Distinguished Achievement Medalist from the Community
Peg Breen, as President of the New York Landmarks Conservancy, has been pivotal in preserving New York's historic structures, safeguarding the city's unique architectural heritage for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.
Whitney W. Donhauser, Deputy Director and Chief Advancement Officer at The Met, was formerly the director of the Museum of the City of New York. She was Manhattan Chair for the Cultural Institutions Group from 2016–20, and a committee member for the Association of Art Museum Curators Program.
Byron Jennings, an esteemed American actor since 1990, has made significant contributions to film, television, and theater, including roles in ``Boardwalk Empire,`` ``Lincoln,`` and Broadway productions like ``Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.``
Carolyn Inez McCormick, acclaimed for portraying Dr. Elizabeth Olivet in the Law & Order franchise, boasts a diverse acting career spanning television, movies, theater, and voice work, including memorable roles in Enemy Mine and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Robbert Dijkgraaf, a Dutch physicist and mathematician, served as the director at the Institute for Advanced Study before becoming the Netherlands' Minister of Education, Culture and Science. Known for his work in string theory, he's also a respected academic leader and public communicator.
David Howell Petraeus, a retired U.S. Army general and former CIA Director, served notably in Iraq and Afghanistan. A respected military strategist and academic, his leadership in critical roles underscored his influence on U.S. military policy and international relations.
Gloria Vanderbilt, an American artist, author, and pioneering fashion designer, was famed for her designer jeans. Born into wealth, her dramatic childhood custody battle dubbed the ``trial of the century`` captivated the nation.
William Jacobus vanden Heuvel, a distinguished American attorney, diplomat, and author, significantly contributed to U.S. politics and foreign policy. Advising Robert F. Kennedy and founding the Roosevelt Institute, his legacy includes impactful legal and diplomatic service, alongside nurturing influential family members in journalism and the arts..
Len Tantillo, a renowned historical and marine artist, transitioned from architecture to painting, capturing New York State's history in over 300 works. A Rhode Island School of Design alum, his art enriches collections worldwide, including a commission for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Robert Edward Turner III, a pioneering American entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded CNN and WTBS, transforming news and television. His significant contributions include a $1 billion donation to the UN Foundation and co-founding the Nuclear Threat Initiative, aimed at reducing global threats from weapons of mass destruction.
Bonnie Kathleen Blair, celebrated American speed skater, secured her legacy as one of the Olympic's most decorated athletes with five golds and one bronze across four Games. Post-retirement, she inspires as a motivational speaker and hall of fame inductee.
Tom Brokaw, a defining voice in American journalism, anchored NBC Nightly News for 22 years, making history by hosting all major NBC News programs. An author of significant works, he's celebrated with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the French Legion of Honor.
Charles Gehring, director of the New Netherland Research Center, is an esteemed linguist dedicated to preserving and translating the Dutch colony's historical records, significantly contributing to the understanding of early American history.
Russell Anthony Shorto, an acclaimed author and historian, illuminates New York's Dutch roots through ``The Island at the Center of the World.`` His works span American history, including the Revolution and family ties to the Mafia, enhancing public understanding of America's complex past.
Christine Todd Whitman, New Jersey's first female governor (1994-2001) and EPA Administrator under George W. Bush, is known for her moderate Republican views and environmental leadership. In 2022, she co-founded the Forward Party with Andrew Yang.
David Gaub McCullough, esteemed American historian and author, won two Pulitzers and the National Book Award, capturing the nation's past with vivid narrative. His impactful works, like ``Truman`` and ``John Adams,`` were adapted into acclaimed HBO productions.
Captain William Reynolds, skilled in commanding both historical and industrial vessels, has led the Half Moon and the New Netherland Museum since 1998, blending maritime expertise with environmental science. He's committed to guiding student voyages of discovery.
A distinguished journalist and financial expert from Niagara Falls, she excelled at Middlebury College, contributed to Newsweek for three decades, and influenced financial journalism with her successful ``Staying Ahead`` column, while also engaging in various multimedia roles and board memberships.
Roy Rothschild Neuberger, a visionary American financier and art patron, co-founded Neuberger Berman and championed modern art by supporting living artists. His legacy includes significant contributions to The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Modern Art.
Thomas Howard Kean, a distinguished member of New Jersey's Kean political dynasty, served as the 48th governor and later as Drew University's president. Esteemed for leading the 9/11 Commission, his legacy spans politics, education, and national security.
Adriaan Jacobovits de Szeged, a dedicated Dutch diplomat with 34 years of service, held key positions including UN representative and ambassador to the US, later contributing to international relations and EU affairs post-retirement.
John William Middendorf II, a distinguished veteran and Harvard graduate, contributed significantly to public service and academia, balancing a rich naval history with educational achievements in business from New York University.
Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, born in Canada during exile, actively represents the monarchy at international events and supports the merchant navy. As King Willem-Alexander's aunt, she remains an integral part of the royal family.
