Ruth Johnson Colvin
Ruth Johnson Colvin has dedicated her life to helping the less fortunate gain
the reading and language skills they need to succeed. She has worked to bring
communities together to tear down the barriers of illiteracy and traveled the
globe to promote the importance of literacy.
Norman C. Francis
Norman C. Francis has served as President of Xavier University of Louisiana for
nearly 40 years, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to education, equality,
and service to others. As Chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, he has
played a vital role in helping the people of the Gulf Coast rebuild their lives
in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is a brilliant historian and journalist whose powerful writings
have captivated and educated people around the world. A citizen of the United
Kingdom, he holds America in special regard, calling the creation of our Nation
"the greatest of all human adventures."
Riley "B.B." King
Riley "B.B." King is one of the greatest blues singers and guitarists of all
time. For more than half a century, the "King of the Blues" and his guitar
"Lucille" have thrilled audiences, influenced generations of guitarists, and
helped give the blues its special place in the American musical tradition.
Joshua Lederberg
Joshua Lederberg was awarded a Nobel Prize for his work in bacterial genetics
and has devoted his life to the advancement of human knowledge. He has also
helped develop advanced computer technology, worked with NASA in the search for
life on Mars, and served as a distinguished scientific advisor to our Nation's
policymakers.
David McCullough
David McCullough is one of our Nation's most distinguished and honored
historians. His books have earned him the respect of general audiences and
scholars alike, and he is one of our foremost experts on the American
Presidency.
Norman Y. Mineta
Norman Y. Mineta has served his fellow Americans as a mayor, congressman, and
Cabinet Secretary under two Presidents. The longest-serving Secretary of
Transportation, he worked to improve the security of our transportation system
and restore our confidence in air travel after the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001.
John "Buck" O'Neil
John "Buck" O'Neil represented excellence and determination both on and off the
baseball field. He was a talented player and manager in the Negro Leagues,
became Major League Baseball's first African-American coach, and was a
co-founder of and inspiration for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas
City, Missouri.
William Safire
William Safire has distinguished himself as one of our country's most talented
writers and commentators. Using the power of prose, he has educated our
citizenry, polished our language, and elevated debate on issues of the day.
Natan Sharansky
Natan Sharansky was imprisoned in the gulag by the Soviet regime for his work to
advance religious liberty and human rights. He remained steadfast in his
defiance of tyranny and has continued to champion the principles that all people
deserve to live in freedom and that the advance of liberty is critical to peace
and security around the world.
