Institute for Education: Civility Award Dinner 2009

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Civility Award Dinner 2009

On May 5, 2009, the Institute for Education hosted a lavish reception at the new Chinese chancery, the latest of I.M. Pei's architectural marvels, in honor of Zhou Wenzhong, China's ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Zhou is this year's recipient of IFE's Civility Award, the highest honor that the Institute confers.

This event was significant in large part because the ambassador is the first international recipient of the prestigious honor; past winners have included Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mayor Adrian Fenty (D-DC). IFE selected the ambassador not only to commend China's outstanding performance in the 29th Olympiad, but also to honor its extraordinary rise on the world stage.

The dinner forum focused on the theme of "China and the United States: A Vital Partnership." Some of America's finest opinion leaders were in attendance, and each of them joined a senior member of the Chinese embassy in moderating a table discussion on that topic.

"From the stunning architecture to the array of people gathered in the spirit of friendship between two great nations, the new Chinese embassy provided the perfect common ground that IFE seeks to achieve in its work."
-Eleanor Clift, Newsweek

The DCM of the Chinese Embassy, Xie Feng, opened the evening by noting how far Sino-American relations have progressed in the past three decades, and extended a warm welcome to the journalists who were in attendance, stressing that their engagement of Chinese leaders is crucial.

IFE’s Founder and CEO, Coach Kathy Kemper, reflected on her family's trip to China and the awe that she felt in witnessing the Olympic Games in Beijing. She echoed Mr. Xie's sentiments about the relationship between China and the United States, and concluded by noting the community service that IFE's interns and fellows have done in China. (Read her full remarks)

After an elegant, multi-course dinner, IFE's Chairman of Civility Programs, George Vradenburg, introduced Lawrence Eagleburger, the 62nd Secretary of State and one of America's most distinguished statesman. The secretary presented Ambassador Zhou with the Civility Award as well as a painting of the ambassador by legendary artist Peter Max.
The main part of the evening concluded with stirring piano- and violin-playing by two young Chinese musicians. IFE Trustee Mort Kondracke closed the ceremony by noting the importance of IFE's work in promoting civility in our capitol city, and urged all of the attendees to exhibit that same virtue in promoting the Sino-American friendship.