World Citizen Award Dinner

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte annually recognizes a member of our community who has made a significant impact on our region and enhanced its global standing. Each year, a capacity audience gathers to celebrate and recognize the achievements of the award recipients.

2016 World Citizen Award Recipient UNC Charlotte Chancellor Phil Dubois sharing the celebration with staff of the Office of International Programs.

WACC Council Scholar Ambrosia Wilsom shares her experience abroad and how she's been able to promote the importance of international education in her classroom.

Tim Belk, CEO of Belk, Inc., recipient of the 2015 World Citizen Award offering his perspective on the importance of global markets and global competency in the business.

Community and education leaders in our community continue to support the WACC mission of being "Leaders of Global Thinking" through the World Citizen Award Dinner fundraiser.

Charlotte Ballet talent celebrating together with the 2014 World Citizen Award recipient Michael Tarwater, CEO of Carolinas HealthCare.

2013 World Citizen Award recipients Margaret and Smoky Bissell were honored for promoting international education and international business in the great Charlotte region.

The World Citizen Award Dinner allows for attendees to network and build new partnership with key decision makers in our community.

Sandra and Leon Levine, recipients of the 2012 World Citizen Award, celebrating with WACC leadership and supporters.

Past recipients of the World Citizen Award are:

1990 Rev. Billy Graham
1991 William Lee
1992 Hugh McColl, Jr.
1993 Dr. LeRoy Walker
1994 Dean Rusk
1995 Elizabeth Dole
1996 William Friday
1997 John Belk
1998 Herman Blumenthal
1999 Habitat for Humanity, Charlotte
2000 Charlie Rose
2001 Loonis McGlohon
2002 General H. Hugh Shelter (Ret.)
2003 Irwin Belk
2004 Jerry Richardson
2005 Crandall and Erskine Bowles

2006 Dr. Graham Allison
2007 Francis Robicsek, M.D.
2009 Carolinas Freedom Foundation
2010 Jim Rogers
2011 Marshall Larsen
2012 Sandra and Leon Levine
2013 Margaret and Smoky Bissell
2014 Michael Tarwater
2015 Tim Belk
2016 Phil Dubois
2017 Tony Zeiss
2018 Pat Rodgers
2019 Derek Raghavan, M.D.
2022 Brian Moynihan
2023 Johnny Harris

We will honor Eugene A. Woods, Chief Executive Officer at Advocate Health as the 2024 World Citizen. Additional details are available online.

May 23, 2024: World Citizen Award Dinner Honoring Eugene A. Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Health (SOLD-OUT)

Since 1990, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte has presented the World Citizen Award to prominent citizens (and organizations) who have enhanced our community's standing in the world through their accomplishments of international significance and contributions to the city, this region, and our international community.