More than 300 White House Fellows, Principals, Commissioners, and Friends of the WHF Program were on hand at the Metropolitan Club on Friday evening, October 26, 2001, to conclude the “Spirit of the American Union” Annual Meeting and Seminar. The evening began with the presentation of the Class of 2001-02 White House Fellows by Brad Freeman, Chair of the President’s Commission on White House Fellows and Jocelyn White, Program Director.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement and presentation of the White House Fellows Association’s 2001 Legacy of Leadership Awards. Julia Vadala Taft (’70-’71) and Dana G. Mead (’70-’71) were honored by the Association for their lifelong commitment to public service which exemplify John Gardner’s founding purposes for the White House Fellowship Program.

Bobbi Kilberg (’69-’70) presented Julia Taft and praised her for her continuous courage, energy, and vision in the public sector directed to improving the cause of refugee and migrant populations around the world while serving under six different presidents. Julia was also cited for providing decisive leadership for InterAction, a coalition of more than 150 private and voluntary organizations dedicated to international development and human needs. Bobbi noted that Julia’s vision of a world of compassion and concern for displaced people stands in stark contrast to the exploitation of those fleeing political and religious persecution, natural disaster, or civil war.

John Shepard (’88-’89) introduced Dana Mead and cited him for his commitment, energy, and vision throughout a lifetime of public service and dedication to the White House Fellows Program. John cited Dana’s commitment and achievements in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors of our nation - as a soldier, teacher, inspirational business leader, and personal mentor to hundreds of young leaders. Dana’s longstanding support of the White House Fellowship Program includes 25 years of service under six presidents as a Commissioner on the PCWHF as well as long and continued support to the Association and Foundation’s fundraising efforts over the years. Dana’s vision of a world in which the successor generation of leaders had the same opportunities for development as he had been privileged to enjoy, is exemplified by his personal mentorship of young leaders and the establishment of Mead Fellowships at West Point, and numerous other personal efforts to “pay forward” to ensure that our Nation develops leaders for the 21st century.

Nominations for the 2002 Legacy of Leadership Award will open in May.