David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Award

David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Award: Empowering International Alumni to Foster Global Connections

In recognition of Dr. David P. Patton’s leadership at American Councils and his profound impact on international education and public diplomacy, American Councils and its Board of Trustees is proud to announce the establishment of the David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Award. Launched to recognize the invaluable contributions of alumni of American Councils’ administered programming, the Distinguished Alumni Award represents an opportunity to support outstanding leaders around the world.

Starting in 2024, the David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Award will recognize two inaugural recipients, one from the United States and another from one of American Councils’ implemented overseas programs. The awardees will be chosen from among the over 100,000 international and domestic alumni of American Councils' administered programs. Recipients will be chosen based on their exemplary representation of American Councils' goals for alumni, showcasing achievements that align with the organization's core values.

Each Distinguished Alumni Awardee will be offered the opportunity to spend one week in Washington, DC to engage in consultations with American Councils, program funders, and public and private sector leaders. In addition, each Awardee will have the opportunity to spend one week in their U.S. or international host city to reengage with their with personal and professional networks, pursue academic and professional interests, deliver lectures, and/or conduct research. This Award aims to directly support projects and activities that are of importance to the awardees and that contribute to the values of American Councils and its programming.

The establishment of the David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Award stands as a proud testament to honoring and celebrating the achievements of American Councils alumni in advancing a more interconnected world. Contributions to the David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Award represent a direct investment in, and recognition of, the important impact and outstanding achievements of alumni within the American Councils community.