History was made Friday evening, October 16, at Points of Light Institute’s Presidential Forum on Service at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

President Barack Obama joined President George H. W. Bush in honoring individual service and celebrating volunteerism’s tremendous gains during the past two decades under the Points of Light leadership. The unique gathering highlighted the immeasurable value of service and served as a moment for President Obama and former President Bush to inspire a new generation to serve. "In the end, service binds us to each other and to our community and to our country in a way that nothing else can," Obama said. Bush, introducing Obama, said he “is absolutely right. There isn't a more important time than now for us all to get involved."

During the forum, Mallory Meyers of Texas A&M was presented a Daily Point of Light Award for organizing more than 1,500 service projects involving 13,000 students in a single day. Approximately 150 of more than 4,000 other past Daily Point of Light winners attended the forum.

Walter Isaacson, President and CEO of The Aspen Institute, chaired panels at the Service Leaders Roundtable and Presidential Forum. Panelists included Gregg Petersmeyer, who implemented Points of Light as staff member for President Bush; Harris Wofford, former U.S. Senator and former CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service; Stephen Goldsmith, Corporation for National and Community Service; and Sonal Shah, head of the White House Office of Social Innovation. Their discussion led to innovative ideas such as using new technology in service, utilizing the increasing number of retirees in the population and helping children improve their performances in math and science through new program for teachers. Other speakers included Bobbi Silten, chief officer of the Gap Foundation and Robert Marbut, Jr., Board Chairman of OneStar Foundation.

The legacy of President George H.W. Bush was honored at the event, as well as the inspirational ideas of President Barack Obama. The event served as a key moment in time to look back collectively and be inspired and enthused about the future of service.

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Points of Light Highlight Video

Thank You
Points of Light Institute is enormously grateful to our Presidential Forum Partners whose generosity has made this memorable occasion possible.

Presenting: University of Phoenix

Gold: The Honorable and Mrs. Hushang Ansary, Stewart & Stevenson LLC, Target and The Washington Times Foundation

Bronze: Bank of America, Gap Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co., OneStar Foundation and David R. Voelker

Friends: Capital One, Cause Consulting, George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, Global Peace Festival Foundation/Global Peace Service Alliance, IBM and Texas A&M University