Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997-2007)

From my experiences of Bill he lives out West Point's motto of “Duty, Honor and Country.”

Former US Army CENTCOM Commander and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

He is one of those I have boundless admiration, not just for what he has done, but for the way in which he has done it. That reality, together with his truly extraordinary accomplishments in pioneering a global media empire and leading the charge against the global health scourge of our time, underscore how deserving Bill is of being recognized as a Distinguished Graduate. In truth, given his achievements, such recognition clearly is long overdue! I cannot recommend Bill too highly. He clearly exemplifies the very, very best of those who have graduated from our alma mater.

Co-Founder of Microsoft, Author, Philanthropist, Humanitarian

Bill's participation has been key to [GAVI] achieving [its] outcomes. His impact in the world of global health in my view merit your recognition of Bill as a Distinguished Graduate of West Point for 2020.

Singer, Songwriter, Activist

Bill has the discipline of a sergeant major, the energy of a rugby player, and the heart of a lion… a formidable man with a soft charm and the hard facts to sign anyone up to the fight against HIV/AIDS, from kids watching MTV in their bedrooms to CEOs meeting in their boardrooms. He showed that when corporations find the right way to connect with their audience/consumers on these issues, it goes beyond a ‘charity’ endeavor to become a defining part of the brand.

Actress, Producer, Founder of MindUP

When I saw the work Bill was doing on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, I knew that he was a serious man on a serious mission. [He] has certainly become an inspiration to me in pursuing my own initiatives.

Son of Former President George W. Bush, 43rd Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007

Bill's steadfast dedication and leadership, presently as the Vice Chair of GAVI, speaks loudly as to his undying commitment to preserving and improving the lives of millions of children around the world. Bill is without a doubt a distinguished citizen of our world by many measures.

Daughter of Former President George W. Bush, Co-Founder of the Global Health Corps

Bill Roedy has actively served as a member of GHC’s Board for many years. His contributions are always insightful, due to his thirty plus years of working in business and health around our globe. It is with pleasure that I heartily endorse the nomination of my good friend and associate Bill Roedy as a Distinguished Graduate of West Point.

Former US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, West Point Class of 1969, 2010 Distinguished Graduate

Bill Roedy - an outstanding soldier, businessman, humanitarian, philanthropist, and leader - has served our wonderful Nation and treasured Academy with distinction. In my view, that lifetime of industry and service is richly deserving of recognition as a Distinguished Graduate, and I so recommend Bill in the strongest possible terms.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Viacom

Bill’s global mission required innate respect for diverse traditions, and a creative sensibility that speaks every language and builds bridges around the world. That mission also required Bill – on occasion – to brandish the steel will he honed as a combat-decorated officer in Vietnam and go toe-to-toe with a repressive government official or entrenched competitors who were challenged by the revolutionary impact of our programming. Bill is an advocate for human rights and an open-minded student of unfamiliar cultures – a man trained in warfare who spent decades deploying entertainment, children’s programming, and health education all over the world.

United Nations Secretary General 1997-2006

I cannot praise Bill enough for his continued dedication to [the fight against HIV/AIDs]. Through the Staying Alive Campaign, countless young people are educated and informed through a medium that they trust and believe in. Further still, MTV has reached thousands of young people through the Staying Alive Foundation, ensuring that HIV prevention is tackled at a tangible, grass roots level in the local communities where it really matters[…] Thank you Bill for your tireless activism in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, and many congratulations on a long and successful career at MTV Networks International.

Chair of the GAVI Alliance Board

As a health advocate myself for many years now, I truly value [Bill Roedy’s] commitment to global health as well as [his] strong will to fight complacency and stigma around health issues.

Former CEO of GAVI Alliance

I've known Bill for over 15 years, primarily in the field of global health, and more recently in my role as CEO of the GAVI Alliance, in which Bill serves as an Envoy. During this time, he has been a leader in energizing the private sector to engage a range of issues including disaster relief, human trafficking, national voting campaigns around the world (especially newly democratic nations), anti-smoking, nutrition, and fighting obesity.

Microbiologist; KCMG, FRCP, FFPH, FMedSci

I have seen Bill's leadership first hand and it has truly made a difference. He has taken the principles of integrity, character along with dedication and perseverance taught at West Point, to leave an indelible impact as a leader in global health. I cannot imagine anyone more qualified to be a Distinguished Graduate.

Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University, Faculty Co-Director at Center for Global Health and Quality

What is more impressive than what Bill has accomplished is who he is as a person. I have not met anyone with greater integrity, character, self-deprecating sense of humor, grace and generosity of spirit. He has the strongest sense of service possible, and acts on it. For these reasons, he is widely recognized and celebrated as a great leader. He represents the best in humanity and citizenship and would bring even greater honor to West Point as a recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award.

Interventional Cardiologist, Co-Founder of The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano

I can testify that very few people have supported the Academy, the U.S. Military and our nation more than Bill Roedy, both with his time and generous philanthropy. He is an ideal representation of our class and class motto, "Serve with Integrity." It is an honor and privilege to call Bill my classmate and friend. I know of no other individual more worthy to be recognized with the Distinguished Graduate Award than Bill Roedy.

Executive committee member of the GAVI Alliance, Former Vice Chairman of the Securities Division at Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Bill has a long history of working on his health initiatives including being a leader in bridging the partnership between the private and public sectors to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Over a twenty-year period he ensured his company MTV Networks International supported a wide range of preventative and anti stigma efforts to help young people be less vulnerable to the disease.

Senior Advisor at Synapse Technology, West Point Class of 1969

It was clear from the beginning that Bill stood out among the rest in a very positive way. He was helpful to his classmates and always put the team needs above his own. This trait would carry on throughout his business career as he built a world class, world leading media company. If you believe that music is a common language that can help change the world, then Bill did just that.

Entrepreneur, CEO of Ping4 Inc.

Bill has always had a drive to do important and meaningful things. His core philosophy back in school was the same as it is today; "It is not sufficient just to be financially successful, you must also succeed at doing good for the world". As I've followed his career, he certainly has done a lot of good in the world and in many different ways. I've also watched Bill develop as a person and become both an exceptionally good man, as well as an exceptionally accomplished man.

President of Westminster College

Bill’s life of leadership and service as an Army officer, global business leader, and internationally-renowned humanitarian epitomize West Point’s values of Duty, Honor, Country and the Class of 1970’s motto Serve with Integrity. Looking at Bill’s entire record of service, I believe he is the Class of 1970’s most accomplished member. He has my strongest recommendation for the Association of Graduates’ highest honor.

Class of 1970 Distinguished Graduate Committee Member, West Point Society of Annapolis Director

Foremost in all his life experiences, the mission of West Point remains at the core of [Bill Roedy’s] service. He consistently employs the lessons of West Point including the design of his global business, modeled after a military organization, as well as using West Point leadership lessons of ‘first on the battlefield, last to leave’.