Valdas Adamkus
President of Lithuania (1998-2003 and 2004-2009)
Born on November 3, 1926, in Kaunas, Lithuania.
Studied at the Aušra Gymnasium until 1944 (earlier at the Jonas Jablonskis Elementary School); graduated the Lithuanian Gymnasium in Germany, 1946; studied at the Faculty of Natural Science, Munich university (Germany), 1946–1947; studied at the University of Illinois (USA), 1955–1960, and graduated it with a degree in civil engineering.
Married (1951) to Alma Adamkienė (née Nutautaitė, born in 1927).
Head, Environment Research Centre, US Environment Protection Agency (EPA), 1969-1971; Deputy Administrator, US EPA Region 5, 1971-1981; Administrator, US EPA, Region 5, 1981-1997;
Honored with many state decorations, awards and honorary academic degrees.Valdas Adamkus – politician, President of Lithuania from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2009, public figure, environmentalist. In 2003 he was designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Construction of Knowledge Societies. Only 43 people in the world have this title.In 1988 Valdas Adamkus was presented with the International Environmental Award for Outstanding Achievements. He also received the US Environmental Protection Agency Gold Medal and the US Presidential Award for Outstanding Service.Valdas Adamkus was named the European of the Year 2007 at the prestigious European Voice Awards. In 2008 he was granted the title of academician by the Lithuanian Olympic Academy for many years of active involvement in the Olympic movement and the promotion of its ideals.Valdas Adamkus has been awarded with 36 highest state decorations of various countries.He holds honorary doctorates at 22 Lithuanian and foreign universities.
