This spring, a partner entity of the Rumsfeld Foundation, The Institute of World Politics (IWP), hosted a reception honoring its founder, Dr. John Lenczowski, for his far-reaching impact across IWP’s community and his distinguished career in public service. Established in 1990 in downtown Washington, D.C., IWP is a graduate school of national security, intelligence and international affairs, offering a unique education in the tools of statecraft, national security and foreign policy. The Foundation has been fortunate to benefit from Dr. Lenczowski’s dedicated service as an Adviser to our Graduate Fellowship Program for more than a decade and, throughout that time, to have supported 13 impressive IWP graduate scholars who are committed to public service. As a gesture of our respect and appreciation for Dr. Lenczowski, we were pleased to sponsor the attendance of several of these Fellows at this special reception.

Below is a compilation of some of the reflections that our Fellows in attendance offered on the evening, as well as on their education at IWP and Dr. Lenczowki’s impact on their lives and careers. In their own right, these IWP graduates are all now making impactful contributions in the public and private sectors, working on key issues like cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, defense and national security and more. They offer just a snapshot of the professional breadth and achievements of our program’s broader Graduate Fellowship Network.

1. Can you share a memorable moment from the evening honoring Dr. Lenczowski?

"It was remarkable to see the breadth and depth of individuals, across all age ranges and from all over the country, come together to honor one of the humblest men I’ve ever met. The speeches and reminders of the impact Dr. Lenczowski made upon history only further this point, his humility is a constant reminder to which one should aspire."

"The unveiling of the bust of Dr. Lenczowski was a dramatic moment. It was one of those moments where past, present, and future meet. You can see the man standing there, smiling. You can imagine all his past efforts and trials culminating in this present triumph. And you can see, in the bust, encased and encapsulated how he will present to future generations who will not know him personally: a wise, friendly, and morally courageous man."

"One particularly memorable moment from the evening honoring Dr. Lenczowski was when a speaker choked up when describing their friendship. Anyone who has spent any time with Dr. Lenczowski understands how the speaker felt. He is a gracious and humble man, as well as an inspiring leader and public servant. There are very few like him in the world."

"The unveiling of Dr. Lenczowski's bust was the highlight of the evening and instantly took everyone's breath away. It was a very emotional moment for everybody in the IWP community and it serves as a testament to Dr. Lenczowski's monumental achievements in institutionalizing and expanding national security education through the diverse arts of statecraft."

2. Can you share a bit about the impact Dr. Lenczowski had on your graduate studies?

"Dr. Lenczowski constantly reminded me of what one should aspire to. His commitment to service, overwhelming knowledge and desire to share, and application of grace in everyday circumstances remain an inspiration. Words fail to describe my gratitude in having known Dr. Lenczowski, and being able to celebrate his life."

"I was at a Rumsfeld Foundation retreat listening to Dr. Lenczowski describe IWP's approach to statecraft like a symphony where all the instruments of national power are exercised in harmony toward an integrated whole when I decided that I must attend this school. Years later, when I finally did, IWP lived up to and surpassed my expectations. I can truthfully say that almost every course I took turned useful to a singular degree in my professional work. Moreover, IWP launched my personal passion for studying statecraft and statesmanship which continues to this day."

"Dr. Lenczowski made a big impact on me during my graduate studies, both in the classroom and outside of it. Not only did he lead by example of what true public service looks like, but he was always ready to dispense encouragement or words of wisdom whenever I would see him. His emphasis on morality and justice in global affairs has stuck with me ever since."

"Dr. Lenczowski was and remains a profound influence on my graduate studies at IWP as a Rumsfeld Fellow and as a mentor and eminent authority on national security affairs. Through speaking with him personally and attending his International Relations course, I was able to gain a nuanced perspective on American statesmanship, particularly in his classic mantra of 'winning without war."'

"Dr. Lenczowski was instrumental in nominating me for the Rumsfeld Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship Program. That nomination, and his belief in my ability to represent The Institute of World Politics in a first-class manner, inspired me to pursue further academic and professional opportunities."

3. How has your graduate education at IWP influenced your career path and interests?

"I discovered IWP at a pivotal moment in my life. Looking at the state of the world and where it was headed from my position in Silicon Valley, I decided to 'be the change I want to see in the world’. Looking for a way to give back to the country that has given me so much, IWP provided moral guidance, as well as the path to becoming a public servant. I would not be where I am today without IWP changing my life."

