THE HOOVER-WALLACE DINNER WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2004 to recognize Iowa's agricultural and humanitarian leaders and to honor Iowa's agricultural and humanitarian heritage. The bi-partisan event is designed as an occasion where Iowans come together above political, social, ethnic and racial differences to celebrate Iowa's legacy of feeding the world and alleviating human suffering.
The theme of the dinner is exemplified by the achievement of its namesake native Iowans: Former President Herbert Hoover, who arranged for the delivery of food to Europe during World War I, saving hundreds from starvation; and former Vice-President Henry Wallace, whose agricultural innovations increased food availability and nutrition for millions. Proceeds from the event help fund the prestigious World Food Prize Borlaug-Ruan International Internship Program.
THE HOOVER-WALLACE DINNER RAISED $60,000 in one night to support the World Food Prize's Borlaug-Ruan International Internship Program, which has sent more than 140 Iowa high school students on eight-week, all-expenses-paid research assignments at renowned international institutions in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
This program aims to give students real-world scientific and global development experiences, where they see firsthand the challenges that confront us, learn from experts and gain valuable knowledge to launch their college studies and future careers.
2012 Hoover-Wallace Dinner Honoring Sec. Tom Vilsack and Gov. Terry Branstad
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| Sec. Vilsack meeting interns |
The SEVENTH annual hoover-wallace dinner took place on Monday, August 20, 2012, at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines, Iowa. The event honored both U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for their exceptional roles in promoting agriculture and agribusiness, particularly given their extraordinary and distinguished leadership in regard to the visit of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping in February.
The dinner was held in conjunction with Jay Byers and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Opera star Simon Estes performed the Iowa Corn Song in closing.
To view the 2012 program, please click here. To view photos of the event, please click here.
2009 Hoover-Wallace Dinner Honoring Senators Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin
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| Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley |
The SIXTH Annual Hoover-Wallace Dinner honored Iowa Senators
Chuck Grassley and
Tom Harkin. According to the senators’ staffs, it marked the first time in their political careers that Grassley and Harkin were honored together.
Among those who paid tribute to the senators were Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge, Congressman Leonard Boswell and Congressman Dave Loebsack. Also participating via video message were Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and former Iowa Governor Robert Ray.
The dinner recognized Senators Grassley and Harkin for their service to Iowa, the United States and the world, and will highlight Grassley and Harkin’s bipartisan efforts in working together to serve the interests of Iowans since their elections to the U.S. Senate in 1980 and 1984, respectively.
2008 Hoover-Wallace Dinner Honoring Dr. Ponseti, Congressman Leach and Senator Culver
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| Borlaug-Ruan International Interns |
The FIfth Annual Hoover-Wallace Dinner honored Dr. Ignacio Ponseti of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, formers Congressman Jim Leach and former Senator John Culver for their career dedication to public service and humanitarianism.
Among those who paid tribute were John Culver's son, Iowa Governor Chet Culver. The dinner took place in Coralville, Iowa. Nearly $60,000 was raised from the dinner in support of the Borlaug-Ruan Internship program.
In addition to the Humanitarian Award, the Borlaug Award for Public Service was introduced. The first Borlaug Award for Public Service was presented to Rep. Leach. In closing, the University of Iowa singers performed the Iowa Corn Song.
2007 Hoover-Wallace Dinner Honoring the achievements of George Washington Carver
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| Check-in for the Hoover Wallace Dinner |
The Fourth Annual Hoover-Wallace Dinner honored George Washington Carver, who was posthumously recognized for his work which established him decades before as one of the world's greatest scientists and a humanitarian legend among Iowans. Governor Culver was the special guest of honor and was the featured speaker during the event.
Unique to this year's dinner was the announcement by Iowa State University President Dr. Gregory Geoffroy of the expansion of the World Food Prize Youth Institute.
The dinner returned to the Des Moines area and was held at the Hy-Vee Conference Center. A rendition of the song "I'll Make Me a World In Iowa" was performed with piano accompaniment by Jeff Danielson of Hoover High School.
2006 Hoover-Wallace Dinner Honoring John Deere
The Third Annual Hoover-Wallace Dinner honored John Deere, the man as well as the company, who recieved the Hoover-Wallace Humanitarian Award at the conclusion of the dinner. Chairman Robert Lane was the special guest of honor and featured speaker.
The event was held at Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Local Co-Chairs Dr. Robert Koob, president of the University of Northern Iowa, and Mr. Steve Thorpe, former governor of Rotary District 5970, as well as former Borlaug intern Zenab Chowdhry also spoke during the event.
John Deere was celebrated for his inventions and innovations that paved the way for the Midwest's incredibly productive agricultural sector.
2005 Hoover-Wallace Dinner Honoring VP Mondale and Governor Ray
The SECOND Annual Hoover-Wallace Dinner honored former Vice President Walter Mondale and former Iowa governor Robert Ray. During the dinner, both were presented with the Hoover-Wallace Human Leadership Award.
Among those who paid tribute to the senators were Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge, Congressman Leonard Boswell and Congressman Dave Loebsack. Also participating via video message were Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and former Iowa Governor Robert Ray.
The dinner was also held in honor of the 25th Anniversary of the life-saving work of Iowa SHARES in Indochina. Iowa's humanitarian legacy played as a theme and was addressed by Amb. Quinn. The event took place at the Downtown Marriott Hotel in Des Moines, IA.
2004 Hoover-Wallace Dinner Honoring Dr. Norman Borlaug's 90th Birthday
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| Dr. Borlaug's 90 candle cake |
The FIRST Annual Hoover-Wallace Dinner served as a celebration of the 90th birthday of World Food Prize founder Norman Borlaug.
Dr. Borlaug was introduced as ABC Peter Jennings' "Person of the Week" which he had recently been awarded. Chuck Peters and Tom Celik emceed. Over 500 people attended the inaugural event held at the Collins Plaza Hotel in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Special guests of the dinner included Attourney General Tom Miller, auditor David Vaudt, Secretary of State Chet Culver and house Speaker Chuck Gipp.
The event was closed with the presentation of a check to Dr. Borlaug for the student intern program.
