IWP celebrates annual 2024 Gala at historic Library of Congress

On October 9^th, over 500 students, alumni, trustees, faculty, and supporters came together for IWP’s 2024 annual Gala. The event was hosted in the elegant and historic Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.

IWP President Amb. Aldona Woś welcomed the guests, noting the historical significance of the Library of Congress, which includes the personal library of Thomas Jefferson. Amb. Woś recognized the similarity between the attacks that faced the nation in Jefferson’s era and those we encounter today. These remarks spoke to the importance of the IWP mission: to arm students with the knowledge to “defend the freedoms that we hold so dear, allowing America to remain the world’s most prosperous, free, generous, and innovative country in history.”

Several faculty members, including Prof. John Tsagronis, Prof. Aaron Danis, and Dr. Anne Bradley gave remarks on national security in the 21^st Century.

Prof. John Tsagronis, who has served on the National Security Council, advised U.S. Special Operations Command, and teaches a class on U.S. National Security and Emerging Threats, discussed the biggest national security challenges the new president will face. He argued that among the big threats – diplomatic, military, economic, technological, and ideological, one of the largest threats is “from within” – the polarization of politics, the loss of confidence and respect for our political institutions, the lack of political leadership, and the decline in civic education and discourse.

Prof. Aaron Danis, a career terrorism and counterterrorism specialist who served throughout the intelligence community, spoke on potential threats from non-state actors and the future of counterterrorism. He discussed the importance of zealously fighting the war of ideas to combat violent terrorist ideologies.

Dr. Anne Bradley, an economics expert and a former analyst for the CIA on the economics of terrorism, spoke about the logistics of withholding money from bad actors. She discussed some reactive methods, including the interception of funds and general thwarting, and also some proactive measures, including consideration of the demand for terrorism and research-based mitigation strategies.

Amb. Woś wrapped up the program by asking Prof. Aaron Danis how he thinks IWP students will make a positive difference for national security. Prof. Danis noted that several of his students already are having a positive impact at places like the CIA, DIA, FBI, NORTHCOM, the Joint Staff, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

After the program, guests enjoyed chocolate martinis as they danced to the music of the famous Alex Donner Band from New York City.

The Gala served as the culmination of IWP’s annual Chancellor’s Council Meeting, in which our top supporters gathered for an evening reception at IWP on October 8^th, followed by a day of presentations by IWP students, alumni, and faculty at the St. Regis on October 9^th.

Michael DiCianna, IWP M.A. Candidate and Research Fellow with IWP’s Center for Intermarium Studies, discussed the Ukraine war, drawing insights from his own visit to Ukraine in August.

Dr. Christopher C. Harmon spoke about the Reagan doctrine and its relevance today, and Dr. Sara Vakhshouri discussed energy security.

IWP alumnus Cyrus Miryekta, CEO and Founder of Ravelin U.S., gave a talk on counterintelligence and innovation. Another alumnus, Dr. Matthew Jenkins, discussed U.S. space policy.

Mr. Bradley Bowman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies joined the event as a special guest, and he spoke about the war in the Middle East and what will happen next.

IWP alumnus and professor Dr. Tim McCranor finished up the day with a talk on Civic Thought and Statecraft.

The Chancellor’s Council Meeting and Gala were a wonderful celebration of IWP’s mission and success, as well as our incredible supporters who help make it possible.

Learn more about joining the Chancellor’s Council here.

Many Thanks to our Gala Sponsors:

Founder

Louis DeJoy & Aldona Wos Family Foundation

Statesman

Anonymous

Ambassador

Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting LLC

Commander

High Point University
Kranjac Tripodi & Partners LLP
John and Cynthia Lovewell
The Ty and Judy McCoy Foundation
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Jackie Wieland of Stifel

Suzan Zimmerman and John Garvey

Guardian

American Council of Trustees and Alumni
Elon University
Peter and Elizabeth Gray
Heidi and Jay Leupp
Steve Lopes
Movement for The Renaissance Of Vietnam
Burk and Elise Murchison
Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union
Marc Rogers and Jane Major
Ann and Barry Sullivan
Naoma Tate and Tim White

Patriot

Gazali Charitable Foundation, Jason Gary L. DelVitto Trustee
Luke Jaeger
Hon. Edward F. Reilly
Hon. Peter and Kathie Schaumber
John and Jenifer Smyth
Hon. Curtin Winsor

Eagle

American Council on Women Peace and Security
Blackwell HR Solutions
Breaux and Pat Castleman
Robert Clyatt
Daniel Corrin
James Gannon and Claire Barnard
Laura Genero, In memory of Lt. Col. Peter P. Genero
Capt. and Mrs. Chris Glass, Sr., USN (Ret.)
James and Karen Harris
Deborah Harwell
Hillsdale College
www.instantcard.net
Mr. & Mrs. Kotowski
Kurdish Protection Action Committee KPAC
Martha Lewis
Loyola University Sellinger School of Business
Lynx Intelligence
Rear Admiral James McManamon
National Defense Lab
Hon. Matthew O’Brien
Omniplatform
Pacific Islander Air Transport LLC
Clinton and Shellie Potter
The Renaissance Center For Plastic Surgery & Wellness, Pa
Ttck LLC
Dr. David F. Turner and Ms. Kathy Turner
University of North Carolina Pembroke
Wos & Wos Development Corp.
Dr. Greg Zacharias and Carol Hattrup