Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, announced that the Honorable Robert A. McDonald, 8th Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Retired Chairman, President and CEO of The Procter & Gamble Company, has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization. For more than 70 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their communities.
"Through his selfless service to our country and the way in which he expertly led Procter & Gamble through decades of immense growth and change, Robert McDonald embodies the values that define our organization," said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. "In addition to this, he and his wife have a decorated history of philanthropy and I know he will become an active and involved Member upon his induction in April."
"I am humbled to receive such a prestigious Award from an organization that I respect so deeply," said Mr. McDonald. "To be joining the ranks of Horatio Alger's impressive list of Members is a true honor, but I am most looking forward to meeting the outstanding students the Association supports. I know hard work, but I also know hardship – and they do, too. I hope my story can inspire them to push through life's challenges to chase their dreams."
Mr. McDonald and the Member Class of 2020 will be formally inducted into the Association on April 2-4, 2020, during the Association's 73rd Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The annual three-day event honors the achievements of both Members and National Scholars, affording both groups the opportunity to meet and interact as well as exchange stories of hardships and triumphs. Read more.