Wilson Center Names Former Senator Roy Blunt as Inaugural Gildenhorn Fellow

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is pleased to announce former US Senator Roy Blunt as the first Joseph Gildenhorn Fellow for Enterprise Diplomacy. This prestigious fellowship, newly established in honor of former Wilson Center Board Chair Ambassador Joseph B. Gildenhorn, aims to advance bipartisan dialogue and scholarship in public policy. Ambassador Gildenhorn passed away in October 2023.

"We are delighted to welcome Senator Roy Blunt as our inaugural Joseph Gildenhorn Fellow. Senator Blunt's distinguished career in public service, marked by his commitment to bipartisan approach and belief in American economic leadership, embodies the spirit of this fellowship," said Ambassador Mark Green, Wilson Center President and CEO. “In honoring the legacy of Ambassador Gildenhorn, a man deeply dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding across political and diplomatic divides, this fellowship stands as a testament to our belief in American leadership and engagement. Senator Blunt's experience will contribute to that mission.”

Over the past year, the Wilson Center has launched a new, cross-cutting body of research on enterprise diplomacy, meant to shape conversations and inspire meaningful action to strengthen the technological, economic, and infrastructure underpinnings required for America and its allies to deter aggression and secure the rules-based order. The Joseph B. Gildenhorn Fellowship on Enterprise Diplomacy will further this critical research by working with Wilson Center experts and leading policymakers on these issues. 

“The Wilson Center is rooted in the best ideals of American democracy. It is where bipartisanship thrives and facts—not rhetoric—are the basis for conversation. It was one of Joe’s great honors to be appointed Chairman and the Wilson Center quickly became one of our family’s great passions,” said Alma Gildenhorn. “Not everyone has the honor to be recognized with a legacy program in their name. The mission and purpose of this program were very dear to Joe, and he was pleased to participate in its planning. Joe was particularly touched that Senator Roy Blunt, whom he knew and had admired for so many years, had agreed to be the inaugural fellow. Joe knew the program would be in great hands, not just because of his knowledge and commitment to public service, but also because of his prior experience with the Wilson Center and belief in what the institution stands for.”

The fellowship will represent the core values of Ambassador Gildenhorn, demonstrating a commitment to education, diplomacy, and entrepreneurial spirit. The Joseph B. Gildenhorn Fellowship will offer opportunities for a diverse array of top experts from the private sector, academia, journalists, and former government officials to amplify the Wilson Center’s work and continue Ambassador Gildenhorn’s legacy.

“Ambassador Gildenhorn was a great advocate for our country and the individual and economic freedoms that it represents,” said Senator Blunt. “He and his wonderful partner in life and in work, Alma, represented those values and I’m glad Alma will be part of launching the Gildenhorn Fellowship at the Wilson Center and am honored to be the first.”

Roy Blunt served in the United States Senate representing the state of Missouri from 2011 until 2023. Prior to that, he served as a US Representative from 1997 to 2011, including as Majority Whip and Republican Whip from 2003 to 2009.

Ambassador Gildenhorn served as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Wilson Center from June 2002 to September 2013, and together with his wife Alma, served as Founding Co-Chairs of the Wilson National Cabinet. In 1989, President George H. W. Bush appointed him to serve as the US ambassador to Switzerland, where he served until 1993.

Notes to editors:

1. The Wilson Center provides a strictly nonpartisan space for the worlds of policymaking and scholarship to interact. By conducting relevant and timely research and promoting dialogue from all perspectives, it works to address the critical current and emerging challenges confronting the United States and the world. 
   
    

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