AIAC AT THE 2024 LOWELL THOMAS ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER AND GALA FOR THE EXPLORERS CLUB
For Immediate Release
Austin, Texas – November 1 - 3, 2024 –AIAC and its affiliates, sponsors of the Explorers Club, joined in its 2024 Lowell Thomas Awards Dinner and Gala, held in Austin, Texas on the evening of November 2, 2024. Events surrounding the Awards Dinner Weekend included private visits to the Tesla Global Headquarters and Gigafactory, the NASA Johnson Space Center, the Texas State Capitol building, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. AIAC and its affiliates, Bradford Space, Arnprior Aerospace, SuperAlloy Manufacturing Solutions, Canadian Kraft Paper Industries, Champlain Cable, and Umbilicals International are corporate partners of the Explorers Club. AIAC Chairman L. M. Levie serves as Trustee of the Explorers Club, Member of its Legacy Society, and Chairman of its Reciprocity Committee.
The Lowell Thomas Award recognizes extraordinary explorers from around the world. The award is named for Lowell Jackson Thomas, the celebrated American writer, broadcasters, explorer, and original investor in Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., now owned by The Walt Disney Company. Lowell Thomas served as the Explorers Club’s Honorary President from 1967 until his death in 1981. The Explorers Club’s iconic headquarters in New York is known as the Lowell Thomas Building.
The Awards Gala was organized by the Texas Chapter of the Explorers Club and held at the ballroom of the historic Driskoll Hotel in downtown Austin. The Master of Ceremonies was Dan Goodgame, Editor-in-Chief, Texas Monthly. Mr. Goodgame is a journalist, bestselling author, and Pulitzer-prize finalist. Mr. Goodgame has been a White House correspondent and Washington bureau chief for Time Magazine, a correspondent in the Middle East for The Miami Herald, and now oversees Texas Monthly, where he manages its print magazine, website, videos, podcasts, books, live events, TV shows and movies on the Lone Star State.
The Honorary Hosts for the Gala were the following distinguished members of the Explorers Club and recipients of its coveted Explorers Medal:
Sylvia Earle, PhD was awarded the Explorer Medal in 1996 and was in the first group of women to be elected to the Club in 1981. She is an Explorer-in-Residence at National Geographic and was named Time Magazine’s first “Hero of the Planet” for her work to save the oceans. The founder of Mission Blue, “Her Deepness” has established more than 200 marine protected areas around the world.
Johan Reinhard, PhD was awarded the Explorer Medal in 2002 and is an Honorary Director of the Club. He has conducted anthropological research for more than 10 years in western Nepal and explored Tibetan Buddhist sacred valleys throughout the Himalayas. He is best known for discovering frozen Inca ice mummies on the mountain summits in the Andes. New DNA testing is bringing new facts to light about these mummies and Dr. Reinhard will begin new research in Peru in November.
Kathryn Sullivan, PhD was awarded the Explorers Medal in 2007 and was in the first group of women to be elected to membership in the Club in 1981. She is both an oceanographer and astronaut, helped design the Hubble Telescope, and was the first American woman to walk in space, as well as the first woman to dive to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench (with Victor Vescovo).
Victor Vescovo was awarded the Explorer Medal in 2020 and has completed the famous “Explorers Grand Slam” by climbing the world’s highest mountains—the Seven Summits—and skiing to the North and South Poles. He also flew to space on a Blue Origin mission in 2022 and has descended to the deepest points in all five oceans and discovered the two deepest shipwrecks in history.