Celeste Holm, Academy Award-winning actress known for ``Gentleman's Agreement`` and ``All About Eve,`` originated Ado Annie in ``Oklahoma!`` A respected figure, she earned numerous accolades and was active in arts advocacy and social causes.
Kitty Carlisle Hart, a versatile talent in acting, opera, and television, shone in ``A Night at the Opera`` and ``To Tell the Truth.`` Her dedication to the arts was honored with the National Medal of Arts.
Peter Jennings, a Canadian-American journalist, transformed television news as ABC World News Tonight's anchor from 1983 until 2005. Known for his comprehensive coverage, Jennings became a pivotal figure in American journalism, even hosting presidential debates.
Charles Ryskamp, esteemed art director of the Frick Collection and Pierpont Morgan Library, Princeton professor, and collector of fine prints and drawings, significantly contributed to the arts and academia, leaving a lasting legacy.
John Joseph Phelan Jr., pivotal NYSE leader, introduced computerized trading and adeptly managed the 1987 crash, implementing ``circuit breakers`` to prevent future rapid selloffs, marking a significant era in financial history.
Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, celebrated publisher of Forbes magazine, was a flamboyant promoter of capitalism and an extravagant collector, also engaging in New Jersey politics with two gubernatorial runs.
Cleveland Amory, a witty American author and pioneering animal rights activist, critiqued societal customs through his work and championed animal welfare, earning him recognition as the modern animal protection movement's founding father.
Norman Vincent Peale, renowned for popularizing positive thinking with ``The Power of Positive Thinking,`` served as pastor of Marble Collegiate Church for over 50 years, significantly influencing American spirituality and politics.
Arthur Edmund Morris, an acclaimed American-South African biographer, won a Pulitzer for ``The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt.`` His work, especially on U.S. Presidents, blends meticulous research with innovative narrative techniques, sparking both praise and controversy.
Jan Willem Schulte Nordholt was a preeminent Dutch scholar in American studies, renowned for his biographies on Woodrow Wilson and Abraham Lincoln. A pioneer in his field, he was appointed the first professor of American culture and history at Leiden University in 1966, contributing significantly to the understanding of American history and culture in the Netherlands.
Brendan Gill, a prolific American journalist, enriched The New Yorker for six decades. His diverse contributions spanned film criticism, architecture, and design, culminating in fifteen books, notably on his New Yorker experiences.
Jack Robert Lousma, an esteemed American astronaut and engineer, commanded Skylab-3 and STS-3, contributing significantly to space exploration. Later, he pursued politics, running for the U.S. Senate, and was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Jay Van Andel, a devout Christian from Grand Rapids, Michigan, co-founded Amway, revolutionizing direct selling with Rich DeVos. Post-WWII, his entrepreneurial spirit birthed a global enterprise, later founding the Van Andel Institute for disease research and science education.
Louis Stanton Auchincloss, a lawyer turned distinguished novelist, historian, and essayist, delved into the psyche of America's elite, echoing the literary legacy of Henry James and Edith Wharton under the pseudonym Andrew Lee.
Garson Kanin, from saxophonist leading ``His Red Hot Peppers`` to celebrated theatre presence, transitioned to acting, shaping his multifaceted career from Rochester roots through the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Ruth Gordon Jones, acclaimed for her unique voice and personality, thrived in film into her 80s, with notable roles in ``Rosemary's Baby`` and ``Harold and Maude.`` An Oscar-winning actress, she also earned accolades as a screenwriter and playwright.
Roger Tory Peterson, a pioneering American naturalist, ornithologist, and educator, profoundly influenced the 20th-century environmental movement with his work and illustrations.
Clarence Douglas Dillon, key U.S. diplomat and Secretary of the Treasury (1961-1965), played a crucial role during the Cuban Missile Crisis, implementing policies to safeguard the U.S. dollar.
Sidney Dillon Ripley II, influential American ornithologist and conservationist, dramatically expanded the Smithsonian Institution as its secretary (1964-1984), earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions.
Beverly Sills, born Belle Miriam Silverman, became an iconic American operatic soprano, famed for her coloratura roles and multi-lingual talents from Brooklyn to opera stardom. Her post-retirement work significantly boosted major New York arts institutions and birth defect causes.
Alistair Cooke was a British-American writer and broadcaster known for ``Letter from America`` and ``America: A Personal History of the United States.`` He hosted PBS Masterpiece Theatre (1971-1992) and retired after 42 years in television.
Walter Cronkite, iconic CBS Evening News anchorman (1962-1981), was celebrated as ``the most trusted man in America,`` earning prestigious awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Avery Brundage, the fifth International Olympic Committee president (1952-1972), championed amateurism and notably influenced the 1936 and 1972 Olympics, standing as the sole American to hold the position.
Joseph Marie Antoine Hubert Luns, influential Dutch politician and NATO Secretary General (1971–1984), shaped European and transatlantic relations, advocating for US-EU integration and diplomatic engagements post-politics.
Thomas John Watson Jr., transformative IBM president, diplomat, and philanthropist, served as U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his influential contributions.
