AWARD CITATION

Throughout your life, your wisdom, statesmanship, humanitarianism, and commitment to leadership, academic pursuits, and philanthropy have exemplified the will and spirit of Ignacy Jan Paderewski. You have promoted freedom and democracy through commitment to public service, education, and support for the arts. You commanded troops in three different wars, building peace and security. As a diplomat, you served as the leading arms control negotiator under Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan; and as special advisor for arms control under President George H. W. Bush.  As Ambassador, you communicated U.S. policies for keeping peace with heads of states from around the world. As head of the United States delegation, you were responsible for the return of Paderewski's remains to Poland. As an alumnus of West Point Military Academy, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Yale University, the American University, and the Jaggielonian University in Poland, you have made education a highest priority for not only yourself, but for the people of America and Poland whom you represent. As founder and President of the Paderewski Scholarship Fund, you have made it possible for young Polish scholars to study democracy and American culture; thus, strengthening the social, economic, and cultural bonds between nations. Your admiration of Paderewski is evident in your generous promotion of the arts and young artists. Through you, a multitude of aspiring artists, academicians, and statesmen have found great inspiration, an unparalleled role model, and a genuine friend. 

In recognition of your many extraordinary achievements and your immense service to society and culture both in the USA and abroad, The International Friends of Music Association salutes you and honors you with The Ignacy Jan Paderewski Award for Distinguished Contributions to Society and Culture.

Award Ceremony at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland
Washington D.C. – February 17, 2013