The West Point Association of Graduates is proud to announce that West Point’s Graduate Scholarship Program is now named the Brigadier General Peter M. Dawkins 1959 Scholars Program. Many at West Point and beyond know the name Pete Dawkins as the winner of the 1958 Heisman Trophy. However, BG (R) Pete Dawkins ’59 has distinguished himself not only as an athlete but also as a scholar, military leader, and business executive, from his time as a cadet throughout his career.
The naming of the Brigadier General Peter M. Dawkins 1959 Scholars Program was formally recognized at a dedication event on April 29 in Jefferson Hall. COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, welcomed guests and introduced remarks by Superintendent LTG Steven Gilland ’90 and COL Heidi Demarest ’01, Head of the Department of Social Sciences. Dawkins also spoke to attendees and reflected on the meaningfulness of having his name forever associated with the program.
“I look forward to watching their brilliance unfold, in the classroom, at the Pentagon, across the globe, wherever it is that our military is called to serve,” Dawkins said. “The 1959 Scholars Program will long outlive me. That’s as it is and how it should be. And my name, now proudly associated with it, will remain with each and every graduate scholar who carries its mission forward. That’s an honor I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
The event also featured a panel of past West Point Rhodes Scholars led by Dr. Hugh Liebert, Director of the Graduate Scholarship Program and Professor of American Politics. Grads featured on the panel included Timothy Lupfer ’72, John Tien ’87, BG Adam Ake, USAR ’97, Elizabeth McNally ’00, and MAJ Erin Mauldin ’14.
William G. Higgs ’74, a dedicated supporter of the Graduate Scholarship Program, was inspired to recommend this recognition by his admiration for Dawkins and the high standard he set for academic, service, and leadership excellence at West Point. Vincent J. Viola ’77, a generous supporter of the program, enthusiastically endorsed the idea.
Dawkins began a career of unparalleled accomplishments as a cadet at West Point. During his time at the Academy, he was president of his class, First Captain of the Corps of Cadets, and in the top of his class in academics. He was also an outstanding athlete who played football, ice hockey, and baseball. As an athlete, he was selected to the All-East hockey team, captained the undefeated 1958 Army football team, and won the prestigious Maxwell and Heisman Trophies. Dawkins is only the third cadet to win the Heisman. Due to his many athletic achievements, he was inducted to the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame in 1975. Upon graduation he received a Rhodes Scholarship and spent the next three years at Brasenose College, Oxford University in England, where he embarked on studies in the field of Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and also played rugby.
Dawkins received the Distinguished Graduate Award from WPAOG in 2002. He is also a member of WPAOG’s West Point Ready Campaign Cabinet.
Learn more about Dawkins and the Brigadier General Peter M. Dawkins 1959 Scholars Program in this video generously produced by the USMA SOSH Department:
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