Wilson Awards for Public Service and Corporate Citizenship in New York and Austin
Since 1998, the Wilson Center has recognized such exemplary men and women, who have, by the strength of their character and their own accomplishments, overcome adversity, found success, and stood up for the common good. We honor these public servants and corporate citizens with the Woodrow Wilson Awards, in accordance with the values of the United States' 28th President, Woodrow Wilson, who believed that, "There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed." This September, at Award ceremonies in New York and Austin, the Wilson Center will honor distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors who have exemplified that belief.
At the Plaza Hotel in New York, the Wilson Center will honor outgoing New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton with the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, and Roger Altman and Jurate Kazickas with the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship.
All are exceptional honorees. Commissioner Bratton is one of the most decorated law enforcement officers in American history, having headed the police forces of New York (twice), Boston, and Los Angeles, achieving exemplary achievements in improved public safety and responding to the new threats of transnational terrorism. Mr. Altman is an acclaimed investment banker, a civil servant under several Democratic Presidents, and active in numerous charitable organizations, including New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the American Museum of Natural History, and other causes. Ms. Kazickas is a renowned war journalist who freelanced her way through Vietnam before becoming active in philanthropy and advocacy on issues ranging from Lithuanian-American relations to adoption.
The New York Wilson Awards Dinner is chaired by General (Ret.) David H. Petraeus. To attend, or purchase an individual or corporate sponsorship, please visit our Reservations or Sponsorship pages, or call 202-691-4171.
Austin, September 29, 2016
In a ceremony at the historic Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Wilson Center will honor Admiral William H. McRaven with the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, and David Bonderman with the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship.
Each has made incredible contributions to the State of Texas and the nation in general. Admiral McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral, leads one of the nation’s largest and most respected systems of higher education as University of Texas System Chancellor, overseeing 14 institutions that educate 217,000 students and employ 20,000 faculty. Previously, McRaven was the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, leading a force of 69,000 men and women responsible for counter-terrorism operations worldwide, including the operation to bring down Osama Bin Laden. David Bonderman, an American businessman and philanthropist is the founding partner of TPG Capital and its Asian affiliate, Newbridge Capital. As an attorney, scholar, investor, and businessman, Mr. Bonderman has achieved noteworthy successes around the globe, including as a partner at Arnold & Porter, General Partner of TPG Partners, and Chairman of Ryanair Holdings and Ryanair Limited. He serves on the boards of numerous companies and philanthropic organizations, including Continental Airlines, Ducati Motorcycles S.P.A, Virgin Cinemas, the Wilderness Society, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Grand Canyon Trust, among many more.
The Austin Wilson Awards Dinner is co-chaired by General (Ret.) David H. Petraeus, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Congressman Michael T. McCaul. To attend, or purchase an individual or corporate sponsorship, please visit our Reservations or Sponsorship pages, or call 202-691-4171.
Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service
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. They have poured their time, talents, and resources into improving the lives and futures of others and in so doing have inspired us all. Honorees include policymakers, philanthropists, scientists, civic and religious leaders, and celebrities who have excelled in their fields while leaving a deep, positive impact on their communities and the world at large.
Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship
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.
