Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs Dean Mark Weinberg (right) and Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis congratulate Pete Souza (center) on being honored with the 2018 Federal Government Alumni Award at the National Press Club in Washin

Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis, today, honored Pete Souza with the Outstanding Federal Government Alumnus Award at OHIO’s Seventh Annual Federal Government Alumni Luncheon.

Souza, a Washington-based freelance photographer and Professor Emeritus of Visual Communication at Ohio University, previously served as chief official White House photographer for both Presidents Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan.

Criteria for the Federal Government Alumnus Award include significant achievement in one’s profession, along with significant public service to the United States.

“Pete Souza has provided a great public service by telling our nation’s story through his well-honed lens. He has inspired numerous generations of photojournalists and students alike through his work as a White House photographer and as a faculty member at Ohio University,” said President Nellis. “We are so proud to have honored him today as our 2018 Outstanding Federal Government Alumnus.”

In his keynote address, Souza provided more than 150 graduates and friends of Ohio University with a personal, pictorial accounting of his time as White House photographer.

“I’m greatly honored to receive this award. And it has special meaning coming from my friends at Ohio University,” Souza said.

President Nellis expressed gratitude to all event attendees and shared exciting news as he announced the creation of the Ohio University Capital Internship, which will place an inaugural cohort of students with a DC internship experience starting in Spring 2019. In addition to their internship duties, Ohio University Capital Interns will participate in enrichment experiences organized specifically for them, such as events with distinguished alumni, sessions with OHIO faculty and staff visiting DC, and guided tours of significant area institutions.

“As the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, is the locus of American political and economic decision-making. As demonstrated by our alumni and friends who were present at today’s event, living and working here provides invaluable insight and experience that we can also share with our aspiring future leaders from Ohio University,” said Nellis. “By housing this new experience in Washington, the University will provide students with a true learning-by-doing laboratory for increasing societal and community engagement.”

The Federal Government Alumni Luncheon is an annual event hosted by Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis on behalf of OHIO’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs to connect former and current U.S. government employees with each other as well as University leadership. The luncheon celebrates the achievements of those alumni who have made a significant impact on policy and public service.

Pete Souza delivers the keynote address in front of a photo he took during former President Obama's administration.

President Nellis with Pete Souza outside of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.