John Quincy Adams Society Honors Julia Gledhill with Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award

Washington, D.C. — The John Quincy Adams Society proudly presented its first-ever Distinguished Alumni Award during its annual holiday gathering, recognizing outstanding contributions by program alumni who advance the Society’s mission of promoting realism and restraint in U.S. foreign policy.

*Julia Gledhill receives the Distinguished Alumni Award from JQAS executive director John Allen Gay.*

This year’s honoree is Julia Gledhill, a research analyst with the National Security Reform Program at the Stimson Center, celebrated for her impactful work on Pentagon budget issues and her efforts to educate both policymakers and the public on defense spending.

The award was presented by the Society’s founding executive director, John Allen Gay, before an audience of JQAS program alumni and foreign policy professionals. In his remarks, Gay highlighted Gledhill’s trajectory, noting that it reflects the journey of the Society itself—from being exclusively on campuses and for students, to having a center of gravity in Washington among professionals and alumni. Gledhill was the chair of the Society’s chapter at Colorado College, a chapter that has “produced several stars”. Now, she is an impactful expert on Pentagon spending issues, appearing regularly in the media and on panels.

Peer nominations describe Gledhill as “a strong advocate, powerful communicator, and reliable researcher,” and praise her commitment to mentoring others and fostering collaboration. “She truly defines that rising tides raise all boats,” said one supporter.

In accepting the award, Gledhill reflected on her long-standing involvement with the Society and expressed gratitude for the recognition.

The John Quincy Adams Society’s Distinguished Alumni Award celebrates alumni who advance the Society’s mission or serve the public good through their professional achievements. Julia Gledhill’s work exemplifies both.

CITATION

The John Quincy Adams Society’s Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes and celebrates program alumni who through the course of their work have advanced the Society, promoted its mission of furthering Realism and Restraint, or served the public good.

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award goes to Julia Gledhill, research analyst at the National Security Reform Program at the Stimson Center, for her work on the Pentagon budget and her efforts to educate members of the public and the Society about defense spending issues.