Arab American Award Honors Governor Sununu’s Lifetime of Public Service

8th Annual Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Promotes Understanding

April 24th

WASHINGTON—The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) is proud to announce that Governor John H. Sununu will receive the 2006 “Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service,” in recognition for Sununu’s distinguished career as an educator, engineer, businessman, community leader, and most notably, a statesman.

“Governor Sununu represents the best of America,” said AAIF Chairman George Salem. “He embodies the American ideals of service, freedom and duty to country. Throughout his distinguished career in New Hampshire and later in Washington, D.C., Gov. Sununu has worked tirelessly to promote those cherished principles as they relate to U.S. interaction with the Arab World, and for that the country owes him a great debt. All Arab Americans take great pride and draw inspiration from his pioneering achievements.”

Governor Sununu served as Chief of Staff to former President George H.W. Bush, and was subsequently appointed Counselor to the President. Prior to joining the White House staff, Sununu was elected to three consecutive terms as Governor of New Hampshire. 

Sununu was the guest speaker at AAI’s first tribute to the Republican National Convention in 1988, where in honor of the event, then Presidential candidate George H.W. Bush sent his son, George W. Bush, to speak on his behalf. 

Sununu’s generosity of time, counsel and concern helped provide visibility to the issues Arab Americans care about.  From thoughtful persuasion in matters of U.S. Middle East policy to challenging federal excesses in the wake of September 11, Governor Sununu has earned a reputation for courage, tenacity and integrity which will inspire generations of Arab Americans to come.

The “Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service” is named for the late Halaby, who was appointed by President Kennedy in 1961 to head the Federal Aviation Administration, which he ran until 1965.  This annual award honors Arab Americans who have excelled in public service and conducted their public life with a strong and visible pride in their heritage.

“The Najeeb Halaby Award recognizes the careers of extraordinary men and women,” said AAI President Dr. James Zogby. It honors those who have committed themselves to public service, while remembering their heritage and their values. Governor Sununu has been a model for many Arab Americans and represents what the Halaby Award is all about.”