LIFETIME CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN DIPLOMACY AWARD

Beginning in 1995, the American Foreign Service Association established an award for Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy as a means of emphasizing the importance of international affairs and the role of the Foreign Service.  By honoring individuals who have spent their lifetime in the area of American diplomacy, or in support of those who do, AFSA hoped to give greater recognition to these accomplishments.

There are no specific criteria beyond those implied by the name of the award.  Candidates are proposed by members of the Awards and Plaque Committee of AFSA, and approved by the Governing Board.  The recipients consist of both career Foreign Service professionals as well as nationally prominent individuals in the field of American diplomacy.

The presentation of this award takes place during AFSA’s annual Awards Ceremony in late June in the Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Room of the State Department.  The Secretary of State is invited to present this award.  If the Secretary is unable to attend the ceremony, a distinguished individual who has worked closely with the recipient is asked to present the award.  Former Secretary of State Colin Powell presented the award to Thomas Pickering and to George Shultz.  Elliot Richardson presented the award to Frank Carlucci; Mr. Carlucci presented the award to Lee Hamilton; Deputy Secretary Robert Zoellick presented it to Senator Richard Lugar, and Lawrence Eagleburger presented the award to Joan Clark.  Honorees are presented with a framed certificate and a globe engraved with their name.

Recipients of this award include: