Penn State President Graham Spanier Wins 2009 TIAA-CREF Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence

TIAA-CREF is pleased to announce that Dr. Graham Spanier, president of The Pennsylvania State University, has been named the winner of the 2009 TIAA-CREF Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence. The award honors Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame.

Nationally renowned educator and world humanitarian, Father Hesburgh is considered one of the most influential figures in higher education in recent history. He was a member of the TIAA-CREF Board of Overseers for 28 years.

The TIAA-CREF Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence recognizes a current college or university president or chancellor who embodies the spirit of Father Hesburgh, his commitment and contributions to higher education and society.

The award was presented by TIAA-CREF President and CEO Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., on February 9, 2009 at the American Council on Education's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

"Through the TIAA-CREF Hesburgh Award, we recognize leadership excellence in the higher education community," said Madeleine d'Ambrosio, Vice President and Executive Director, the TIAA-CREF Institute. "It underscores the historic and unique partnership between TIAA-CREF and our nation's colleges and universities and reflects the TIAA-CREF Institute's deep commitment to support those whose work contributes to the greater good."

Graham Spanier was appointed Penn State's 16th president in 1995. Dr. Spanier has focused on "humanizing" the university, student centeredness and integration of teaching, research and service.  His energy, optimism and good humor have created that some would call an unconventional approach to the modern university presidency.

During his tenure as Penn State President, Dr. Spanier internationalized the university; was instrumental in developing The International Center for the Study of Terrorism; helped create programs to educate students about alcohol abuse; and advanced the use of technology in higher education.  Enrollment has increased 21 percent during his tenure, and the University's endowment has increased 359 percent.

In an interview with the TIAA-CREF Institute about the award that bears his name, Father Hesburgh stated that, "Vision is what leadership is all about. Leadership is how you bring vision into reality.  If you want people to go with you, you have to share a vision." Dr. Spanier added, "Leadership is about vision first and foremost, but it's also about getting it done. There also has to be execution.  It's about creating an environment where it's possible for everyone to succeed and feel good about what they are doing."

About the TIAA-CREF Institute
The mission of the TIAA-CREF Institute, part of TIAA-CREF, is to foster objective research, build knowledge, support thought leadership, and enhance understanding of strategic issues related to higher education and lifelong financial security. For additional information regarding the TIAA-CREF Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence and other TIAA-CREF Institute initiatives, please visit www.tiaa-crefinstitute.org.