Great American Award: 2025 Awakening

Our Great American Award is presented annually at the Awakening to a leader who has epitomized the American dream through their hard work, perseverance, and integrity. They have helped to lead our nation, strengthen our communities, and build a country where families can flourish. Our past awardees have led lives devoted to military and public service, ministry and movement building. The award was created by the Amos family in honor of William Amos, Sr., who, along with his brothers (and with only one college degree among them), created the company Aflac.

The 2025 Great American Award was presented to Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College. Dr. Arnn was selected for the award because of his devotion to educating the next generation about America’s founding principles, the great patriots who fought to protect them, and the institutions that passed on those principles.

“As our country endures battles over our history, our language, and even the meaning of America, Larry Arnn’s steadfast belief that all men are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights has inspired students and faculty, parents and philanthropists, elected leaders and citizens,” Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts said in presenting Arnn with the award.