Greg Mortenson, is an American humanitarian, professional speaker, writer, and former mountaineer. He is the co-founder and executive director of the non-profit Central Asia Institute as well as the founder of the educational charity Pennies for Peace. Mortenson is the author or co-author of the New York Times Bestsellers Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In April 2011, he was accused of using literary license in his non-fiction books and of financial improprieties at his charity, Central Asia Institute.
Greg Mortenson was born to Lutheran missionary parents in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Through the leadership of the Lutheran Church, Mortenson's father, Irvin ("Dempsey"), was a fundraiser for and development director of the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tanzania's first teaching hospital.[1] Mortenson's mother, Jerene, was the founding principal of International School Moshi.[2] Mortenson spent his early childhood and adolescence in Tanzania, East Africa, where he learned to speak Swahili fluently.[3] In the early 1970s, when he was 15 years old, Mortenson and his family left Tanzania and moved back to Minnesota. He attended Ramsey High School in Roseville, Minnesota from 1973 to 1975. After high school, Mortenson served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1975 to 1977 as a medic and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Following his discharge, he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota from 1977 to 1979 on an athletic (football) scholarship.[4] Mortenson graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and an associate's degree in nursing.[5]
As described in his first book, Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson states that he travelled to northern Pakistan in 1993 in order to climb the world's second highest mountain, K2, as a memorial to honor his sister Christa's memory. After more than 70 days on the mountain located in the Karakoram range, Mortenson and three other climbers completed a 75-hour life-saving rescue of a fifth climber. The time and energy devoted to this rescue prevented Mortenson from attempting to reach the summit. After the rescue, he began his descent off the mountain and set out with local Balti porter Mouzafer Ali to the nearest city.
According to the account in Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson states he took a wrong turn on the trail and ended up in the small village of Korphe. Physically exhausted, ill, and alone at the time of his arrival there, Mortenson was cared for by some of Korphe's residents while he recovered.[6][7] As a gesture of gratitude to the community for their assistance to him, Mortenson said he would build a school for the village after he noticed local students attending school in an outdoor location and writing out their lessons in the dirt. Mortenson has since stated in a 2011 interview that the timing in the Korphe account in Three Cups of Tea is inaccurate and that the events actually took place over a longer period of time and during separate trips.[8][9] Also in contrast to what is written in Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson is purported to have initially promised to build a school in Khane village, but was convinced to build a school in Korphe by the village leaders.[10]
After experiencing frustration in his efforts to raise money for the school, Mortenson convinced Silicon Valley computer pioneer Jean Hoerni to fund the building of the Korphe school.[11] Following Mortenson's success in building the school, Hoerni invited him to serve as the first executive director of Central Asia Institute. The mission of the non-profit organization is to promote education and literacy, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Mortenson describes dangerous encounters during his travels in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Three Cups of Tea describes his travels in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province including his escape from a 2003 firefight between Afghan opium warlords, how he was subject to two fatwās by conservative Islamist clerics for educating girls, and receiving hate mail and threats from fellow Americans for helping educate Muslim children.
Mortenson has written and spoken widely about the importance of education and literacy for girls worldwide. He has further stated that girls' education is the most important investment all countries can make to create stability, bring socio-economic reform, decrease infant mortality and population explosion, as well as improving health, hygiene, and sanitation standards.[12] Mortenson's view is that "fighting terrorism" perpetuates a cycle of violence where there should instead be a global priority to "promote peace" through education and literacy, with an emphasis on educating girls. Mortenson has been quoted frequently as saying, "You can drop bombs, hand out condoms, build roads or put in electricity, but unless the girls are educated, a society won't change,".[13] According to op-ed columnist and friend of Mortenson's, Nicholas D. Kristof,[14] the schools built by CAI have local support and have been able to avoid retribution by the Taliban and other groups opposed to girls' education because of community "buy-in", which involves getting villages to donate land, subsidized or free labor ("sweat equity"), wood and resources.
