Anne Frank Awards In a ceremony at the Library of Congress on Sept. 14 hosted by the Embassy of the Netherlands, Father Leo O’Donovan of the Jesuit Refugee Service/USA received the Anne Frank Award and Robert Quinn of Scholars at Risk received the Anne Frank Special Recognition Award for their commitment to advocate for the rights of refugees. Seventy years ago, “The Diary of Anne Frank” introduced the world to an unforgettable voice and illustrated how education engaged and sustained Frank while she lived in hiding as a refugee in the Netherlands during World War II. “Anne Frank teaches us many things about the plight of refugees through her example and writings. She teaches us about refugees’ resilience, their humanity, their hopes and fears — all aspects we recognize as we serve refugees in 51 countries throughout the globe,” said O’Donovan of Jesuit Refugee Service, which was founded in 1980 to ensure that refugees have access to education.
Ambassador of the Netherlands Henne Schuwer, honoree Father Leo O’Donovan of the Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice.
Scholars who have been helped by Robert Quinn’s Scholars at Risk group join Quinn, third from right, Father Leo O’Donovan of the Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and Ambassador of the Netherlands Henne Schuwer.
Gabonese Independence Day
Ambassador of Gabon Michael Moussa Adamo, center, and his staff attend a reception marking the 57th anniversary of Gabon’s independence at the Watergate Hotel.
Honoree Robert Quinn of Scholars at Risk. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright dances with Father Leo O’Donovan, who worked with Albright when he was president of Georgetown University. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Peter Henry Barlerin.
Photos: Embassy of the Netherlands
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).
Elham Fanoos, a musician from Afghanistan.
Father Leo O’Donovan of the Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and Ambassador of the Netherlands Henne Schuwer.
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.).
Nyumbani’s 25th Anniversary Gala Nyumbani, a leader in the care and treatment of HIV+ children in Kenya, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala at the Watergate Hotel on Sept. 22. Founded in 1992 by the late Father Angelo D’Agostino, an American Jesuit and physician, Nyumbani began as a home for three abandoned children with AIDS. It has since grown into a sophisticated source of holistic care for those impacted by HIV/AIDS, encompassing a children’s home that provides education to 124 children and young adults; the community-based Lea Toto program; a respite center; a high-tech diagnostic laboratory; and Nyumbani Village, a sustainable residential program serving nearly 1,000 children and 100 elderly grandparents left destitute by HIV/AIDS.
U.S. Rear Adm. Jean-Laurent Okeley of the Pentagon, Deputy Undersecretary of Policy for the U.S. Navy Jodi Greene and Ambassador of Gabon Michael Moussa Adamo.
National Geographic Honors Colombia Deborah Dunham, Father Paul Rourke, Rhonda Meegan, emcee Kathleen Matthews and Larry Duncan.
Nyumbani U.S. Board of Directors President Charles DeSantis and Nyumbani Executive Director Sister Mary Owens welcome guests.
Marilyn Foust and Cathy Freehan.
Linda Hadley; Jerrold Epstein; James Meegan of National Institutes of Health; April Guidice of the State Department Protocol Office; Deborah Dunham; managing editor of The Washington Diplomat Anna Gawel; former U.S. Deputy Chief of Protocol Larry Dunham; and Tony Nesky (bottom row).
Andrea Cecchi, Bobbie Jo Cecchi, Mercedes Cecchi and Kristen Cecchi.
Laura Parker, Ned Michalek and Kerry McKenney.
Chris Matthews of MSNBC’s “Hardball” and John Lawrence.
Mark Dybul, former executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and current director of the Georgetown University Center Veronica Sauvain, Carrie Desmond, Cecilia Desmond and for Global Health and Quality. Terry Sauvain.
William Kane, Jackie Mugo and Minneh Kane.
Rose Roberts, Bill Roberts, Vince Garlock and Kristi Garlock.
On Sept. 21, the National Geographic Society honored Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos at its D.C. headquarters for his efforts to conserve biodiversity and foster sustainable development. “Colombia is a world treasure of biodiversity. Our duty to current and future generations is to protect it and guarantee the sustainable development of our country,” said Santos. National Geographic Society President and CEO Gary E. Knell. Photos: Sora DeVore / National Geographic
President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia delivers his acceptance remarks. THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | NOVember 2017 | 45