At the ceremony, The Lowell Thomas Award was conferred on 7 individuals from around the world:
https://www.explorers.org/announcing-the-2024-lowell-thomas-awardees/
On a somber moment at the Awards Dinner, AIAC Chairman Levie addressed the club, noting “On August 30, we were heartbroken to learn that one of our newest members, Karla Dana, lost her life while on an expedition. She was part of a six-person international crew attempting to sail more than 500 nautical miles from The Faroe Islands to Norway in a replica of a Viking boat which tragically capsized in rough seas. Sadly, Karla was 29 years old.” He then recited the following poetic tribute which he had composed in her honor:
AIAC Chairman L. M. Levie commented, “It was a privilege to participate in the 2024 Lowell Thomas Awards Gala and weekend events. I enjoyed meeting my dear friends from the club’s far-flung chapters in Texas, Washington DC, California, Florida, Canada, Great Britain and Ireland, Europe, Asia and beyond. This year’s Annual Dinner and Awards theme was ‘Pathfinders,’ a celebration of the trail blazing spirit of explorers and entrepreneurs who are found in abundance in the state of Texas.”
Mr. Levie continued, “Texas is home to four modern production facilities for Champlain Cable and Umbillicals International. Champlain Cable has proudly supplied Tesla since its inception with precision wire and cable, so Friday’s tour of Tesla’s immense Gigafactory was particularly exciting to me.”
For further information on the 2024 Lowell Thomas Awards, please see:
https://www.explorers.org/calendar-of-events/ltad-2024/
About American Industrial Acquisition Corporation
American Industrial Acquisition Corporation (AIAC) is a diversified industrial group with manufacturing and distribution sites in 24 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. AIAC has acquired and grown non-core subsidiaries and divisions of Boeing, Siemens, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Johnson Controls, Merck, Pfizer, Astellas, Visteon, Carlyle, Ahlstrom, Tolko, Groupe Suez, Groupe Rexel, and many other leading multinational corporations.
AIAC companies serve companies and governmental entities worldwide in all major sectors, including aviation, space, defense, automotive, truck, rail, marine, petrochemical, solar, nuclear, food, confectionary, beverage, civil engineering and infrastructure, commercial construction, mining, dredging, disaster relief, education, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. AIAC companies manufacture materials, components, assemblies, packaging, equipment, and finished products. In addition, AIAC companies are exclusive, authorized distributors of leading branded industrial and consumer products throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. AIAC is a leading manufacturer of building, street, and highway signage in Europe, signage and illumination structures in North America, and a distributor of electrical products throughout France.
Of note, AIAC purchased Boeing Canada in 2005 and has produced over 10,000 unique components for every Boeing jet plane ever since, reliably serving Boeing from manufacturing facilities in North America. A leader in ultra-high precision jet engine component manufacturing, AIAC companies produce 2,200 fan blades and blisks for each jet engine produced by GE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, and Honeywell. AIAC companies produce the critical automotive wire and cable for Tesla, GM, Ford, Chrysler- Fiat, Toyota, and Nissan. In connection with its kraft paper manufacturing interests in Canada and the US, AIAC controls and sustainably manages 22 million acres of Manitoba, Canada forestland, an area equivalent in size to the nation of Hungary.
AIAC companies actively support exploration into outer space, manufacturing critical components for launching and propelling spacecraft and satellites. AIAC customers in this sector include NASA, the European Space Agency, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing. AIAC companies also lead in the design and manufacture of undersea umbilical cables for worldwide oceanographic research.
Another AIAC affiliate, located in Germany, designs, manufactures and distributes high performance emergency portable power generators required during natural disasters, including extreme climate events worldwide. Clients include government agencies and the International Red Cross.
For further information, please see:
About AIAC Philanthropy
AIAC and the AIAC Foundation support a wide range of nonprofit, nonsectarian, bipartisan organizations which promote international conflict resolution, disaster relief, economic development, environmental sustainability, and exploration. The exploration-focused nonprofit organizations which they actively support include the Explorers Club, the National Geographic Society, the Royal Geographical Society, the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Space Society, and the United States Space Foundation.
In recent months, AIAC Companies have proudly served as a corporate sponsor of Hubert Sagniere’s historic circumnavigation of the earth in a single-engine plane (www.flightaroundtheglobe.com).
AIAC’s other beneficiaries include the Appeal of the Nobel Peace Laureates Foundation Inc., the Asia Society, the Atlantic Council, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - Gates Philanthropy Partners, the Bretton Woods Committee, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Carter Center, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Economic Club of New York, the Foreign Policy Association, the Institut Française des Relations Internationales, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Crisis Group, the International Rescue Committee, the Japan Society, the JFK School of Government of Harvard University, the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), the Sierra Club, and the Trilateral Commission.
For further information, see:
https://www.aiac.com/our-values
About the Explorers Club
The Explorers Club is a world-renowned international organization dedicated to promoting scientific exploration and field research across land, sea, air, and space. Founded in 1904 in New York City, the club was created to unite explorers, scientists, and adventurers involved in expeditions to uncharted territories, providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge and collaboration on significant discoveries. Its mission is to advance the cause of exploration, encourage scientific research, and inspire the next generation of explorers.
The club was born from the vision of a group of prominent adventurers and scientists, including Henry Collins Walsh, Adolphus Greely, and Carl Lumboltz, who sought a place where those pushing the limits of human endurance and curiosity could gather. Early on, the club became a meeting ground for individuals who were mapping the world’s unknown regions, from the polar ice caps to the deepest jungles. Over time, the Explorers Club attracted some of the greatest explorers and scientific minds in history.
Famous members of the club include many iconic figures who have made their mark on history. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States and an avid explorer of the Amazon and Africa, was an honorary member. Aviator Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, was a pioneering member, as was Walter Cronkite, the legendary news anchor who chronicled many of the 20th century’s great scientific achievements. Astronauts John Glen and Neil Armstrong, the first to walked on the moon, were also members.
Other notable members include Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Mount Everest, Charles Lindbergh, who made the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight, and Thor Heyerdahl, known for the Kon-Tiki expedition across the Pacific. The club’s roster also includes oceanographer Sylvia Earle, deep-sea explorer Robert Ballard, who discovered the wreck of the Titanic. It is also known for embracing the next generation of explorers, such as modern-day space pioneers and conservationists.
The club’s headquarters, located at 46 East 70th Street in Manhattan, is a historic landmark filled with artifacts, maps, and memorabilia from expeditions around the globe. The building serves as a meeting place for members, and it regularly hosts lectures, special events, and its famed annual dinner, which attracts the world's leading explorers and scientists. The Explorers Club Flag, first introduced in 1918, is awarded to expeditions of scientific merit, and has been carried to the highest mountains, the deepest oceans, the North and South Poles, and even to the moon.
Today, the Explorers Club continues to support and sponsor expeditions in fields ranging from archaeology and anthropology to oceanography and space exploration. The club provides grants and fellowships to emerging explorers, while also educating the public about the importance of conservation and exploration. Its motto, "To the Field," captures its enduring commitment to advancing human knowledge through exploration and scientific discovery.
With its distinguished history and its continued role in shaping the future of exploration, the Explorers Club remains one of the most influential organizations in the world for those seeking to uncover the unknown.
The Explorers Club continues to attract an elite group of modern-day pioneers, entrepreneurs, and scientists who push the boundaries of exploration and discovery. Among its current distinguished members are some of the most influential figures in various fields. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, and Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, represent the new frontier of space exploration. Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, remains an active symbol of human space exploration. Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist, champions the cause of wildlife and environmental preservation through her membership. Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Galactic, embodies the spirit of adventure and innovation in both space tourism and exploration. Ray Dalio, the billionaire investor and philanthropist, and D.E. Shaw, the influential hedge fund manager, are both dedicated to supporting global scientific initiatives.
The Explorers Club also includes royalty among its ranks. Prince Albert II of Monaco, a passionate advocate for environmental protection, and the King of Bhutan, known for his environmental and conservation efforts, are both members. Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, who was made an honorary member of the club, is a supporter of exploration and scientific research, further cementing the club's global influence. The late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, a noted aviator and conservationist, was a long-time member.
