2009 International Awards Gala

The evening honored ExxonMobil with the Opening Minds Corporate Leadership Award in recognition of the company’s exemplary leadership and outstanding commitment to education and corporate social responsibility around the globe. ExxonMobil’s Chairman & CEO, Rex Tillerson, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

In celebrating IIE’s 90 year history and achievements, the Gala also featured special awards to outstanding individuals who have participated in and supported IIE’s work in international educational exchange. These included world-renowned conductor and Fulbright alumnus Lorin Maazel and three women leaders who worked together to found the Iran Opportunities Fund at IIE – Laya Khadjavi, Roya Khadjavi-Heidari, and Nazgol Saati Shahbazi. Senior State Department official Mark J. Davidson also attended, representing Judith A. McHale, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. IIE administers the Fulbright Student and Scholar Programs for the U.S. Department of State. The evening concluded with a special presentation on the Scholar Rescue Fund by HRH Prince Talal of Jordan and the former Director of the Baghdad National Museum, Professor Donny George. News anchor and Fulbright alumna, Linda Vester, was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. More than 300 business, education, government, foundation and policy leaders joined IIE in honoring the award winners.