The National Defense University Foundation hosts events throughout the year.
American Patriot Award
The American Patriot Award (APA) presented annually by the NDU Foundation recognizes men and women of extraordinary excellence whose leadership has strengthened our nation’s strategic interest. It honors exceptional Americans whose inspirational leadership and selfless dedication embody the United States’ ideals and principles of democracy in pursuit of enhancing human security and global stability.
International Fellows
International Fellows Initiatives provide substantive relationship building opportunities for NDU's 150 senior allied military fellows and their families helping propel understanding and diplomacy through military educational exchange.
National Security Forums
The National Defense University Foundation hosts National Security Briefings and Regional National Security Forums that are focused on convening senior private industry experts, military, and public sector officials on issues vital to national security – especially in the areas of technological transformation and innovation for Defense, Joint Force, Whole-of-Government, and Whole-of-Nation imperatives. The Regional National Security Forums are held throughout the country on an exclusive, by-invitation-only basis. These interactive dialogues are made possible through the generous support of our corporate partners: Leidos and Vion.
The Colin Powell Chair
In March of 2006, with the support of General Colin Powell, the NDU Foundation established the Chair for National Security, Leadership, Character and Ethics. The purpose of the Chair is to share the expertise and wisdom of a leader who has experience making decisions at the highest levels of government with the students, faculty, staff, and international partners of the University. The Chair is aptly named to honor one of the great leaders in recent American history -‐ the Honorable Colin Powell, the 65th Secretary of State, former National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Commander of the US Army Forces Command.