On Monday, Dec. 6 in Nashville, Tn., the College of Human Sciences will honor Emmy award-winning entertainer, author, and philanthropist Kathie Lee Gifford and Dean Emeritus June Henton at the 28th annual International Quality of Life Awards, or IQLA.
The Auburn University College of Human Sciences launched IQLA in 1994 in conjunction with the United Nations International Year of the Family. For nearly three decades, IQLA has honored people and partnerships who have made significant and lasting contributions to individual, family, and community well-being locally and around the world. The black-tie awards gala is attended by guests from across the country as well as selected Auburn University students as part of the IQLA Study Tour.
“We look forward to bringing people together at the International Quality of Life Awards in Nashville to celebrate these outstanding honorees,” said Susan Hubbard, dean of the College of Human Sciences. “Many know Kathie Lee Gifford for her Emmy award-winning work through broadcasting, and with this award, we will shine a spotlight on her many philanthropic efforts that improve quality of life for children and families. This year is also especially exciting and meaningful for us in that we have the chance to honor our former dean, June Henton, for the impact she has made for human sciences, both here at Auburn University and at the national level.”
Past laureates of the International Quality of Life Award include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Rep. John Lewis, FEED CEO and co-founder Lauren Bush Lauren, and PBS NewsHour journalist and anchor Judy Woodruff.
2021 IQLA laureate Kathie Lee Gifford is an Emmy-winning television host, philanthropist, playwright, actress, singer/songwriter, and best-selling author.
Gifford’s philanthropic endeavors focus on improving quality of life for children and families. Through her partnership with the Association to Benefit Children, Gifford and her late husband, Frank, helped establish Cassidy’s Place and Cody House, named after their children, to provide respite care, education and shelter for children in need. For more than two decades, Gifford has served as an ambassador for Childhelp, and as the spokesperson for Childhelp’s “Speak Up Be Safe” abuse prevention education curriculum. Gifford also supports the New York City Rescue Mission, the International Justice Mission, the Salvation Army, and the Dream Center, which provides services from hunger relief to workforce training for families.
The IQLA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have achieved success in their chosen professions and brought honor to the State of Alabama and/or Auburn University. Past recipients include former professional athletes Bo Jackson and Charles Barkley, Tim and Kim Hudson, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and First Lady Patsy Riley, Lionel Richie, and most recently, orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Dean Emeritus June Henton will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of selfless service to the College of Human Sciences and as a national leader in the human sciences discipline. During her 34 years as dean, Henton established the Hunger Solutions Institute, Joseph S Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program, Hospitality Management Program, Women’s Philanthropy Board, Elmer and Glenda Harris Early Learning Center, International Quality of Life Awards, and the National Textile Center University Research Consortium. Her visionary leadership improved quality of life for countless students, faculty, staff, individuals, families, and communities at large.
This year marks the first celebration of IQLA in Nashville, Tn. The awards gala will be held Monday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
For more information about the 2021 International Quality of Life Awards, visit iqla.auburn.edu.