Download BrochureContact Us

Student Profile

Alumna Named CNN Hero of the Year

Photo of Liz McCartney
Liz McCartney, MA 2006 (Curriculum and Instruction), was named the 2008 CNN Hero of the Year for her work in New Orleans and endless dedication to helping survivors of Hurricane Katrina rebuild their homes and lives.

McCartney received the honor, along with $100,000 to support her work, at the November 22 taping of "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute," at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. The program, which aired on Thanksgiving, was hosted by Anderson Cooper and featured musical performances from Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys and John Legend.

McCartney's work in New Orleans began after Hurricane Katrina when she left her job to help rebuild the St. Bernard Parish, La., area. She dedicated herself to raising money, organizing volunteers and rebuilding houses for struggling citizens. Eventually McCartney founded and opened the non-profit St. Bernard Project, which focuses on helping senior citizens and families with children rebuild and move in. To date, more than 6,000 volunteers have worked with the St. Bernard Project and more than 120 families have moved back into homes.

The top ten finalists for CNN Hero of the Year were selected by a panel of distinguished leaders and humanitarians, including Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Jane Goodall, Magic Johnson and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. McCartney was selected out of the top ten after six weeks of online voting during which more than one million votes were cast. The $100,000 awarded to her will enable the St. Bernard Project to build eight more homes. "To the country and the world, I ask you to please join us," McCartney said at the tribute. "Together we can continue to rebuild homes and lives. ...if you join us we'll be unstoppable."

In addition to the musical performances, each of the top ten heroes was recognized with a documentary tribute introduced by a celebrity presenter. Actors Cameron Diaz, Selma Hayek, John Krasinski, Forest Whitaker, Meg Ryan, Terrence Howard, Lucy Liu, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale and Selena Gomez were among the celebrities participating in the tribute.

Article from: http://gsehd.gwu.edu/article.php?id=580&p