Vandenberg Prize with Nicholas Burns,
Ambassador of the United States to China
June 18 @ 12:00-1:45 P.M.
Vandenberg Award Recipient:
Nicholas Burns, U.S. ambassador to China (2021-2025)
Hillman/Orr Award Recipient:
Mike DeVivo, professor of Geography at GRCC
Polly Diven, professor of Political Science at GVSU
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (WACWM) announces the recipient of its fifth Vandenberg Prize—which goes to a national or international leader who has been influential in developing global understanding and collaboration on the world stage. The first five prizes were awarded to Ambassador (ret.) Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. (2020); General (ret.) James N. Mattis (2021); Ambassador (ret.) Marie Yovanovitch (2022); U.N. World Food Programme Director David M. Beasley (2023); and Ambassador Bridget Brink (2024).
The recipient of the 2025 Vandenberg Prize is Nicholas Burns, former U.S. Ambassador to China (2021-2025). Ambassador Burns served as U.S. Ambassador to China (2021-2025), Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (2005-2008), U.S. Ambassador to NATO (2001-2005), and U.S. Ambassador to Greece (1997-2001). He is a graduate of Boston College and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Ambassador Nicholas Burns served as U.S. Ambassador to China from 2021 to 2025, helping to shape the increasingly important and complex bilateral relationship with China. Prior to his work in China, Ambassador Burns was a Senior Counselor at The Cohen Group for 12 years following an extraordinary career in the U.S. Foreign Service. His expertise in diplomacy and national security extends to every region of the world.
Among the many other highlights of his three-decade diplomatic career, Ambassador Burns served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 2005–2008, US Ambassador to NATO from 2001–2005, and U.S. Ambassador to Greece from 1997–2001. He was the Department of State Spokesperson from 1995–1997 and served on the National Security Council from 1990–1995, including as Special Assistant to President Clinton and Senior Director for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia Affairs, as well as Director for Soviet Affairs in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. Additionally, he served in the American Consulate General in Jerusalem from 1985–1987 and at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt from 1983–1985.
Ambassador Burns will also resume his role as the Roy and Barbara Goodman Family Professor of Diplomacy and International Relations at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He is also Director of the Aspen Strategy Group and serves on the board of several non-profit organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations, Special Olympics, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and the Atlantic Council.
Raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Ambassador Burns has a BA in History from Boston College, from which he graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1978. He earned his MA in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in 1980.
Thanks to longtime World Affairs Council corporate supporters Amway and Bank of America for sponsoring this event.
He will receive the Vandenberg Prize on Tuesday, June 18th, from 12:00-1:45, at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The Vandenberg Prize is named after Michigan Senator Arthur Vandenberg (1881-1951) who was the inspiration for founding the Council in 1949 by Grand Rapids attorney (and later Federal Judge) Douglas Hillman and businessman Edgar Orr.
In addition, the Council will present the annual Hillman-Orr Award to a West Michigan individual or institution that mirrors the intent of the Council’s founding leaders to bring global awareness and international understanding to the West Michigan community.
Hillman and Orr were inspired by the life and work of Senator Vandenberg, an isolationist who became a strong advocate of internationalism in the wake of World War II. Vandenberg forged bipartisan support for the Marshall Plan and NATO and was appointed one of the first U.S. delegates to the brand-new United Nations. Senator Vandenberg has always been considered the “patron saint” of the Council.
Note on Parking
The event will take place at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Guest parking is free and plentiful next to the visitor’s entrance.
Tickets
Tickets available below. Individual tickets cost $175 and sponsored tables of 8 cost $2,500.
