Each year, the West Point Association of Graduates recognizes alumni whose character, distinguished service, and stature embody the military academy’s ideals and which are in keeping with its motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” On February 22, WPAOG named General Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Army (Ret.), a newly elected member of the Carnegie Corporation of New York board of trustees, as one of six recipients of its 2017 Distinguished Graduate Award.
In a separate honor, General Austin has been selected to serve as an at-large member of the Auburn University governing board, pending confirmation of his appointment by the Alabama State Senate. He is one of only three nominees chosen from among the 90 individuals who applied. General Austin earned a master’s degree in education from Auburn University as well as a master's degree in business management from Webster University.
“On behalf of the board of trustees and the staff of Carnegie Corporation of New York, we congratulate General Austin for these latest accolades,” said Vartan Gregorian, the Corporation’s president. “It is an honor to work alongside an individual who has done so much for our country and is also willing to share his distinguished leadership skills in the area of higher education.”
Commenting on General Austin’s 41-year military career, General Mark A. Milley, the 39th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, said, “Lloyd Austin is a great officer and leader, but more importantly, he is a first-class person of humility and character.”
General Austin graduated from West Point in 1975 and rose through the ranks to become the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and Commander of U.S. Central Command, overseeing the 20-country Central Region and the military campaign to defeat the terrorist organization ISIL in Iraq and Syria. The Distinguished Graduate Awards will be presented during a ceremony at the military academy on May 23, 2017.
