College of Human Sciences honors Gates, Davis at 32nd annual International Quality of Life Awards in Washington D.C.

“It is our first time to bring the International Quality of Life Awards to our nation’s capital, and this crowd makes up the largest yet to attend IQLA — making history this evening,” said College of Human Sciences Dean Susan Hubbard. “Our honorees’ perseverance, dedication and impact on improving the lives of others mirror the timeless values reflected here at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium — a place built to elevate important moments, much like tonight’s celebration of our honorees’ extraordinary contributions.”

While IQLA is new to Washington D.C., the nation’s capital is certainly familiar territory to Gates, where a defining chapter of his career was spent serving as the nation’s 22nd Secretary of Defense under both Republican and Democratic presidents — navigating some of our nation’s most critical security challenges with integrity and collaboration across political perspectives.

Gates’ decorated career spans decades and perfectly aligns with the College of Human Sciences' mission statement to enhance quality of life and change the world through his background in public service, higher education leadership, philanthropy and through his work with the Robert M. Gates Global Policy Center, the Eisenhower Fellowships and the Holdsworth Center.

Lt. Col. Meredith Young, commander, Air Force ROTC at Auburn University and alumna presented the IQLA Laureate Award to Gates, who she described as an honored statesman whose life and career reflect extraordinary achievement, character, humility and moral courage that defines true leadership.

“It is very humbling and exciting for me to honor Dr. Gates some 18 years after he signed the very document that commissioned me into the United States Air Force in 2007,” said Young. “In his book ‘A Passion for Leadership,’ Dr. Gates describes the best definition of a leader as ‘one who guides, one who shows the way,’ which is exactly what he has and continues to do for our great nation and beyond. You, sir, are a leader whom we can learn from and emulate for years to come.”

Gates served eight U.S. presidents across both parties and has the distinction of being the only secretary of defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in office by a newly elected president. On Gates’ last day in office, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

In addition, Gates served as President of Texas A&M University and as director of Central Intelligence. Known for his steady leadership through pivotal moments, including the end of the Cold War and U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Being honored as the 2025 IQLA Laureate recipient adds to Gates’ impressive list of accolades including the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, a three-time recipient of the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal and a three-time recipient of the CIA’s highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.

During his remarks, Gates spoke of how his life plans changed from being an aspiring surgeon to instead devoting his life to public service after he made a D in freshman calculus.

The swap to public service proved to be the correct choice.

“Students and ambitious young people will often ask me how I got to where I’m sitting today and my answer I think disappoints them because the bad news is you have to do all the hard work of preparation and then chance or luck comes into play,” said Gates.

The luck Gates alluded to came from a phone call in 1999 from President George H.W. Bush when Texas A&M needed an interim dean.

Gates accepted, and what began as an interim role, flourished into him accepting a full-time role as dean.

“I’m convinced that had I not agreed to do this small favor for Bush, I would never have become the president at Texas A&M and I strongly believe had I not become the president of Texas A&M, I would never have become Secretary of Defense,” said Gates. “It all started with a small favor for a friend that changed the course of my life.”

Gates said Bush referred to public service as a “noble calling” and after 60 years of public service, Gates has more than fulfilled that duty and calling.

“I want to encourage the students here at Auburn to make public service a part of your life and career because the nation needs committed, young people of character and integrity,” said Gates. “The nation needs you, and you will never regret it.”

Presenting the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Jan Davis was L. Nick Davis, President and CEO of the Davis Companies. The two met back in 1999 when they both served on the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors. 

“From the very beginning, I could tell she had that unmistakable mix of intelligence, poise and quiet determination — the kind that makes you lean in and listen when she speaks,” said Nick Davis. “Her combination of courage and humility — has defined her life’s work. Whether she’s speaking to students, mentoring young engineers, or inspiring the next generation of explorers, Jan shows us that leadership isn’t about titles or achievements. It’s about lifting others up — showing them what’s possible when they believe in themselves.”

