On Tuesday, October 30, the American Australian Association was joined by over 600 guests – friends, scholars and corporate supporters – at our 70th Anniversary Benefit Dinner at Cipriani Wall Street, New York. This year’s dinner was a historic and festive occasion – celebrating 70-years of advancing and promoting the American-Australian alliance.
As part of the celebration, the Association honored two leaders of significance – Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President & CEO, Lockheed Martin Corporation and Rupert Murdoch AC, Executive Chairman, 21st Century Fox and News Corp.
It was exceptionally fitting, that Rupert Murdoch AC, whose father Sir Keith Murdoch founded the American Australian Association in 1948, was feted with an award created in his honor – the American Australian Legends Award – in recognition of his longtime leadership and support for the Association, the American – Australian alliance and his indelible global impact of empowering educational opportunity through the creation of the Association’s Graduate Education scholarship program.
Marillyn Hewson, who shared anniversary honors, was recognized for her outstanding leadership in advancing and promoting the American-Australian business and security relationship, which is underpinned by the close defense alliance between our two countries.
Both honorees were supported by their respective spouses and family, as well as being joined by a number of special guests including Sir James Wolfensohn AO, Andrew Liveris AO, James Gorman, Roger Goodell, Robert Kraft, Ambassador Joe Hockey, Ambassador Gillian Bird and Alastair Walton. Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, sent a message of congratulations to both honorees.
Special mention and thanks are given to Fox News Network anchor, Harris Faulkner, who kept the evening moving along with much wit and grace, as well as Multi-award winning musician – Keith Urban – who closed out the evening with a show stopping performance and had guests up on their feet and dancing in no time.
Thanks to the generosity and support of all our sponsors and donors, over $1.8 million was raised from the evening, which bolsters the Association and its Graduate Education Fund. On behalf of the over 40 current and Graduate Scholar alumni who attended the dinner, we would like to again acknowledge and thank the night’s Honorees and Benefactors – Lockheed Martin Corporation, 21st Century Fox, News Corporation, Fox News and J.P. Morgan as well as Platinum sponsors: Morgan Stanley, Peter Lowy, Mastercard, Johnson & Johnson, Allen & Company LLP, Robert Kraft, Walt Disney and Andrew Liveris for their generosity.
Photos by Jenna Bascom Event Photography.
