On July 15, a record number of supporters, alumni and students of The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) gathered at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., for the 36th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner, raising more than $500,000, the most scholarship support raised in the event’s history. The celebration honored outstanding leaders in business and government and championed the next generation’s rise to leadership.
Led by three Dinner Sponsors, the American Petroleum Institute, Comcast Universal and PhRMA, along with Reception Sponsor DeJoy-Woś Family Foundation, this record amount raised at the dinner will provide undergraduate students with scholarships to attend the TFAS D.C. Summer Academic Internship Program in the Business + Government Relations track.
The unprecedented number of sponsors underscores the surging support for TFAS’s mission to cultivate courageous leaders inspired and equipped to preserve the ideas of individual liberty, personal responsibility and economic freedom for years to come.
View the full list of sponsors here.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Connor Riley ’26, a student from Arizona State University, spoke about his experience in the TFAS Business + Government Relations program track this summer, thanking TFAS and its supporters for providing him with an incredible opportunity.
“I think I speak for everyone here and everyone who was a former intern here when I say that TFAS has made this summer an amazing and rewarding experience,” Riley said. “I want to thank all the sponsors who fund this amazing program because without you, we couldn’t have any of this.”
Funds raised by the Annual TFAS Scholarship Awards Dinner provide scholarships to promising students like Riley to spend a summer living, learning and interning in the nation’s capital. Students leave D.C. with a deeper appreciation for America’s economic system and an invaluable professional foundation that propels them toward their future careers.
AWARDS & HONOREES
To start the program, TFAS President Roger Ream ’76 presented the 2026 Kevin Burket Alumni Service Award to Joseph Lai ’01, PPF ’07, a principal with BGR Group. Lai was recognized for his years of service to TFAS students and alumni as a student mentor, member of the Alumni Council and TFAS Regent.
In his acceptance speech, Lai reflected on the impact TFAS first had on him as a student 25 years ago and the lasting influence it has had ever since.
“TFAS has been an integral part of my life and my professional career at every single stage: as a Capitol Hill staffer, as a White House staffer and today now working in government affairs at BGR Group,” Lai said. “I’m really, really grateful to Roger and the TFAS family for this great honor.”
Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska announced Senator David McCormick of Pennsylvania as the 2026 Congressional Leadership Award recipient, recognizing his leadership in Congress and exceptional dedication to strengthening America. Senator Sullivan, the 2021 Congressional Leadership Award recipient, emphasized the importance of honorable leadership in today’s political landscape.
“The battle of big ideas, particularly relating to the forms of government and what works and what doesn’t, is once again upon us in America,” said Senator Sullivan. “That’s why TFAS’s work is so important. Honorable leadership, more than anything else I can think of, can cut through the cynicism and draw the young people this organization is dedicated to toward the importance of principled public service.”
In his acceptance remarks, Senator McCormick emphasized how TFAS supporters are critical to developing the next generation of courageous citizens.
“Your support makes a powerful difference in our nation’s future by enabling students with outstanding leadership potential to attend the TFAS program,” Senator McCormick said. “They are learning to be honorable leaders through the mentorship and guidance you provide as internship supervisors.”
53rd Speaker of the House John Boehner introduced Mike Sommers, chief executive of the American Petroleum Institute (API), as the recipient of the 2026 Business Leadership Award. Sommers was recognized for his unparalleled leadership at API, the largest trade association representing all aspects of America’s natural gas and oil industry.
Speaker Boehner introduced Sommers to the audience by highlighting his unrelenting courage and commitment to public service throughout his career.
“Today, Mike Sommers is exactly where he should be, exactly where we need him,” said Speaker Boehner. “Fighting to protect our constitutional democracy through economic freedom, principled leadership, decency and common sense. There’s no better role model for the next generation of American leaders than Michael Sommers.”
In accepting the award, Sommers lauded students for their participation in the TFAS program and offered advice on how to get the most out of their careers. He credited TFAS with providing an indispensable education for students.
“At exactly the right moment, during a time of significant social change, they gave us The Fund for American Studies,” Sommers said. “TFAS remains essential because it gives young people more than a Washington internship. It gives them a framework for understanding why free societies, free markets and free people require constant defense and renewal.”
TFAS remains essential because it gives young people more than a Washington internship. It gives them a framework for understanding why free societies, free markets and free people require constant defense and renewal.” – Mike Sommers
TFAS extends immense gratitude to the 2026 Dinner Committee for ensuring the evening’s success and to the Scholarship Dinner sponsors for their overwhelming support in making the evening possible. TFAS thanks Masters of Ceremonies Jade West, TFAS trustee, and Kirk Blalock of Fierce Government Relations, for their work preparing for and skillfully leading the evening’s unforgettable program.
Watch the 2026 TFAS Scholarship Awards Dinner below.