Jan Davis has inspired generations through her remarkable career in space exploration and leadership. Over more than a decade at NASA, she served as a mission specialist on three space shuttle flights, spending more than 673 hours in space. Her pioneering work as an astronaut, engineer, and later as an executive helped advance both the frontiers of exploration and the culture of safety within NASA.

“I’m most appreciative and honored to receive this award and I’m so glad the College of Human Sciences acknowledges those who contribute to the quality of life for others,” said Davis. “When I was selected to be an astronaut, the first person I called was my mother who told me, ‘Put God first, then your country and go for it.’”

Davis’ accolades include being a member of the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame and the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame. In 2002, she was given the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive. Additionally, she has received NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal, Space Medal and Outstanding Leadership Medal.

She spoke of the challenges of breaking through in the field of engineering as a female that was typically a male dominated field at the time. Davis’ self-described perseverance and stubbornness is one reason she has succeeded in her career.

As a decorated NASA astronaut and getting to view the earth a rare few get to experience in space, Davis equated IQLA and the importance of quality of life to how we should treat the earth and each other as humans.

“When I looked out the window at our incredibly beautiful earth, the view gave me two overwhelming impressions,” said Davis. “The first impression was that earth is home to all of us. No matter where we are from, I realized there were no borders and no division of states, countries or cities. It made such an impact on me, and I felt that if everyone could have this view of earth, maybe we would take better care of each other and look out for each other and not fight with each other. The second impression is that earth is very fragile. I could see the effects of pollution in the atmosphere, the water and damage to nature. We should all be stewards to this place we call home and take care of it.”

Beyond her distinguished NASA career, Davis is also an accomplished author. Her first book, Air Born: Two Generations in Flight, chronicles the remarkable parallel journeys of her own career as an astronaut and her father’s service as a World War II B-17 pilot who was shot down over Holland in 1943 and held as a prisoner of war. She later published a second companion book that features her father’s war log and cartoon sketches written and created during his time as a POW.

Now a consultant and speaker, Davis enjoys working with her non-profit organization, AstraFemina, to encourage girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and math careers.

This year’s celebration perfectly blended the significance of an iconic city with an awards program dedicated to advancing well-being and improving quality of life around the world. Both Gates and Davis demonstrate a strong commitment to empowerment through public policy, educational programs and community engagement.

The IQLA Study Tour, another significant component of the International Quality of Life Awards, presents an opportunity for College of Human Sciences students to network with Auburn alumni and leadership and industry leaders, while serving as ambassadors for the college. The students experienced the nation’s capital — by visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the touring of monuments, taking a visit to DC Central Kitchen, a walking food tour and more.

Virginia Dent, a senior majoring in nutrition and wellness and pre-physical therapy, said she enjoyed many aspects of the study tour but ultimately it was an honor to be one of the eight students selected to represent the college as ambassadors in Washington, D.C.

“It’s an honor to be able to go to the nation’s capital and be where our state representatives are located,” said Dent. “To represent Auburn University and the College of Human Sciences is a major honor.”

President Roberts commended the College of Human Sciences on the remarkable three decades of success IQLA has sustained and the excitement of making history in D.C.

“Much like our shared vison at Auburn, one that’s rooted in excellence, focused on hard work and service to others, IQLA meets that mark,” said Roberts. “Tonight’s honorees truly embody the spirit of IQLA and Auburn University. Dean Hubbard, it’s a privilege to make history together tonight, and we commend you and the College of Human Sciences for hosting this celebration tonight with exceptional hospitality committed to the human spirit.”

“Now in its fourth decade, the International Quality of Life Awards continue to build momentum and expand their reach,” said Hubbard. “The presence of Auburn’s senior leadership and deans from across campus, along with our growing audience in new cities, reflects the strength and purpose of this award. At its heart is the Auburn way — the Human Sciences way — lifting others higher than ourselves and advancing quality of life for all.”