August 26, 2010

American Studies Institute honored by Freedoms Foundation

SEARCY, Ark. — The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge announced earlier this month that the American Studies Institute of Harding University has been chosen to receive the George Washington Honor Medal for its entry in this year’s Freedoms Foundation National Awards Program.

“Your Distinguished Lecture Series and your many other fine programs exemplified the essence of the National Awards by promoting an understanding and appreciation for our country’s rich heritage and unique freedoms,” said Michael E. Di Yeso, president and CEO of Freedoms Foundation, in a letter addressed to Harding faculty, staff and students.

The Freedoms Foundation National Awards Program has honored exceptional work since 1949. Through a selection process based on quality and content, recipients are chosen to become part of a historically prestigious group of American citizens that advance the American ideal.

Harding’s American Studies Institute traces its roots to a program started at the University in 1953 called the School of American Studies. Expanded and renamed in 1988, the institute is designed to supplement the academic training of students by promoting a complete understanding of the institutions, values and ideas of liberty and democracy. It does so by providing up-to-date reflections from national and international leaders in business, government and education.

The series has included many world-renowned speakers such as Gerald Ford, Henry Kissinger, Margaret Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, Ben Stein, and, most recently, George W. Bush.