Photo credit: imagelinkphoto
The Open World Leadership Center celebrated its 15th Anniversary with a spectacular celebration at the Library of Congress, and paid tribute to Open World’s founding Chairman Dr. James H. Billington for his vision and leadership with numerous accolades, awards and the announcement of The Billington Rose.
The organization, a legislative branch agency, supports Congressional outreach to Eurasia and other countries.
The Hon. and Mrs. James H. Billington with Susan Carmel Lerhman
Event Chair Susan Carmel Lerhman, along with the Open World Leadership Foundation’s Board, marked this occasion with “An Evening of Music and Friendship” which included special appearances by famed pianist Valentina Lisitsa, Grammy Award-winning Violist Kim Kashkashian with pianist Robert Levin, internationally acclaimed bass Askar Abdrazakov, and Grammy Award-winning opera star Harolyn Blackwell.
The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was former U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation John Beyrle, and other speakers included Open World Trustees Senator Roger Wicker (MS), Ambassador James F. Collins, and Open World Leadership Center Chairman Walter Scott, Jr.
Supreme Court Justice and Mrs. Samuel Alito, Sen Roger. F. Wicker
Said Open World Center’s Executive Director Ambassador John O’Keefe, “Last night we celebrated Open World’s 15th anniversary and honored founding chair Dr. James H. Billington’s vision and continued leadership as we move into an extraordinarily challenging time. The program focus continues to be on the countries of the former Soviet Union and the Balkans. Our work in Russia is needed now more than ever.”
The Honorable James Symington, The Honorable John Beyrle, The Honorable Diarmuid O’Scannlain, Ambassador John O’Keefe
Ambassador James F. Collins, former U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation and Open World Trustee, agreed and added, “15 years ago Jim Billington began a program that has been creative and brought a unique dimension to the exchange of citizens between the United States and the countries of the former Soviet Union. I am proud to have been a part of this effort for all 15 years.”
Ambassador James F. Collins
Event Chair, and Founder and Advisor of the American University’s Initiative for Russian Culture Susan Carmel Lerhman, announced the Billington Rose during her remarks, and lauded Dr. Billington’s work when she said, “The generosity with which you share your time and wisdom is remarkable, and deeply appreciated by so many. Your efforts have helped lead generations towards the path of mutual cooperation and respect, and I believe your influences will result in a more peaceful future.”
The Hon. James Billington
Librarian of Congress and Open World Founding Chair Dr. James H. Billington reflected on Open World’s anniversary and the evening when he said, “The work that the Open World Leadership Center does to identify, connect, and follow up with the first post-Soviet generation is unique. It is the most original exchange program I have seen in 56 years of administering and participating in such programs. Our event chair for the evening, Susan Carmel Lehrman, has been a tireless supporter of U.S. cultural outreach, particularly with Russia. Her support made this beautiful evening possible and her musical program and décor make it unforgettable.”
