Iernationally respected as a statesman, esteemed the world over for his unrivaled skills in diplomacy, this year's Concordia Honoree served as a secretary of State under President Nixon and Ford and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973.

Born in Germany, Henry Alfred Kissinger emigrated to the United States and served his new country as a member of the United States Army's 84th Infantry Division. After completing his tour of duty, he attended Harvard University, where he would later join the faculty. Following his professorial experience, Dr. Kissinger served as a consultant in national security for Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson and later became head
of the National Security Council.

Dr. Kissinger earned an important place in history for his pivotal role in world reform following the second World War. As Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford and as an advisor to presidents since Ford, Dr. Kissinger was instrumental in negotiating an end to the Vietnam War -an achievement for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr. Kissinger also played a critical role in opening China to American diplomacy, re-establishing links to Egypt, achieving a cease-fire in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, establishing detente between the United States and the former Soviet Union, and later advising President Reagan on numerous issues relating to Central America. A prolific author, Dr. Kissinger is the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

"Dr. Kissinger is among a handful of people in this century who will be remembered in the new millennium," noted Sal Ferrera, President of Xaverian High School. "He is a man who has helped shape and re-shape the face of the world in which we live. It is the ultimate honor for the Xaverian community to present the inaugural Joe DiMaggio Award for Peace and Harmony to Dr. Henry A. Kissinger. "