The William L. Armstrong Award is presented annually in honor of former businessman, United States senator and Colorado Christian University President, William L. Armstrong. The award is given to a leader who embodies the values that Armstrong held dear – faith, family,
and freedom – and who has made a difference in America’s culture through business, politics, or education.
Former U.S. Senator Bill Armstrong served as president of Colorado Christian University from August 15, 2006, until his death on July 5, 2016. He described his time at CCU as the "most significant, energizing, and rewarding work" of his life.
From the beginning of his presidency, Armstrong outlined clear strategic objectives: to honor Christ, share His love on campus and around the world, teach students to trust the Bible and live holy lives, encourage them to speak boldly about their faith, and position CCU as a magnet for outstanding students, preparing them for significant leadership opportunities.
Before joining CCU, Armstrong held a distinguished political career. He served in the Colorado State House of Representatives (1963-1964), the Colorado Senate (1965-1972), the U.S. House of Representatives (1973-1978), and the U.S. Senate (1979-1990), where he spent six years as chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee.
In addition to his political and educational leadership, Armstrong maintained an active personal ministry of evangelism, presenting the gospel across nearly all 50 states at hundreds of prayer breakfasts, outreach events, and rallies.
Bill Armstrong passed away on July 5, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. His true legacy remains in his unwavering focus on Jesus and his passion for Colorado Christian University and its community.
It was an honor to join with others to honor the legacy of Bill Armstrong and the visionary things he accomplished for our conservative values and for this University.- Eric K. Hogue, CCU President
Wil Armstrong, son of Bill Armstrong and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for CCU, at the 2024 William L. Armstrong Awards.
Kristen Waggoner
CEO, President, and General Counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom
2023 Armstrong Award Recipient
Cal Thomas
Nationally Syndicated Columnist
2022 Armstrong Award Recipient
Kay Coles James
Founder and Chairwoman of The Gloucester Institute
2021 Armstrong Award Recipient
Steve Green
President of Hobby Lobby and Chairman of the Museum of the Bible
2020 Armstrong Award Recipient
Dr. Robert George
Legal Scholar and Professor
2019 Armstrong Award Recipient
The Honorable Edwin Meese III
Former Attorney General and Counselor to President Ronald Reagan
2018 Armstrong Award Recipient
Dr. James Dobson
Focus on the Family and “Family Talk” Founder
2017 Armstrong Award Recipient
Dennis Prager
Conservative Talk Show Host
2016 Armstrong Award Recipient
“It was an honor to join with others to honor the legacy of Bill Armstrong and the visionary things he accomplished for our conservative values and for this University,” said Eric K. Hogue, CCU President. “As part of that legacy, Colorado Christian University and the Centennial Institute are honored to present the William L. Armstrong Award to Bob Woodson – an inspiring leader who continues to work directly with communities to combat real-world issues.”
“Bob Woodson was a hero to my father,” said Wil Armstrong, son of the late senator and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Colorado Christian University. “He particularly appreciated Bob’s effectiveness in calling attention to and examining the work of heroes who make a difference in our cities. In a time of racial divisions and tensions, Bob has set a higher standard and become a role model to generations.”
Woodson maintained a lifelong friendship with Armstrong, later serving on the Board of Trustees of Colorado Christian University.
The University awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humanities in 2010.
“This award is a great honor, partly because Colorado Christian University has a special place in my heart and also because Senator Armstrong was such a good friend to me and to the Woodson Center,” said Woodson. “We spent many years working together to help people lift themselves out of poverty, to minimize the focus on race and maximize the focus on opportunity and freedom. To see that work honored in this way means a great deal to me.”
Bill Armstrong was a 'once in a generation' president. He was a revolutionary president, causing a transformative shift in the quality and ethos of CCU. It was a privilege to serve with him.- Dr. Donald W. Sweeting, CCU President (2016-2022)
