About the Fourth Annual Hoover-Wallace Dinner,
Honoring George Washington Carver:

Born into slavery circa 1864, George Washington Carver would go on to become one of the most important Americans in history. The 2007 Hoover-Wallace Dinner will recognize the imperative role that the State of Iowa played in fostering Carver's success.

In 1890, Carver became one of the first African-American students admitted to Simpson College in Indianola. In 1891 he transferred to Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University), where he became the first African-American student, graduate, and faculty member.

Best known for his groundbeaking work with peanuts, soybeans and the sweet potato, Carver helped to revolutionize the American agricultural landscape.

______________________________________________

About the Hoover-Wallace Dinner:

The Hoover-Wallace Dinner was established in 2004 to recognize Iowa’s humanitarian leaders and to honor Iowa’s humanitarian heritage.  The 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 achievements its namesake native Iowans: Former President Herbert Hoover who arranged for the delivery of food to Europe during World War I, saving hundreds of millions of people from starvation; and former Vice-President Henry Wallace, whose agricultural innovations increased food availability and nutrition for millions more. The dinner is sponsored by the World Food Prize Foundation and the Rotary Clubs of Iowa. Proceeds from the event help fund the World Food Prize Borlaug-Ruan International Internship Program.