Arnold Schwarzenegger Arnold Schwarzenegger is a very successful athlete, actor, businessman, and philanthropist. Born in Graz, Austria, Mr. Schwarzenegger was encouraged from a young age by his father to become involved in athletics in order to develop a strong sense of determination, a trait that evolved into nothing short of a dogged pursuit of excellence in every aspect of his life. When Mr. Schwarzenegger was 15 years old he set a goal for himself: to be the best-built man in the world. At the age of 20 Mr. Schwarzenegger was the youngest Mr. Universe in history, and by 23 he had won every bodybuilding title including Mr. Olympia.

Mr. Schwarzenegger then turned his attention to acting. He has become one of the most successful entertainers in box office history with such hit movies as "Terminator," "Twins," "Kindergarten Cop" and "True Lies."

Mr. Schwarzenegger's proudest accomplishments include his countless contributions to philanthropic organizations around the world. He was the International Weight Training Coach of the Special Olympics in 1979, served as the Chairman for the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and in 1990 was appointed by President George Bush as Chairman of the President's National Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Schwarzenegger has been committed to after school programming in the United States since this appointment. During his tenure he toured the country visiting schools and saw first-hand the need for more physical fitness and educational programming designed to start when the school day ends.

In 1991, Schwarzenegger began a term as Executive Commissioner of the Hollenbeck Inner-City Games in Los Angeles and four years later, in collaboration with Hollenbeck's Director Danny Hernandez, Schwarzenegger established the Inner-City Games Foundation. The Games were created to provide opportunities for under-privileged children to participate in educational, computer technology, cultural and community enrichment programs while engaging in sports activities after school, weekends and during the summer.

Mr. Schwarzenegger was recently named National Chairman of the Afterschool Alliance Program. The Lights On Afterschool program was organized to bring attention to the need for more afterschool resources. Mr. Schwarzenegger has his BA degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin, and his humanitarian contributions subsequently garnered him an Honorary Doctorate from the university. Additional Infomation on Mr. Schwarzenegger


Return to Meet the Honorees