For further information, please see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Explorers_Club
About Lowell Thomas
Lowell Thomas (April 6, 1892 – August 29, 1981) was a trailblazing American journalist, broadcaster, and explorer whose contributions to radio, television, and media had a profound impact on the 20th century. Famous for popularizing the story of T.E. Lawrence, known as "Lawrence of Arabia," Thomas was also a key figure in the evolution of both radio and television news, as well as a co-founder of Capital Cities, a media company that would eventually merge with ABC and later be acquired by The Walt Disney Company.
Early Life and Education
Thomas was born in Woodington, Ohio, and raised in the mining town of Victor, Colorado. His early life in small-town America laid the foundation for his deep curiosity about the world beyond. Thomas attended Valparaiso University, the University of Denver, and Princeton University, earning degrees in education, political science, and law. His diverse academic background and natural storytelling ability led him into journalism, where his career truly took off.
Breakthrough with Lawrence of Arabia
During World War I, Thomas received a U.S. government commission to travel to Europe and the Middle East to document the war for propaganda purposes. In his travels, he met British Army officer T.E. Lawrence, who was leading guerrilla warfare against the Ottoman Empire. Thomas filmed and photographed Lawrence’s campaigns and brought the story back to the United States, presenting it as a multimedia spectacle that made both Lawrence and himself famous. The tale of "Lawrence of Arabia" captivated audiences worldwide and marked the beginning of Thomas’s lasting impact on public storytelling.
Pioneering Radio and Television Broadcasting
After his success with Lawrence, Thomas transitioned to radio broadcasting, where he made a lasting mark. In 1930, he launched "Lowell Thomas and the News," a nightly news program that became one of the longest-running and most respected radio broadcasts in history. His engaging, authoritative voice became synonymous with news in America, as he covered major events including World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.
Thomas also became a pioneer in television news. In 1940, he hosted the first-ever regularly scheduled television news program on NBC. Though television was still a fledgling medium, Thomas recognized its potential and helped shape the format that would become standard for modern TV news. His ability to adapt from print to radio and then to television cemented his place as one of the most versatile and innovative journalists of his time.
Business Ventures: Capital Cities/ABC
In addition to his journalism career, Thomas was instrumental in the business side of media. He co-founded Capital Cities, a media company that grew rapidly by acquiring newspapers and television stations. In 1985, Capital Cities made history when it acquired ABC, creating the media conglomerate Capital Cities/ABC. This acquisition was a landmark event in media industry history, as it was the first time a smaller company purchased a major network. In 1996, The Walt Disney Company acquired Capital Cities/ABC, further expanding the reach and influence of the network that Thomas had helped to build.
Adventure and Exploration
Throughout his life, Thomas was also an avid traveler and adventurer, visiting over 100 countries. He produced travelogues that showcased exotic places and cultures, helping to bring the world to the American public in an era when international travel was uncommon. His adventurous spirit led him to remote regions, including a historic visit to Tibet, where he interviewed the 14th Dalai Lama in 1949.
In recognition of his love for exploration, Thomas was named Honorary President of The Explorers Club, a prestigious organization dedicated to scientific exploration. His involvement with the club reflected his lifelong commitment to understanding the world and sharing its wonders with others.
Legacy and Impact
Lowell Thomas’s contributions to journalism, broadcasting, and exploration left an indelible mark on American media. His ability to adapt to new technologies, from radio to television, and his talent for storytelling made him one of the most influential media figures of the 20th century. His work in founding Capital Cities, which later became part of The Walt Disney Company, ensured that his legacy would extend far beyond his lifetime.
Thomas passed away in 1981, but his pioneering spirit and innovative approach to news and media continue to inspire journalists, broadcasters, and explorers today. His blend of journalism, business acumen, and a passion for global storytelling has left a lasting legacy that helped shape modern media and the way the world consumes news.
For further information, please see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowell_Thomas
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lowell-Thomas
https://www.cliohistory.org/thomas-lawrence/thomas
For a link to Lowell Thomas: American Storyteller - Historical Documentary
Media Contact:
Isabel Carro-Toro, Vice President
American Industrial Acquisition Corporation
+34 689 295 827 (Spain)
+ 1 787 244 3175 (USA)
icarro-toro@aiac.com
