James A. Baker III Prize for Excellence in Leadership
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The James A. Baker III Prize for Excellence in Leadership recognizes nationally and internationally renowned leaders for their excellence in public service and civic life, be it through achievements in government, business, science, education or philanthropy. The James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy awards this prize to individuals whose distinguished leadership exemplifies the vision that The Honorable James A. Baker, III, conceived to establish the Baker Institute: “to build a bridge between the world of ideas and the world of action.” Prize recipients have realized the institute’s mission, which is to nurture the ties between the worlds of academic research, public policy and private enterprise. Baker Prize Recipients 2007 - General Colin L. Powell, USA (Retired) 2006 - The Honorable Charles W. Duncan, Jr. 2009 Robert C. McNair It is difficult to overstate the importance of Houston Texans owner Robert McNair’s generosity and leadership at the Baker Institute. A supporter of the institute from its earliest days, McNair, along with his wife Janice, endowed the Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy, which today is held by our founding director, The Honorable Edward P. Djerejian. The McNairs are also benefactors of Rice University athletics, arts and academics. Janice and Robert McNair Hall houses the Jones Graduate School of Business. They have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and civic life in Houston and the broader community, supporting numerous charities including the Houston Zoo, fine arts initiatives, education and medical philanthropy. 2007 General Colin L. Powell, USA (Retired) The 65th U.S. secretary of state and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Honorable Colin L. Powell, received the award for his ongoing support of and commitment to the Baker Institute, including his service as a member of the Baker Institute Board of Advisers. Powell’s distinguished record of accomplishment and service includes two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the President’s Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal. Several schools and other institutions have been named in his honor, and he holds honorary degrees from universities and colleges across the country. 2006 The Honorable Charles W. Duncan, Jr. Generously committing his resources, energy and guiding wisdom, The Honorable Charles W. Duncan,Jr. exemplifies the institute’s mission, which is to nurture and enhance the ties between the worlds of academic research, public policy and private enterprise. Duncan, who served as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense and as secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy in the Carter administration, is also a trustee emeritus and past chairman of the board of governors of Rice University. A Rice graduate, he previously was president of Coca-Cola Co. and is currently chairman of Duncan Interests and serves on the Baker Institute Board of Advisers. |
