You are here: American University Initiatives Wonk of the Year

Wonk of the Year 2019 John Kasich

Award ceremony March 21 in AU's Bender Arena
Full Story

Back to top

American University has chosen its 2019 Wonk of the Year: respected political leader John Kasich.

Kasich’s selection, says Kennedy Political Union director Yazan Hanouneh, is based on his record and experiences. “We wanted to award John Kasich with the Wonk of the Year because he has a pretty accomplished record, as the governor of Ohio and a former presidential candidate. And as a former congressman, he was instrumental in balancing the budget.”

Kasich has had a rich and varied career in public life. He started at the local level as a legislative aide and state senator, before getting elected to the US House of Representatives and later serving as the powerful chair of the House Budget Committee. After working in the private sector and hosting his own Fox News show, he served two terms as Ohio governor and ran a presidential campaign for the Republican nomination in 2016.

Wonk of the Year presented by Kennedy Political Union and American University College Republicans.

Event Information

Thursday, March 21, 2017 — 7:00 pm  Tickets required

Bender Arena
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016

KPU: Kennedy Political Union

The Kennedy Political Union (KPU) is American University’s non-partisan, student-run, student-funded speakers bureau.

Learn about KPU

Previous Wonks of the Year

Malala Yousafzai with President Burwell

Malala Yousafzai

The advocate for girls' education and champion of human rights was named Wonk of the Year in 2017.

Malala's Story

Donna Brazile speaks at a podium in front of an American University banner

Donna Brazile

The political strategist and first female presidential campaign manager was named Wonk of the Year in 2016.

Donna's Story

Laura Bush speaking at a podium, a wonk banner in the background

Laura Bush

Former First Lady Laura Bush was named Wonk of the Year in 2015.

Laura's Story

Anderson Cooper speaking at a podium

Anderson Cooper

The CNN anchor was named Wonk of the Year in 2013.

Anderson's Story

President Bill Clinton speaks in front of an American University banner

President Bill Clinton

Former President Bill Clinton accepted the inaugural Wonk of the Year award in 2012.

Bill's Story

About the Award

The Wonk of the Year award recognizes a well-known individual who represents the embodiment of a wonk—someone smart, passionate, focused, and engaged who uses their knowledge and influence to create meaningful change in the world.