Mortenson is the current executive director of Central Asia Institute. As of 2010, CAI reports it has established or significantly supported 171 schools in rural and often volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing education to over 64,000 children, including 54,000 girls, where few education opportunities previously existed.[15]
From 2006 through 2011, Greg Mortenson promoted his book as well as fundraising and promoting girls education through public speaking events at schools throughout the United States. Travel expenses for his speaking engagements were paid for by Central Asia Institute through the end of 2010.[16] Mortenson personally kept monies received in exchange for his service as a public speaker as well as royalties from the sale of his book.[16] In 2009, the total cost of his book promotion, fundraising, and awareness building for girls education paid for by CAI amounted to $4.6 million.[17]
Due to attention paid to Mortenson's books first by their wives, US military leaders in Afghanistan have sought Mortenson's advice on how to work with the elders of local Afghan communities since 2007. Seeking his knowledge on dealing with Afghan elders, the military has also included Mortenson as an active participant in meetings between the elders and US military commanders. He has not, however, accepted any payment for his services, nor does he have any contractual or other formal relationship with the US military.[7]
Mortenson and David Oliver Relin are co-authors of the New York Times bestselling book Three Cups of Tea.[18] Listen to the Wind, a 32 page book for ages 4–8 was written by Greg Mortenson and illustrated by Susan Roth and recounts a short version of Three Cups of Tea.[19] Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan was written by Greg Mortenson as a sequel to Three Cups of Tea.[20]
In regard to Mortenson's management style at CAI, Nicholas Kristof has said that Mortenson is "utterly disorganized," and added, "I am deeply troubled that only 41 percent of the money raised in 2009 went to build schools."[21] As a deeper look into Mortenson's business dealings, British journalist Jonathan Foreman wrote in a 2008 Daily Telegraph story that CAI's success is due in part to Mortenson's use of intuition and that he makes decisions at the last minute. Foreman further wrote that Mortenson is habitually late for meetings but that the combination of those traits work well and are important to the success of his work in the Balti region of Pakistan. Baltistanis have no tenses in their language, are vague on their timekeeping, and make their own decisions largely based on intuition.[22]
On the April 17, 2011 broadcast of CBS News' 60 Minutes, correspondent Steve Kroft alleged inaccuracies in Mortenson's books Three Cups of Tea and its sequel, Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as financial improprieties in the operation of the Central Asia Institute. In particular, CBS News disputed Mortenson's claim that he got lost near K2 and ended up in Korphe; that he was captured by the Taliban in 1996; whether the number of schools built and supported by CAI is accurate; and the propriety in the use of CAI funds for Mortenson's book tours. 60 Minutes asked Mortenson for an interview prior to their broadcast, but Mortenson did not respond to their requests.[23]
60 Minutes made the following allegations:
- The story recounted in Three Cups of Tea about Mortenson getting lost and separated on the way down from K2, ending up in Korphe in Pakistan, and promising to build a school did not actually take place.[23]
- The story recounted in Stones into Schools about Mortenson's capture by the Taliban did not occur. His purported kidnappers state he was a guest and the Taliban did not exist in the country at that time.[24]
- Schools that Central Asia Institute claims to have built either have not been built, have been built and abandoned, are currently used for other purposes such as grain storage, or have not been supported by CAI after they were built.[23]
- The amount of money Central Asia Institute spends on advertising Mortenson's books and paying the travel expenses of his speaking tours, including hiring private jets, is excessive relative to other comparable charitable institutions.[23]
Jon Krakauer, a former financial supporter of CAI, has also questioned Mortenson's accounts separately and was interviewed for the 60 Minutes segment. The day after the broadcast, Krakauer released his allegations in a lengthy online article, Three Cups of Deceit - How Greg Mortenson, Humanitarian Hero, Lost His Way.[25] In the article, Krakauer documents how he had earlier been captivated by Mortenson's story and had donated substantial sums to CAI, but that he had later heard stories of misconduct and began investigating. Krakauer states that he invited Mortenson to address his allegations, including setting up an interview where Mortenson lives, however, Mortenson subsequently canceled the interview.[26]
