Innovative educator, creative foundation executive, wise and effective administrator of a great United States government department, thoughtful critic and analyst of the nation’s institutions, and courageous activist in promoting social and political reforms, John William Gardner through more than four decades of public service has made outstanding contributions to the quality of American national life and the vitality of the American democratic system.
Concerned over deficiencies in American institutions, John Gardner has not been content only to advocate in his writings and speeches a long series of reforms to regenerate our national life but has rolled up his sleeves and gone to work, seeking to achieve through personal labor that institutional excellence for Americans upon which he believes our national future depends. He is thus recognized for enduring contributions to public service.
