Nominees Judges

The Ascent will honor world figures, superstars, activists, and unsung heroes whose legacy of planetary stewardship will ignite enthusiasm and motivate whole communities, especially their youth. We will distinguish and honor our Ascent nominees as “Heroes of Hope.” In his or her own way, each hero is defining new criteria of peace, cooperation, and environmental integrity for the benefit of all living beings. Listed below are two potential nominees.

• Rupert Neudeck (Germany)
  radio journalist, humanitarian
  In 1978, Rupert Neudeck founded CAP ANAMUR a German Emergency Doctors Organization which later (in 1979) led to the rescue of 11,488 Vietnamese refugees. His organization now serves 30 countries.


• Maya Ying Lin (USA)
  peace builder
  This 21-year-old Yale architecture student designed the Vietnam War Memorial in 1980. Initially, her entry in the design competition was attacked for its aesthetics and even for Lin's heritage. However, this did not deter her efforts. Lin personally oversaw the construction process and the memorial was dedicated in 1982. Lin currently manages a design studio in New York City.

Download The Ascent concept document (PDF 104kb) to see a full description of this program, including a more extensive list of sample nominees.