As a result of the recent allegations, several universities have reconsidered granting honorary degrees and awards to Mortenson. These schools include The University of Alberta, Fontbonne University, and University of California, San Francisco[27][28] The University of Georgia was scheduled to bestow its Delta Prize for Global Understanding to Greg Mortenson in 2011, but decided to vacate the presentation of the award.[29] An honorary degree previously awarded to Mortenson in 2008 by the University of Washington is currently being reconsidered by that school's chancellor.[30]
In an April 2011 Outside magazine interview, Greg Mortenson insists that Krakauer contacted him only once and inaccurately claimed that he had been trying to get a hold of the leader of CAI for some time. Mortenson states that although he arranged to meet with Krakauer, the interview was eventually cancelled "once I realized how deep and dirty this whole thing was". He describes a similar incident with 60 Minutes, claiming that he never received any of the emails that Steve Kroft said he sent and that representatives from the news show tried to contact him at inopportune times, such as calling his house when he wasn't there or "rush[ing]" him at a book signing.[9]
Mortenson wrote a statement in response to the allegations made against him that was published in the Bozeman Chronicle: "I stand by the information conveyed in my book, and by the value of CAI's work in empowering local communities to build and operate schools that have educated more than 60,000 students." Mortenson further stated, "The time about our final days on K2 and ongoing journey to Korphe village and Skardu is a compressed version of events that took place in the fall of 1993..."[31]
Scott Darsney, a respected mountaineer and friend of Greg Mortenson, wrote an email subsequently turned into an exclusive article for Outside magazine's online version as a response to the allegations against Mortenson.[32] Darsney questioned the accuracy and fairness of both the Krakauer piece and the 60 Minutes report. As a result of an interview for the piece Three Cups of Deceit, Krakauer quotes Darsney as stating when their team took on K2 in 1993, "Mortenson 'didn't even know Korphe existed".[25] The Outside article includes a quote from Darsney telling another writer that although he did make the statement to Krakauer, he now believes that during the period the climbing team lost track of him, Mortenson may have ended up in that village. According to Darsney, after the climbing team reconvened, Mortenson told him that he "...ended up in a village on the wrong side of the Braldu River. It's certainly plausible that this was Korphe." As well, Darsney disputes that he corroborated Krakauer's claims that Mortenson fabricated his Himalayan expeditions, saying that such misrepresentations of their conversations are either based on misquotes or misunderstanding.[32]
As a response to Krakauer's allegations, CAI produced a comprehensive list of projects completed over a period of years and projects CAI is currently working on. The list was released in December, 2011 (see external links below).
In May 2011, Jean Price and Michele Reinhart, Democratic Party representatives in Montana, along with Dan Donovan, a Great Falls attorney, filed a class action lawsuit against Mortenson and are asking a federal judge in Missoula to place all proceeds from the purchases of Mortenson's books into a trust to be used for humanitarian purposes. The total of Mortenson's book sales to date stand at near $5 million.[33][34][35] In June 2011, Jean Price announced she was dropping out of the suit, explaining that she had never read the book.[36] In Illinois, former school teacher Deborah Netter, also dropped her Illinois lawsuit against Mortenson in early July 2011, joining the Montana lawsuit suit in mid-July.[37][38][39] In April, 2012, after a year long investigation by the Montana attorney general, Mortenson agreed to repay $1 million to the CAI. The Montana inquiry had found that he had misspent over $6 million of the organization's money, although no criminality was found. Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock said: "Mr Mortenson may not have intentionally deceived the board or his employees, but his disregard for and attitude about basic record-keeping and accounting for his activities essentially had the same effect."[40]
Mortenson currently lives in Bozeman, Montana, with his wife Tara Bishop, a clinical psychologist, and their two children, Amira and Khyber.[41][42][43] Diagnosed in the spring of 2011 with an aneurysm and an atrial septal defect, Mortenson underwent surgery for both in June of the same year.[44]
- 2004 Al Neuharth Free Spirit of the Year Award for building schools for Pakistan girls.[45]
- 2008 Citizen Center for Diplomacy National Award for Citizen Diplomacy[46]
- 2008 Courage of Conscience Award[47]
- 2008 Graven Award - Wartburg College, IA[48]
- 2008 National Award for Citizen Diplomacy - Citizen Center for Diplomacy[49]
- 2008 Mary Lockwood Founders Medal For Education - Daughters of The American Revolution
