2024 Semper Fidelis Award Dinner Postponded until Spring 2025

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Mrs. Mary Jordan Horner Saunders, Guest of Honor and recipient of the Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award in 2019

Mrs. Jordan Saunders' award photo
Lieutenant General John Jansen,USMC, Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources, Guy Wyser-Pratte, Chairman, present the Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award to Trustee Member Mary Jordan Horner Saunders. Next to her is Marine Corps University Foundation Vice Chairmand and Trustee, Mr. Guy Wyser-Pratt, and LtGen Richard P. Mills, USMC (Ret), MCUF President & CEO.

On October 16, 2019 Mrs. Mary Jordan Horner Saunders, Trustee Board Member for Marine Corps University Foundation, received the Marine Corps University Foundation’s prestigious Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award. Mrs. Saunders was chosen for the top distinction in recognition of her exemplary service and dedication to the community.

Mrs. Jordan Horner Saunders, the 2019 Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award Recipient.
2019 Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award Recipient – Mrs. Jordan Horner Saunders

Among numerous colleagues, family and friends, Mrs. Jordan H. Saunders, was awarded the esteemed crystal trophy for her dedication to the community, country, and the United States Marine Corps. Her reputation as a civic leader, philanthropist, historian and supporter of higher education, health care and the arts come with great merit. Mrs. Saunders was recognized in 2008 for her contributions to the humanities, when she and her husband Thomas A. Saunders III were named the first joint recipients of the National Humanities Medal, presented by President George W. Bush.

Mr. Thomas A. Saunders III and Mrs. Jordan Horner Saunders and Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills, USMC (Ret.).
Mr. Thomas A. Saunders III and Mrs. Jordan Horner Saunders – MCUF Board of Trustee Members; Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills, USMC (Ret.) – President and CEO Marine Corps University Foundation.

The Russell Leadership Award honored Mrs. Saunders’ for her dedicated commitment to the history, traditions, and ethos of the Marine Corps.  Mrs. Jordan Horner Saunders received this award at the Major General John H. Russell Luncheon at The Union League Club in New York City.

Lieutenant General John M. Jansen, USMC was the Military Guest of Honor.
– Military Guest of Honor – Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources, Lieutenant General John M. Jansen, USMC.
Marines at the Luncheon
Active duty Marines invited to Russell Leadership Luncheon

Major General John H. Russell, USMC, was the 16th Commandant of the Marine Corps.  The Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award established in his honor by the Marine Corps University Foundation, is presented annually at a luncheon to a distinguished American whose commitment to personal and professional excellence embodies those qualities of leadership and character uniquely associated with the United States Marine Corps.

Marine Corps University Foundation Staff – Mrs. Leona Sachrison and Mrs. Mattrice Williamson.
Marine Corps University Foundation Staff – Mrs. Leona Sachrison, Director of Development and Mrs. Mattrice Williamson, Director of Events

To see a list of former recipients of the Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award, please click HERE.

The Marine Corps University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on tax deductible gifts, is the only Marine Corps charity solely dedicated to supporting the Professional Military Education (PME) of Officer and Enlisted Marines at the Marine Corps University and throughout the Operating Forces. Special events, such as the Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award Luncheon provide funding that supports Marine Leaders and their Professional Military Education worldwide.  The University leadership’s vision has been twofold – to prepare Marines at all levels to address complex security challenges in a rapidly transforming world through an unparalleled education in security and warfighting studies, and to groom the next generation of decision makers within the Marine Corps, government, and the private sector, equipping them with the critical thinking skills that will enable them to achieve success in any number of career paths. The Foundation relies on tax-exempt contributions from our Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award Luncheon, and those who support Marine Corps causes, including Corporate Members, Marine friends, former Marines helping Marines and donations in memory or in honor of someone special. We are grateful for your tax-deductible donation to support the Professional Military Education of active duty and reserve Marines. Semper Fi!