Duchossois honored by alma mater Washington and Lee

Arlington International Racecourse chairman Richard L. Duchossois has been honored with the Washington Award from his alma mater, Washington and Lee University.

Duchossois, a 1944 graduate of the Lexington, Virginia university, becomes only the fifth recipient of the award, which was established in 2001 to recognize extraordinary acts of philanthropy, distinguished leadership and service to the country.

Duchossois, 93, is chairman of the Duchossois Group, chairman of the Arlington Heights racetrack and on the board of Churchill Downs.

In the arena of philanthropy, he has donated to the Beverly T. Duchossois Cancer Laboratory at the University of Chicago Hospital, named for his late wife, and the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Duchossois served as a second lieutenant in the Army during World War II, fought in the Battle of the Bugle and received a Purple Heart and two bronze stars.

On the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014 he was inducted into the French Legion of Honor for his military service.

At his alma mater, Duchossois has supported the Duchossois Athletic Complex, which comprises Wilson Field for football, lacrosse and track; soccer, field hockey and baseball fields; the cross country course; outdoor tennis courts; and the indoor Duchossois Tennis Center, according to the university.

"To know Dick Duchossois is to know a person devoted to noble causes, to the service of others and to family," Washington and Lee University President Kenneth P. Ruscio said in a statement. "His humility, combined with his sense of decency and good humor, endear him to all. We are forever indebted to him for his commitment and support."