"My education at IWP intensified and concentrated my focus on the moral, competent, and prudent use of national powers. The program enlivened my own understanding of foreign policy as a concern intimately connected with the kind of constitutional system we have as a republican government of ordered liberty. My interests exploded due to the kaleidoscopic prism that IWP takes to the study of foreign policy, and I leaned into the connections between our domestic foundations of national strength across economic, moral, psychological and strategic dimensions. It changed my views on the nature of economic policy, military and industrial policy, and the need for moral adhesion by our citizens to a just government."

"Since coming to IWP straight from my undergraduate studies, the school has crystallized my passion for public service and guided me towards a career path in national security and intelligence. Through the courses at IWP, I have additionally discovered new interests in the fields of irregular warfare, the private sector as a tool of statecraft, and covert action."

"My education at IWP served to broaden my perspective beyond the world of defense and military power alone. It reinforced a deep appreciation for all of the tools of statecraft and how they should be used in an integrated way to deter conflict and prevail without fighting."

"IWP's graduate education is rigorous but unique in that it opened doors into U.S. national security that would have remained shut had I attended another graduate school in the D.C. area. IWP’s networking opportunities are unmatched by any other institution."

4. How has your involvement with the Graduate Fellowship Network impacted your personal and professional development?

"The Rumsfeld Fellowship has been one of the most rewarding associations I have participated in, due in large part to the quality and seriousness of the Fellows and also the Advisers, like Dr. Lenzcowski. I hope that our service over a lifetime would make Mr. and Mrs. Rumsfeld proud."

"My involvement with the Graduate Fellowship Network has not only given me a strong network of dedicated people with many different perspectives from which to learn, but also genuine friends that I love to see at all the events. Being involved with this talented group inspires me to do more with my own life and career."

"My involvement with the Graduate Fellowship Network, particularly my ever-expanding IWP cohort, has opened many doors to me professionally and socially. I am proud to call a handful of Rumsfeld Fellows, past and present, some of my closest friends. The diverse fields that they work in have also shaped my understanding of the different roles played by various agencies, government departments, military branches, and private sector actors in the overarching U.S. national security environment."

"The Graduate Fellowship has provided me with colleagues, role models, and contacts across different parts of D.C. and the country. I am still grateful that IWP nominated me, and I look forward to working with and remaining part of the Rumsfeld Graduate Fellowship Network for years to come."

"The Graduate Fellowship Network has connected me with national security colleagues that I normally do not have the opportunity to work with on projects. It can be a great conversation opener when reconnecting with them in a professional setting."

5. Looking to the future, how do you hope to carry forward Dr. Lenczowski’s mission and legacy in your own life and career?

"I would probably say that I see Dr. Lenczowski's mission and legacy most vital in the work we do in public service, by holding onto the vision that a just and decent peace for ourselves requires men and women of moral character who believe the institutions of the United States are worth upholding, defending, and prudently reforming."

"In my own life and career, I hope to carry on Dr. Lenczowski’s legacy by serving the country with patriotism, humility, and integrity like he has, and by continuing to press for more integration in American strategic thinking as we confront some of the largest challenges the country has faced."

"Dr. Lenczowski remains a paragon of what public service should be. If I am able to have a tenth of the impact and carry myself with a fraction of his grace, I will consider it a worthy career indeed. He stood for something meaningful, and I hope to support it however I can."

"While I will never live up to Dr. Lenczowski's name, I have made it my life goal to spread his teachings about wielding all the tools of statecraft to advance the interests of the United States and ensure that our raison d'etat is preserved for many future generations of Americans to come without having to resort to war. Dr. Lenczowski embodies the ideals of good statesmanship and serves as the steward of the Western moral tradition, and I am very fortunate to have been mentored by him."

"I hope to demonstrate some of Dr. Lenczowski's confidence and commitment to defending the rights of U.S. citizens that he showed during his time in government."

The Rumsfeld Foundation is grateful for its enduring partnership with talented professors at top graduate institutions like that of our partnership with Dr. Lenczowski and The Institute of World Politics, and for the opportunity to assist gifted scholars who are committed to putting their graduate degrees to work in support of our nation’s future. Dr. Lenczowski’s significant contributions to our country are just some of the many examples of contributions made by our 20 program Advisers at universities nationwide, and the important role they play in mentoring the next generation of public servants. The Foundation is proud to work hand in hand with such dedicated individuals and thought leaders to support the rising leaders of our Graduate Fellowship Network.