Former Vice President Joe Biden, 2018 Excellence in Public Service Award

Former Vice President Joe Biden received the John Glenn College of Public Affairs' 2018 Excellence in Public Service Award for his commitment to citizenship and public leadership at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., this summer.

Vice President Biden's career exemplifies unparalleled life-long leadership by an elected official. This dedication to public service has continued after his term in office through a number of initiatives, including the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware where he continues to influence, shape and work to solve the most pressing domestic policy issues facing America today.

In accepting the award Biden quoted Sen. John Glenn, "happiness is born out of a sense of purpose," he told the more than 300 people attending the ceremony. "That is everything John Glenn stood for... John Glenn is America, everything he stood for is what made us who we are."

Before the presentation, Biden spent time with the 36 Ohio State students in the Glenn College's Washington Academic Internship Program discussing public service. In his remarks, Biden called upon the students to think about running for office saying "duty, honor, country, we use these phrases so often they come off as trite, there is nothing trite about them, this school [Glenn College] matters... you are the reason why I am hopeful."

The Excellence in Public Service Award is the John Glenn College of Public Affairs' most prestigious celebration of public service. For 30 years the award has been presented each summer during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. and honors individuals who have a distinguished history of public service that led to more effective public administration. Drawing on the vision and achievements of Sen. John Glenn, honorees reflect the ideals of our mission and inspire others to serve.