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 2020

For the first time ever, the Luminary Award joined forces with the Global Security Forum 2020 for one powerful evening. On Thursday, October 1, we had the honor of celebrating the local, national, and global leadership of Paul “Buddy” Bucha, Recipient of the Medal of Honor. Learn more.

Honoree

Paul Bucha

Honoree

Paul Bucha

Paul “Buddy” Bucha, Recipient of the Medal of Honor

The Council is proud to honor Paul “Buddy” Bucha, recipient of the Medal of Honor, with the 2020 Luminary Award for his lifetime of leadership and unwavering dedication to global dialogue and service.

LUMINARY AWARD LEGACY

Luminary Awardee Highlight: Stanley Black & Decker

Headquartered here in Connecticut, Stanley Black & Decker is committed to being a global force for good. Through pioneering research, technical innovation, and breakthrough manufacturing, Stanley Black & Decker is leading the world in Industry 4.0 for the betterment and advancement of our global community.

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