- 2008 Sword of Loyola, St. Louis University, MO[50]
- 2008 Charles Eliot Educator Award - New England Association of Schools & Colleges[51]
- 2009 Academy of Achievement Award[52]
- 2009 Sitara-e-Pakistan (The Star of Pakistan medal)[53]
- 2009 Archon Award - Sigma Theta Tau International (Nursing Award)[54]
- 2009 Austin College Leadership Award, Sherman TX - life work to take courageous stand on education issues for peace[55]
- 2009 National Education Association (NEA) Human & Civil Rights Award[56]
- 2009 City College San Francisco Amicus Collegii Award - Promoting peace through education
- 2009 Jefferson Award For Community Service: Carnegie Endowment & Harvard Kennedy School of Government[57]
- 2009 U.S. News & World Report: America's Top 20 Best Leaders 2009[58][59]
- 2009 Italy: Premio Gambrinus “Giuseppe Mazzotti”[60]
- 2010 Loyola Marymount University (CA) - Doshi Bridgebuilder Of Peace Award[61]
- 2010 The Common Wealth Awards: For Public Service[62]
- 2010 The Salem Award for Human Rights[63]
- 2010 The Christopher Award: "To affirm the highest values of the human spirit"[64]
- 2010 The 10th annual Lantern Award “Excellence in Education Innovation” (MOSTE – LA, CA)[65]
- 2010 Distinguished Service To Education Award: National Elementary School Principals Association[66]
- 2010 Creativity Foundation & Smithsonian Institution: Benjamin Franklin Laureate Award For Public Service[67]
- 2010 Literature To Life Award - American Theater Place[68]
- 2010 Viking Award - Norway House for pursuit of hard, bold, dangerous and important undertakings[69]
- 2010 Freedom Award - Freedom Festival for extraordinary devotion to the cause of liberty at home and abroad[70]
- 2010 American Peace Award - representing the spirit of world peace through thoughts and actions[71]
- 2010 The Mason Award - Extraordinary contribution in literature (George Mason University DC)[72]
- 2011 Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award Three Cups of Tea Young Reader's Edition [73]
- 2011 Presidential Award for Leadership in Social Change - Walden University [74]
- 2011 Raoul Wallenberg Award for humanitarian endeavors - Old Dominion Univ., VA [75]
- Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD 2006
- Concordia College, Moorhead, MN 2007
- Montana State University, MT 2008 [76]
- Villanova University, PA 2008 [77]
- University of San Francisco, CA 2008 [78]
- University of Washington – Bothell, WA 2008 [79]
- Lewis & Clark College, OR 2008 [80]
- Colby College, ME 2009 [81]
- Simmons College, MA 2009 [82]
- Saint Louis University, MO 2009 [83]
- Loyola University Chicago, IL 2009 [84]
- University of Pennsylvania, PA 2010 [85]
- Brookdale College, Lincroft, NJ 2010 [86]
- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs 2010 [87]
- Stevenson University (MD) 2010 [88]
- Wittenberg University (OH) 2010 [89]
- Akiner, Shirin; Tidemen, Sander (1998). Sustainable Development In Central Asia:. Curzon Press. ISBN 0-312-21931-8.
- Jones, Karen; Mortenson, Greg (2005). The Difference A Day Makes. New World Library. ISBN 1-57731-475-1.
- Mortenson, Greg; Relin, David Oliver (2006). Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time. Penguin Group. ISBN 0-670-03482-7.
- Mortenson, Greg; (with illustrator) Roth, Susan; (January 22, 2009). Listen To The Wind (children's picturebook). Dial. ISBN 978-0-8037-3058-8.
- Mortenson, Greg; Relin, David Oliver, adapted by Sarah Thomson (January 22, 2009). Three Cups of Tea: The Young Reader's Edition. Dial. ISBN 978-0-8037-3392-3.
- Mortenson, Greg; (December 1, 2009). Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Viking. ISBN 978-0-670-02115-4.
- ^ Academy of Achievement Living History Museum online
- ^ [1], December 2007, page 1
- ^ Will Herbert, “Speaker to Promote Peace Through Education” Laramie County Community County Wingspan March 2011
- ^ Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn. - Promoting Peace with Schools[dead link]
- ^ Over 1,000 Candidates to Receive Degrees During 2006 Spring Commencement at The U
- ^ "Fresh Air", with Terry Gross, National Public Radio (NPR), February 7, 2002
- ^ a b Elizabeth Bumiller. "Unlikely Tutor Giving Military Afghan Advice". The New York Times, July 17, 2010.
- ^ Strom, Stephanie (April 18, 2011). "Mortenson Concedes He Conflated Parts of Memoir". New York Times. http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/mortenson-concedes-he-conflated-parts-of-memoir.
- ^ a b Heard, Alex (April 18, 2011). "Interview: Greg Mortenson Speaks". Outside (magazine). http://outsideonline.com/adventure/travel-ga-greg-mortenson-interview-sidwcmdev_155690.html.
- ^ Mary Ann Zer “Educators mull Pennies for Peace program support” Stamford Advocate, April 27, 2011
- ^ Bill Romano “Memorial Service Set Feb. 13 for Scientist Jean Hoerni, 72”, San Jose Mercury News, February 3, 1997
- ^ "Another Way to Stop Terrorism", Parade magazine, March 5, 2006.
- ^ Winslow, Megan V. (March 30, 2009). "Nobel Nominee Shares Detour to Quest to Change World". Palm Beach Daily News: p. 1.
