American Spirit Awards
The American Spirit Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose work reflects the values and spirit of those who served our country during the World War II years. We honor those who inspire others through their own acts of courage, sacrifice, initiative, and generosity—particularly in the areas of leadership, service to country or community, and education.
The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award is presented annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who demonstrates the American spirit in his or her community. The values of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity, and perseverance can and should be learned and lived by all Americans regardless of age.
Proceeds from the American Spirit Awards support educational programming at The National WWII Museum—including the ongoing development of classroom materials and professional-development opportunities for teachers in schools across the country, as well as online experiences that bring the Museum and its resources to students around the world.
THURSDAY, May 29, 2025
American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
Cocktail Attire
FRIDAY, May 30, 2025
Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon
Presented by Kevin G. Clifford Family
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Business Attire
Leading through example is a hallmark of the Museum’s honorees, and at the Leadership Forum and luncheon, American Spirit Award recipients will share their experiences with student leaders from throughout the country, offering motivating advice to tomorrow’s leaders.
American Spirit Awards Gala
Presented by Hancock Whitney
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Formal Attire
Join us for an elegant black-tie gala on a night that will truly inspire. Following a three-course dinner, the Museum will present its highest honor to the deserving Americans who inspire greatness in all of us.
For more information, contact us at fundraisingevents@nationalww2museum.org.
Can't Attend This Year's Event?
Make a donation in support of the American Spirit Awards Education Fund.
Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger
Boysie Bollinger has been among The National WWII Museum’s strongest champions since its earliest days. As the longtime Chairman and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, a family business launched after World War II, Bollinger presided over shipbuilding and repair facilities from New Orleans to Houston — evoking for many the memory of iconic WWII shipbuilder Andrew Higgins. He joined The National D-Day Museum’s Board of Trustees in 1995 and became Chairman shortly after the Grand Opening in 2000. Since then, Bollinger has committed substantial time and resources to making the Museum one of the best in the world, rallying vital support from government officials, prospective donors, community leaders and friends. Bollinger’s advocacy, generosity and leadership have had a transformative impact on this institution.
C. Paul Hilliard
Paul Hilliard is a WWII veteran, entrepreneur, corporate executive and philanthropist who embodies the values of commitment, sacrifice and patriotism. At 17 years old, Hilliard joined the US Marine Corps, flying 45 combat missions in the Pacific during World War II as a radioman and gunner in Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers. Following the war and college, he entered the oil and gas industry and founded Badger Oil in Lafayette, Louisiana. Over nearly two decades, he has become one of The National WWII Museum’s most ardent advocates, supporting its educational mission and the preservation of oral histories and aircraft. He served as Chairman of the Board from 2018 to 2020, bringing a unique perspective to the role as a veteran of World War II.
Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, PhD
Nick Mueller, a historian and former Vice Chancellor at the University of New Orleans, serves as Founding President & CEO Emeritus of The National WWII Museum. In his time as an educator and administrator at UNO, Mueller played a key role in developing new programs and founding the UNO Research and Technology Park. He served as Board Chairman of The National D-Day Museum from 1998 to 2000, guiding the institution through its Grand Opening. He then led the Museum as President & CEO for 17 years, working to expand its mission, campus, and educational initiatives—establishing the Museum as one of our nation’s top cultural institutions. Mueller’s dedication to preserving WWII history has ensured that the service and sacrifice of the WWII generation are never forgotten.
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
$1,500 Patriots Circle Member Ticket*
Includes admission to the following American Spirit Awards events:
- Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (Friday, May 30, 2025)
- American Spirit Awards Gala (Friday, May 30, 2025)
*Active Patriots Circle Membership required
$2,500 Individual Ticket
Includes admission to the following American Spirit Awards events:
- Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (Friday, May 30, 2025)
- The American Spirit Awards Gala (Friday, May 30, 2025)
SPONSORSHIPS
$250,000 Platinum Sponsor
Includes:
- American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party—20 Invitations
- Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon—2 Tables (20 Invitations)
- American Spirit Awards Gala—2 Tables (20 Invitations)
- Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day (20 Tickets)
$100,000 Gold Sponsor
Includes:
- American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party—20 Invitations
- Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon—2 Tables (20 Invitations)
- American Spirit Awards Gala—2 Tables (20 Invitations)
- Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day (20 Tickets)
$50,000 Silver Sponsor
Includes:
- American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party—10 Invitations
- Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon—1 Table (10 Invitations)
- American Spirit Awards Gala—1 Table (10 Invitations)
- Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day (10 Tickets)
$25,000 Bronze Sponsor
Includes:
- American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party—10 Invitations
- Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon—1 Table (10 Invitations)
- American Spirit Awards Gala—1 Table (10 Invitations)
- Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day (10 Tickets)
$10,000 Supporter Sponsor
Includes:
- American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party—4 Invitations
- Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon—4 Invitations
- American Spirit Awards Gala—4 Invitations
- Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day (4 Tickets)
If you are interested in supporting the American Spirit Awards or the Museum's 25th Anniversary Celebrations as a sponsor, please contact Fundraising Events at FundraisingEvents@NationalWW2Museum.org.
American Spirit Awards Gala Presenting Sponsor
Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum Presenting Sponsor
Kevin G. Clifford Family
25th Anniversary Celebration Veterans and Military Engagement Sponsor
Eyes of the World Presenting Sponsor
Priddy Family Foundation
Echoes of Courage: Portraits at Normandy, 1944–2024 Presenting Sponsor
Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation
Anniversary Family and Member Day Presenting Sponsor
Timber and Peggy Floyd
Platinum Sponsors
The Atkinson and Sewell Families
Gold Sponsors
Richard C. Adkerson and Freeport-McMoRan Foundation
Boysie and Joy Bollinger
In memory of Richard L. Duchossois
Sherry and Alan Leventhal
In memory of Mark Rubin, child survivor of the Holocaust and Museum Trustee, Given by his family
Silver Sponsors
The Kotts' Family
Stephens Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. W. Gray Stream
Bronze Sponsors
Michael S. Bylen
Richard M. Currence
Hildebrand Fund
Ann and John E. Koerner III
John P. Laborde Family Foundation
Lamar Advertising
Merritt and Elly Lane
Kim and Scott D. Martin
Jimmy and Lillian Maurin
Gustaf W. McIlhenny Family Foundation
Joan Creamer McArdle and John J. McArdle III
Pixie and Jimmy Reiss
Phil and Jennifer Satre
Teddy and Doris Solomon Family
The Stuller Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. St. Denis J. Villere
Weggeland Family Fund
Supporting Sponsors
David and Stephanie Barksdale
Brandon and Daphne Berger
Paul and Kathleen Barletta
The Cooper Group
Timothy Forbes Family
Judith and Louis Freeman
Gayle Higgins Jones and Family
C. Jeffrey and Katherine Knittel
Mr. and Mrs. Massey Villarreal
Jones Walker LLP
Cherry Whitley, In Honor of father, Roy E. Whitley, WWII Vet
Stay at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center, the official on-campus hotel of The National WWII Museum!
American Spirit Awards Block and Rates Available May 28-31*
*Rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Higgins Hotel block rooms are not guaranteed to be available for all American Spirit Awards attendees.
