CARNEGIE CORPORATION’S GREGORIAN RECOGNIZED FOR EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE IN PHILANTHROPY

Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, will receive the Distinguished Service Award, Tuesday, April 9, at the Council on Foundations Annual Conference in Chicago. This award honors an exceptional individual who embodies the intellect, integrity, leadership, and accomplishments that define absolute excellence in the field of philanthropy.

Gregorian became president of the Carnegie Corporation in 1997 following a long and distinguished career in academia, and he continues to lead with integrity and innovative strategies. He is well known for his groundbreaking investment strategies and consistency in keeping Andrew Carnegie’s legend alive. In addition, he is a standard bearer for systems change and a proven leader in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

“I am both delighted and grateful to accept this award on behalf of the board, senior management, and staff of Carnegie Corporation of New York. I am particularly pleased that among the previous recipients of the Distinguished Service Award was one of my predecessors as president of the corporation, the late Alan Pifer, who received the inaugural award in 1984,” Gregorian said. “I am also deeply honored to be recognized by the Council on Foundations, which plays such a major role in setting policies and providing a forum for its members. The Council represents the generosity of the American people and the vitality of American philanthropy that are central to the strength of our democracy.”

“Vartan Gregorian has been a true champion of the Carnegie Corporation’s mission to do ‘real and permanent good in this world,’” said Vikki Spruill, the Council’s president and CEO. “All of us in the philanthropic sector seek to have an impact in the communities we serve, and Vartan absolutely exemplifies the power of philanthropy to drive innovation and create change. Congratulations to him on this much-deserved recognition.”

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The Council on Foundations (www.cof.org), formed in 1949, is a nonprofit membership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. Members of the Council include more than 1,700 independent, operating, community, public and company-sponsored foundations, and corporate giving programs in the United States and abroad. The Council’s mission is to provide the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance, and sustain their ability to advance the common good.