- ^ Memmott, Mark (April 21, 2011). "Kristof: 'Reserve Judgment' On 'Three Cups Of Tea' Author Mortenson". NPR.org. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/04/21/135595686/kristof-reserve-judgment-on-three-cups-of-tea-author-mortenson.
- ^ "Journey of Hope". Bozeman Daily Chronicle. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/article_49af3e0e-0358-11e0-a188-001cc4c03286.html. Retrieved 2010-12-08.
- ^ a b Board of Directors, Central Asia Institute responds to 60 Minutes questions, April 16, 2011
- ^ "Financial Report, 2009". Central Asia Institute. May 21, 2010. https://www.ikat.org/wp-includes/documents/Financials/CAIAuditedFSFYE%209-30-09.pdf. Retrieved 2011-04-21.
- ^ "Paperback Nonfiction Bestsellers", The New York Times, March 16, 2008,
- ^ Listen to the Wind Hardcover
- ^ Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan Hardcover
- ^ Kristof, Nicholas D. (April 20, 2011). "‘Three Cups of Tea,’ Spilled". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/opinion/21kristof.html.
- ^ Jonathan Foreman “Pakistan: Free to Learn” The Telegraph, 16 February 2008
- ^ a b c d "Questions over Greg Mortenson's stories". CBS News. April 15, 2011. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/15/60minutes/main20054397.shtml. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
- ^ "We Never Kidnapped Greg Mortenson". The Daily Beast. Apr 18, 2011. http://news.yahoo.com/s/dailybeast/20110418/ts_dailybeast/13577_mansurkhanmahsudgregmortensonisaliar.
- ^ a b Link to Krakauer's Kindle article, "Three Cups of Deceit ..."
- ^ Stemle, Cary (April 20, 2011). "The Greg Mortenson Scandal: One University's Bitter Cup of Tea". Time. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2066239,00.html.
- ^ http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/article_f5185d30-f090-5d9b-9e14-ef829d06dd5d.html
- ^ http://support.ucsf.edu/news/luminaries-awarded-ucsf-medal
- ^ http://www.wfpl.org/2011/06/06/uga-vacates-award-for-mortenson/
- ^ http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110422/NEWS01/704229840
- ^ Gail Schontzler (April 15, 2011). "Mortenson under fire from ‘60 Minutes’ — Bozeman philanthropist denies allegations". Bozeman Daily Chronicle. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/article_4d3125cc-67d7-11e0-b861-001cc4c002e0.html. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
- ^ a b Scott Darsney, “Scott Darsney Questions the Accuracy and Fairness of “Three Cups of Deceit””, Outside Magazine, April 26, 2011
- ^ http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/05/06/greg-mortenson-sued-for-fraud-and-racketeering-for-three-cups-of-tea.html
- ^ CNN Wire Staff. "Planned lawsuit targets charity, author of 'Three Cups of Tea'." CNN. May 7, 2011. Retrieved on May 7, 2011.
- ^ Complaint against Greg Mortenson and CAI, May 5, 2011
- ^ Price drops out of lawsuit in Montana
- ^ http://www.kbzk.com/news/illinois-woman-joins-lawsuit-against-mortenson/
- ^ Washington Times - Woman Drops out of Three Cups of Tea Lawsuit; July 7, 2011
- ^ Illinois Woman Drops Lawsuit Against Mortenson
- ^ BBC. "Three Cups of Tea author must pay $1m to his charity". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17634694. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
- ^ Tribune Staff. "125 Montana Newsmakers: Greg Mortenson". Great Falls Tribune. http://www.greatfallstribune.com/multimedia/125newsmakers5/mortenson.html. Retrieved August 28, 2011.
