YFU USA Selects Grand Forks Native Andrew Towne for 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award

Towne Recognized for Service to Non-Profit Organization YFU USA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/25/17

CONTACTS: Jennifer McKendree mckendree@yfu.org

Andrew Towne andrewtowne@gmail.com

Washington, DC, (October 25, 2017) Youth For Understanding USA (YFU USA) nominated Grand Forks native Andrew Towne to be this year’s recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Award. In a ceremony held at YFU’s Washington, DC office on October 5, 2017, Mr. Towne was recognized for his significant contributions to the organization, joining a distinguished list of alumni whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers have honored the legacy and mission of YFU.

 “Andrew is the epitome of how YFU’s exchange experience can impact one’s life. It has driven him mentally and physically in his pursuit of both personal and professional goals.  Additionally, Andrew’s tireless efforts of giving back to YFU through his Board service and fundraising achievements is not only inspiring but remarkable,” said YFU USA President and CEO Scott Messing. A YFU USA Board member, Andrew’s YFU journey began as a Congress-Bundestag Exchange Scholar to Germany. After college, Towne began volunteering with YFU USA as an International Student Area Representative and Orientation Leader, and as a Study Abroad Recruiter and Interviewer. As a YFU alum, Andrew has raised nearly $70,000 for the organization through various fundraising campaigns.

Andrew earned his Masters of Business Administration and Juris Doctor degrees from the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania Law School as a Morgenthau Scholar, Friedman Scholar, and Institute of Law and Economics Scholar. A member of the Minnesota Bar, Towne has worked for Goldman Sachs, CarVal Investors, the Central Intelligence Agency, General Dynamics Corporation, and currently is a consultant at The Boston Consulting Group. 

Amongst Mr. Towne’s impressive accomplishments is a 2017 summit of Mt. Everest to raise need-based scholarship funds for YFU USA.  This most recent accomplishment followed a heroic previous attempt that was disrupted when a 7.8 earthquake hit on April 25, 2015.

2017 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner Andrew Towne

About YFU

For learners of all ages who want a life-changing cultural exchange experience, Youth For Understanding (YFU) offers a wide range of opportunities to see the world up close. The global YFU network, consisting of partners in more than 55 countries, is united by the belief that curiosity about the world expands cultural awareness and acceptance of other ways to live, which leads to broader perspective and greater understanding. YFU, in partnership with corporations, government entities, foundations and individuals, offers over 200 full and partial merit-based scholarships and needs-based financial aid to students every year.  YFU has remained a trusted leader of intercultural exchange programs since 1951 because of its commitment to safety, reputation for quality, and exceptional support services. www.yfuusa.org