Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley will receive one of Princeton University's top alumni awards, the Ivy League institution announced.
Milley, who graduated from Princeton in 1980, will receive the Woodrow Wilson Award.
Also being honored is James Heckman, a Nobel laureate in economics who is on the faculty of the University of Chicago. Heckman, who earned a Ph.D. in economics from Princeton in 1971, will receive the James Madison Medal.
Both men will be honored during Alumni Day activities on campus Feb. 20.
The Woodrow Wilson Award is "a prestigious award, and I am honored and humbled to be this year's recipient," Milley said in a statement.
The Woodrow Wilson Award is bestowed annually by the university upon an undergraduate alumnus or alumna whose career embodies the call to duty in Wilson's famous speech, "Princeton in the nation's service," according to information from the university. A Princeton graduate, Wilson served as president of the university, governor of New Jersey and U.S. president.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter, shown visiting troops, will receive an award for public service on Oct. 29.
Photo Credit: Sgt. Bailey Kramer/Army
In a similar vein, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter will receive the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, which is a different award than the one Milley will receive. Carter will be honored Thursday night by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars with the award, which recognizes individuals who have served with distinction in public life and have shown a special commitment to seeking informed opinions and thoughtful views, according to the center. Past honorees include policymakers, philanthropists, scientists, civic and religious leaders, and celebrities who have excelled in their fields while leaving a deep impact on their communities.
Milley was sworn in as the Army's top officer in August.
"With his longstanding career with the U.S. military, Gen. Mark Milley exemplifies service," said Cecilia Rouse, dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, in a statement. "For more than three decades, Milley has served as a strong and dependable leader, dedicating his life to our nation. He is an ideal choice for this year's Woodrow Wilson School Award, and I am very pleased he was selected."
Milley was a member of ROTC at Princeton. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in politics.
He has master's degrees in international relations from Columbia University and in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
In the Army, Milley has served in the 82nd Airborne Division and 5th Special Forces Group. He also served with the 7th Infantry Division, the 10th Mountain Division, the 25th Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne Division.
Milley, an infantryman and native of the Boston area, also served on the operations staff of the Joint Staff and as a military assistant to the defense secretary.
