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President Wright Recognized for Public Service by the Dartmouth Club of Washington, D.C.

 

Over 350 alumni and friends were at the National Press Club on March 3 when President James Wright received the Daniel Webster Distinguished Service Award. "His initiative in championing the dream of college for those who have served our nation so valiantly is public service in its truest form," said presenter Jim Weiskopf '66.

President James Wright (center) with Meg Sommerfeld '90 (left) and Jim Weiskopf '66 at the Dartmouth Club of Washington, D.C. in March. Wright received the Daniel Webster Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his work with veterans. (Photo courtesy Stephen Donovan)

The "Webby" is given annually by the Dartmouth Club of Washington, D.C., to a Dartmouth graduate in recognition of significant public service. Wright, an adopted member of the class of 1964, is the first non-Dartmouth graduate to be honored.

"We thought it would be fitting, on the occasion of President Wright's final year in office, to recognize his public service contributions in the Washington, D.C., area," says club president Meg Sommerfeld '90, citing Wright's visits to wounded soldiers at Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Medical center, his efforts to promote educational opportunities for veterans, and his advocacy for the new GI Bill.

Weiskopf lauded the president's military medical center visits: "No PR, no cameras, no escort by the commanding general or admiral. Just former Lance Corporal Wright, going from room to room thanking heroes for their service." 

"I was totally surprised and touched by this recognition," says Wright. "I have always valued the Daniel Webster Award because it symbolizes service and responsibility-enduring Dartmouth values. My work with veterans has been its own reward, but this unexpected presentation with so many Dartmouth friends in the room was very special to me."

Also on hand to salute President Wright were David Warren, president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and James Selbe, assistant vice president of the American Council on Education (ACE). Wright partnered with ACE in 2006 to create "Severely Injured Military Veterans: Fulfilling Their Dreams," a program that provides educational guidance and support in four military hospitals.

By SARAH MAXELL-CROSBY '04

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