Woodrow Wilson Awards

Woodrow Wilson, a university professor and president before entering politics, was convinced that the true betterment of society would occur when the worlds of scholarship and politics found productive common ground. The Wilson Center stands as an institution to which influential members of these sectors, as well as business leaders, may look for the kind of enlightened and deliberate conversation that leads to attaining this worthy goal. Realizing that corporate executives are often important participants in making public policy decisions, the Center recognizes leaders in both business and public service who share President Wilson’s vision of improving our policies and institutions through the dynamic interchange of knowledge and opinions. Winners of these awards stand as living testaments to what may be accomplished when open, inclusive dialogue informs our national intelligence.

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The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service is given to individuals who have served with distinction in public life and have shown a special commitment to seeking out informed opinions and thoughtful views. Recipients of this award share Woodrow Wilson’s steadfast belief in public discourse, scholarship, and the extension of the benefits of knowledge in the United States and around the world. Rather than basing policies and ideas on political or professional expediency, these leaders devote themselves to examining the historical background and long-term implications of important public policy issues. They encourage the free and open exchange of ideas that is the bedrock of our nation’s foundation.

The Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship is given to those executives who, by their examples and their business practices, have shown a deep concern for the common good beyond the bottom line. These corporate leaders have inherited Woodrow Wilson’s commitment to scholarship, public discourse, and the promotion of knowledge both at home and abroad. They work tirelessly in the service of their belief that private firms should be good citizens in their own neighborhoods and in the world at large. They understand that good citizenship can come in many forms, such as promoting renewed growth and vigor in economically disadvantaged towns and neighborhoods, supporting the arts, encouraging ties between different sectors of society, promoting international cooperation and understanding, and improving education at all levels.

Recipients of this prestigious award recognize the unique, enlightened role they can play in improving society in general, while at the same time advancing the long-term interests of their firms, employees, and shareholders.

Past Honorees
The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service


Past Honorees
The Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship

Development Office
Woodrow Wilson Center
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004-3027
Email: development@wilsoncenter.org
Tel: 202/691-4172