Timeline of Eisenhower Fellowships Historical Highlights

1953
Founding of Eisenhower Fellowships announced October 13, the articles of incorporation signed by Thomas B. McCabe (founding chairman), Walter Annenberg, Philip Sharples, Courtney Smith, and Ward Wheelock.

1954–55
First Multi Nation and USA Programs with 16 Fellows

1956
Ten-year $600,000 grant by Ford Foundation gives credibility and strong financial base to fledgling Eisenhower Fellowships.

1961
First Eisenhower regional conference, Geneva Switzerland, first female Fellow, Dr. Pillar Villegas, Spain

1976
Eisenhower Fellowships’ First World Forum, San Francisco.

1984
U.S. Congress authorizes $7.5 million in grants to cover Eisenhower Fellowships expenses for five years, enabling trustees to plan first capital fund drive.

1986
First Single Nation Program with seven Philippine Fellows. EF begins operating two programs annually

1988
First Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service awarded to Walter Annenberg and Thomas Watson.

1989
USA program revived and EF runs three Fellowship programs per year , 50 Fellows/year.

1990
Five-year Centennial Challenge drive surpasses its goal of $7.5 million. Celebration of President Eisenhower’s centennial in Philadelphia. Second Eisenhower Fellowships’ World Forum “From Fellowship to Partnership.”

1999
First Fellows from Research Triangle, North Carolina, launching USA Regional Initiative.

2001
Top leadership positions held cumulatively over time by alumni include 4 heads of government, more than 100 cabinet level posts, 36 ambassadorships, and hundreds of CEO-level positions in the private sector, universities, and NGO organizations.

2003
50th Multi Nation program. Number of alumni Fellows reaches 1,530. 50th Anniversary Conference in Philadelphia, “Connecting Global Leaders”, draws Fellows from more than 50 countries.

2007
First Common Interest Program, theme, “Challenges in Urbanization”,  Fellows from 11 countries and the U.S. participate together