In October 1992 the Trustees of the University established the “University of Pennsylvania Medal for Distinguished Achievement” in order to make possible the recognition of a public official or major benefactor or anniversary celebration at some time in the year “other than Commencement.” The Trustees agreed that their own Honorary Degrees and Awards Committee would serve as “the approving authority for the award of the Medal.” The full text of the Trustees’ resolution can be read on page three of the October 20, 1992 Trustees Minutes.
The Trustees have awarded the University of Pennsylvania Medal for Distinguished Achievement to the following individuals and institutions on the following occasions:
| 2011 | Raymond G. Perelman Philanthropist |
In recognition of his untiring efforts and immeasurable contributions to the health and well-being, education and cultural opportunities in Philadelphia and beyond. |
| 2006 | Wangari Maathai Founder of the Green Belt Movement |
In recognition of her innumerable contributions to world peace, the environment, and human society as recipient of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize |
| 2004 | Wole Soyinka Dramatist, poet, director, novelist, essayist |
In recognition of his contributions to world literature and human society as recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature |
| 2003 | Leonard A. Lauder Businessman and philanthropist |
In recognition of his distinguished service to the University and being appointed an Emeritus trustee. Presented at a Trustee dinner, November 2003. |
| 2002 | Arlen Specter U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania |
In recognition of his distinguished career in public service and of his efforts to increase funding for biomedical research at the federal level |
| 2002 | William A. Wulf President National Academy of Engineering |
Sesquicentennial celebration of the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at the University of Pennsylvania |
| 2001 | Alan MacDiarmid, Hideki Shirakawa, and Alan J. Heeger Nobel Laureates |
In recognition of their achievements as recipients of the 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry |
| 2000 | Sandra Day O’Connor Associate Justice U.S. Supreme Court |
Sesquicentennial celebration of the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania |
| 1999 | Freeman J. Dyson and Cathleen Synge Morawetz Two distinguished mathematicians |
Centennial celebration of mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania |
| 1996 | John Christian John Goodenough and Robert Maddin Three distinguished material scientists |
50th anniversary celebration of materials science and engineering at the University of Pennsylvania |
| 1996 | Albert Gore Vice President of the United States |
50th anniversary celebration of the invention of the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) |
| 1994 | Leonore Annenberg and Walter H. Annenberg Trustees Emeriti |
Closing ceremonies of the Campaign for Penn |
| 1994 | American Philosophical Society | 250th anniversary of its founding by Benjamin Franklin |
| 1993 | Neil Amundson Stuart W. Churchill and Arthur Humphrey Three distinguished chemical engineers |
Centennial celebration of chemical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania |
| 1993 | Janet Reno Attorney General of the United States |
Dedication ceremony of the Nicole E. Tanenbaum Hall of the Law School |