Alumna and Veteran Honored

GW presents Colin Powell Public Service Award to Veterans Affairs’ Tammy Duckworth, launches Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service.

October 13, 2009

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At the George Washington University’s “Celebration of Service” dinner Oct. 15, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, M.B.A. ’71, presented the inaugural Colin Powell Public Service Award to Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth, M.A. ’92. Assistant Secretary Duckworth was chosen for this honor for her lifetime of service.

In addition, GW President Steven Knapp announced the launch of the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service that will support public service activities across the University. President Knapp made the announcement during the event, which was held at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and emceed by journalist Cokie Roberts and her husband, Steven Roberts, a professor at GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs.

“I am honored to have two of GW’s most prestigious alumni, General Powell and Assistant Secretary Duckworth, here for this special award and this exciting announcement,” said President Knapp. “General Powell has been a true role model for service, and it is hard to think of a more suitable candidate to receive the first Colin Powell Public Service Award than Assistant Secretary Duckworth. She has truly embodied the spirit of service and sacrifice the award was created to recognize,” said President Knapp.

Learn more about 

Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service

Watch video of the award ceremony.

Watch GW’s Culture of Service video shown at the event.