He also earned a master's degree in public administration from Syracuse University. This education helped prepare him for a career in public service.
A Career in Diplomacy
Terence Todman had a long and successful career as a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. Their job is to build good relationships and solve problems peacefully.
Todman served as the U.S. Ambassador to many different countries:
- Chad (1969-1972)
- Guinea (1972-1975)
- Costa Rica (1975-1977)
- Spain (1978-1983)
- Denmark (1983-1989)
- Argentina (1989-1993)
When he became ambassador to Costa Rica in 1974, it was a special moment. He was the first African American to hold this title in a Spanish-speaking country. This was a big step forward for diversity in diplomacy.
He also served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs from 1977 to 1978. In this role, he helped manage relationships between the U.S. and countries in North and South America.
Personal Life
Terence Todman was married to Doris Weston. They had four children together. He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
He passed away on August 13, 2014, at the age of 88, in a hospital in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
