Former Iowa Gov. Branstad receives Dr. Judith Conlin Welcoming the World Award

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Ambassador Terry E. Branstad has been named the recipient of the 2024 “Dr. Judith Conlin Welcoming the World Award” from Iowa International Center.

According to a press release from the Iowa International Center, Ambassador Branstad will be honored during Iowa International Center’s Passport to Prosperity Gala & Celebration on October 3rd.

The 2024 Passport to Prosperity Gala will be held at the Des Moines Heritage Center.

Patricia Grote, executive director at Iowa International Center, said they are delighted to present this recognition to Ambassador Branstad.

“Throughout his career from his days in the Iowa House of Representatives to his current role as President of the World Food Prize – the Ambassador has demonstrated an appreciation and understanding for the social and economic energy created by welcoming people to Iowa,” said Grote.

Branstad has been president of the World Food Prize since 2023. He served as ambassador to China from 2017 to 2020. He is also a founding partner of the Branstad Churchill Group and currently serves as “Ambassador-in-Residence” at Drake University.

Branstad, the longest-serving Governor in United States history, enjoyed a distinguished 22-
year tenure as Iowa’s Governor. During that time, Branstad put into motion the Iowa Partner
State program, helping to cultivate relationships between Iowa and its seven international state
partners.

“He is a true statesman and has made welcoming the world to Iowa a priority,” said Grote, “He
believes in the power of building relationships, cultural understanding, and creating lasting
programs to maintain that legacy.”

The event celebrates the experiences and contributions to the community of five immigrants and refugees: Carolina Coronado-Park (Peru), Jude Igbokwe (Nigeria), Sharon Ndikurugamba (Rwanda), Geetha Srinivas (India) and Bobbie Vida Van Roekel (Philippines).

For questions about tickets or to become an event sponsor email Patricia Grote, pgrote@iowainternationalcenter.org.

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