![](https://blogs.gwu.edu/ipdgcsmartpower/files/2019/03/40337097293_f43a1fc48e_o-27ppy3d.jpg)
I couldn’t be more delighted for the opportunity to thank Sen. Leahy for his steadfast support to efforts for telling America’s story to the world.”
– Janet Steele, Director, IPDGC
On March 5, 2019, the Vermont senator was awarded the Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy during a Capitol Hill ceremony.
IPDGC Director Janet Steele noted that because of Sen. Leahy’s unwavering support for public diplomacy, he played a key role in saving funding for educational and cultural exchange programs, especially the English language programs were under threat of being terminated.
Together with the Congressional Leadership Award, the Walter Roberts Endowment gave a grant to the Vermont Council on World Affairs to enhance international youth leadership exchanges.
Read more about the event in GW Today: link here