Former Iowa governor and ambassador to China Terry Branstad will receive the state’s highest honor next month, recognizing his accomplishments and years of public service.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced in a news release Monday she will present Branstad with the Iowa Award in a ceremony set for 11 a.m. Dec. 11 at the State Capitol.
Described as “the state’s highest citizen award” in the release, the Iowa Award was created by the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation to recognize and encourage Iowans’ service in science, medicine, law, religion, education, industry, government and other areas, as well as their accomplishments both in and outside of the state.
“No one is more deserving of this honor than Terry Branstad, a native son who grew up here, was educated here, farmed here, and spent his life serving his fellow Iowans and Americans here and abroad,” Reynolds said in the release. “A state legislator, lieutenant governor, the longest serving governor in our nation’s history, and a U.S. ambassador, his commitment to public service is both selfless and unrivaled. He truly embodies the Iowa Award, and I look forward to honoring him next month.”
Branstad holds the title of longest-serving governor in U.S. history, having held office from 1983-1999 and 2011-2017. He also served as ambassador to China from 2017-2020 and is currently a partner in the Branstad Churchill Group, a consulting firm that works with companies seeking to do business in the U.S. and China, according to its website.
Other recipients of the award include former President Herbert Hoover, physicist James Van Allen, former first lady Mamie Eisenhower, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Norman Borlaug, Gallup Poll founder George Gallup, suffrage movement leader Carrie Lane Chapman Catt and entrepreneur and philanthropist John Pappajohn, according to the release.
The former governor and ambassador said in an interview he has “great respect” for every person who has received the award, including the late philanthropist Bill Knapp, and he’s honored to join their ranks. Branstad said he loves the state of Iowa and is proud of the progress it has made, and of his service.
“It’s a great honor to be associated with these very distinguished people,” Branstad said.