- ^ Greg Mortenson bio, gregmortenson.com
- ^ Greg Mortenson's Blog: Mortenson: Regular guy gets big results (10-07-07)
- ^ http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Controversial+author+recovering+from+heart+surgery/4933271/story.html
- ^ “Spirit Winner a School Builder” Washington Times 26 March 2004
- ^ Greg Mortenson, 2008 National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy Honoree
- ^ "The Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Recipients List". Peaceabbey.org. 2005-11-20. http://www.peaceabbey.org/awards/cocrecipientlist.html. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ "Graven Award - Church Relations | Wartburg College - Waverly, Iowa, USA". Wartburg.edu. http://www.wartburg.edu/churchrelations/graven.html. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ "". "Greg Mortenson - US Center for Citizen Diplomacy". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2PLyf_UrO8. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ "Saint Louis University Presents Highest Honor to 'Three Cups of Tea' Best-Selling Author". Saint Louis University. 2008-11-03. http://www.slu.edu/x27158.xml. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
- ^ New England Association of Schools and Colleges 2008 Plenary Address – Greg Mortenson
- ^ Academy of Achievement Main Menu
- ^ Hasan, Khalid (2008-08-18). "Pakistan to honour American who built 45 schools in NAs". Daily Times. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\08\18\story_18-8-2008_pg7_11. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
- ^ "ArchonAward". Nursingsociety.org. 2009-11-04. http://www.nursingsociety.org/Media/Pages/ArchonAward.aspx. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ Austin College to Host Lecture by Greg Mortenson at Eisemann Center, February 3, 2010
- ^ "NEA's Human and Civil Rights Awards". National Education Association. http://www.nea.org/grants/17859.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
- ^ Jefferson Awards.org | community volunteer|service award
- ^ America's Best Leaders 2009: Greg Mortenson at U.S. News & World Report
- ^ Mulrine, Anna (2009-10-22). "Greg Mortenson: Promotes Peace Through Girls' Schools". U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/best-leaders/2009/10/22/greg-mortenson-promotes-peace-through-girls-schools.html. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
- ^ The Mazzotti Prize: English homepage
- ^ Nair, K.B. (2010-02-12). "Author Greg Mortenson Gets Doshi Award". India Journal. http://www.indiajournal.com/pages/event.php?id=9920. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
- ^ "Laura Linney Wins 2010 Common Wealth Award for Dramatic Arts 2010/05/03". Delaware.broadwayworld.com. http://delaware.broadwayworld.com/article/Laura_Linney_Wins_2010_Common_Wealth_Award_for_Dramatic_Arts_20100503. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ "Mortenson to receive Salem Award - SalemNews.com, Salem, MA". The Salem News. 2010-03-08. http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_067111043.html. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
- ^ "Christophers honor 13 authors & illustrators for books about love, courage & communication across cultures". The Christophers. 2010-04-07. http://www.christophers.org/Page.aspx?pid=1144. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
- ^ "Author Greg Mortenson receives Lanterns Award | Video | abc7.com". Abclocal.go.com. 2008-08-20. http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=7376492. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ "Principals Award Humanitarian Greg Mortenson for Commitment to Schools". NAESP. 2010-03-29. http://www.naesp.org/Press_Release_Greg_Mortenson.aspx. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ "Greg Mortenson | Creativity Foundation". Creativity-found.org. http://creativity-found.org/laureate-prize/archive/greg-mortenson1/. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ "The Power of Performance: How Theater Can Teach Kids". Edutopia. http://www.edutopia.org/literature-for-life-theater-inspires-students-read. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ Norway House
- ^ Greg Mortenson, author of ‘Three Cups of Tea’, to appear at Freedom Awards Gala in Provo, America's Freedom Festival at Provo, June 1, 2010
- ^ The American Peace Award
- ^ Mason Award Presentation to Greg Mortenson, c-Span Video Library, September 24, 2010
- ^ Gelett Burgess Center for Creative Expression, Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award, Helping Others Category
- ^ Greg Mortenson to Address Graduates at Walden University Commencement
- ^ News at Old Dominion University
- ^ MSU News Service - Four to receive MSU honorary doctorate degrees
- ^ Villanova University: Press Release for April 24, 2008
- ^ University of San Francisco (USF) - Past Recipients
- ^ The University of Washington: Honorary Degrees
- ^ Conferring of Degrees, Honoris Causa
- ^ "Greg Mortenson to Speak at 2009 Colby Commencement". Colby College. 2009-05-24. http://www.colby.edu/news_events/press_release/mortenson.cfm. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
- ^ Journalist Gwen Ifill to Deliver Simmons College Commencement Address May 15, press release, Simmons College
- ^ Universitas, St Louis University summer 2009
- ^ School of Education Lecture with Greg Mortenson - School of Education, Loyola University Chicago
- ^ 02/23/10, 2010 Honorary Degree Recipients and the 2010 Commencement Speaker, Almanac, Vol. 56, No. 23
- ^ Author Greg Mortenson at Brookdale
- ^ Commencement to honor humanitarians, graduates, UCCS Communique
- ^ DSC_0155 | Flickr
- ^ Wittenberg Celebrates Class of 2010
