The annual Luminary Award is a signature event of the World Affairs Council of Connecticut. It honors one or more individuals or an organization from Connecticut that has profoundly influenced global affairs, with a strong emphasis on contributions to the overall betterment of the world.
LUMINARY AWARD 2025
Join us at The Diplomat 2025 for an evening of inspiration, illumination, and celebration as we honor a global leader who is shaping the future of industry in Connecticut, the U.S., and across the globe.
Donald Allan, Jr.
Honoree
President & Chief Executive Officer
Stanley Black & Decker
LUMINARY AWARD LEGACY
Luminary Awardee Highlight: Paul “Buddy” Bucha
For the first time ever, the Luminary Award joined forces with the Global Security Forum 2020 for one powerful evening. On October 1st, we had the honor of celebrating the local, national, and global leadership of Paul “Buddy” Bucha, Recipient of the Medal of Honor. Learn more.
PAST LUMINARIES
2020
Paul “Buddy” Bucha
Keynote Speakers Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin; General David Petraeus (U.S. Army, Ret.); and General Joseph Votel (U.S. Army, Ret.)
2019
Stanley Black & Decker
2018
Yale Cancer Center
2017
United Technologies, Inc.
Keynote Speaker Bob Ballard, discoverer of the Titanic and renowned Ocean Explorer
2016
Aerospace Components Manufacturers
Keynote Speaker Col. (ret) Mark Tillman, former commander of Air Force One
2015
Peter G. Kelly, Esq.
Keynote Speaker Senator Mark Warner
2014
AmeriCares
Keynote Speaker Ambassador Robert Ford
2013
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Keynote Speaker Colonel Jack Jacobs
2012
The Norwegian Nobel Committee
Keynote Speaker Geir Lundestad, Permanent Secretary to the Norwegian Nobel Committee and Director of the Nobel Institute
2011
Hole in the Wall Camp Association
Keynote Speaker Melissa Newman
2010
Dr. Henry Kissinger, Former Secretary of State
2009
General David Petraeus
2008
ESPN International
Keynote Speaker Chris Berman
2007
Connecticut’s Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans
Keynote Speaker General Eric Shinseki
2006
Save the Children
Keynote Speaker Cokie Roberts
2005
University of CT UNESCO Chair
Keynote Speaker President Mary Robinson, first female president of Ireland
2004
Harry Jack Gray, former Chairman of UTC
Keynote Speaker The Honorable Alexander Haig
MORE TO EXPLORE
View and reserve tickets for our upcoming events including panel discussions, forums, and more
1,000+ high school students from Connecticut debate the world's most pressing issues
Diplomats from 25+ countries gather in Hartford for the business networking event of the year
The region's premier security forum featuring topic experts, military leaders and government officials