Richard Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, known for his foreign policy achievements, such as opening diplomatic relations with China and signing important environmental legislation like the Clean Air Act.
The Hon. W. Averell Harriman, an influential American diplomat and statesman, served as Governor of New York and played key roles in foreign policy, including ambassadorships and negotiations during World War II and the Cold War era.
Lyndon B. Johnson, often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States. He implemented significant social reforms and escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
General William Childs Westmoreland was a prominent U.S. military officer. He served as the commander of American forces in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, overseeing a crucial period in the conflict.
Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, husband of Queen Juliana and father of Queen Beatrix. He belonged to the German princely house of Lippe-Biesterfeld and served as Prince Consort from 1948 to 1980.
Mason Welch Gross was a television quiz show personality, philosopher, and academic. He served as the sixteenth President of Rutgers University and is the namesake of the Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Philip Young was a U.S. diplomat, serving as Ambassador to the Netherlands and Chair of the U.S. Civil Service Commission. He had a background in economics and served in World War II as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy.
Richard Rodgers was a prolific American composer renowned for his impact on musical theater. Richard Rodgers composed over 900 songs and 43 Broadway musicals, partnering with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, achieving EGOT status and winning a Pulitzer Prize.
Howard A. Rusk was a distinguished physician and founder of the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, considered the pioneer of rehabilitation medicine. Active in the Health for Peace movement and honored with the Pacem in Terris award.
Ralph Washington Sockman was the senior pastor of Christ Church (United Methodist) in New York City, he gained national prominence through the NBC radio program, National Radio Pulpit, and best-selling Christian life books. Time Magazine acclaimed him as a leading Protestant preacher.
Detlev Bronk was a prominent American scientist and educator, credited with founding biophysics. Bronk was President of Johns Hopkins University (1949-1953), The Rockefeller University (1953-1968), and the National Academy of Sciences (1950-1962).
Hyman G. Rickover was an admiral in the U.S. Navy, known for pioneering naval nuclear propulsion and overseeing it for three decades. He developed the Shippingport Atomic Power Station and received two Congressional Gold Medals.
John William Anderson was the longest-serving captain of the SS United States, the fastest ocean liner in history. In 1952, he assumed command after a record-breaking voyage, breaking the transatlantic speed record and winning the Blue Riband.
Robert Frost was an American poet celebrated for his realistic depictions of rural life and mastery of colloquial speech. Robert Frost earned four Pulitzer Prizes, was a public literary figure, and Vermont's poet laureate.
Henry H. Kessler M.D. was an American physician and surgeon, a pioneer in rehabilitation medicine and orthopedic surgery. Founder of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, author of five books on rehabilitation medicine, emphasized holistic patient care.
John J. McCloy, an American lawyer and diplomat, held vital roles in post-World War II reconstruction and finance, including High Commissioner for Germany and Chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank.
Robert Moses was an American urban planner and public official in the early to mid-20th century. An unelected figure, he wielded immense power in New York City and State. Pioneered influential urban development and infrastructure projects.
Arthur T. Vanderbilt was an American judge and judicial reformer. Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court (1948-1957) under the restructured court system, attorney, legal educator, and advocate for court modernization.
John Taylor Arms studied law at Princeton, shifted to architecture at MIT, and served in the U.S. Navy during WWI. Became a renowned graphic artist specializing in etchings of Gothic churches, cathedrals, and American cities.
William Francis Gibbs was an American naval architect, transitioned from law to ship restoration post WWI. Co-founded Gibbs & Cox, known for WWII warship designs emphasizing efficiency, safety, and durability. Pioneered hull design and fire prevention standards.
Harold Medina was an U.S. Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, former U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York, notable legal career.
Lucius D. Clay was a Senior U.S. Army officer, renowned for post-WWII administration of occupied Germany. Deputy to General Eisenhower, military governor of the U.S. Zone, and architect of the Berlin Airlift.
Robert Clarkson Clothier was born January 8, 1885, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Princeton graduate with a law degree, journalist, Army officer, educator, and university president. Transformed Rutgers University, presided over expansion, and led New Jersey Constitutional Convention.
Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. He faced the Great Depression and initiated relief efforts, demonstrating resilience and leadership during challenging times.
Lewis Perry was an Influential educator born 1877, graduated Williams College, taught at Princeton, became principal of Exeter, pioneered Exeter Summer program and Harkness table teaching method, retired 1946.
Adriaan Jacob Barnouw was a Dutch scholar born in Amsterdam. Studied at Leiden University, specializing in languages and history under notable teachers. Taught at Gymnasium Haganum, translating Dutch and English literature.
Alexander Vandegrift was an U.S. Marine Corps four-star general, led 1st Marine Division to victory at Battle of Guadalcanal in WWII. Medal of Honor recipient. 18th Commandant of the Marine Corps, first active-duty four-star general in the Marine Corps.
Joseph Grew was an American career diplomat, Ambassador to Japan 1932-1941. Key State Department official in 1944-45. Advocated for peace, facilitated a soft Japanese surrender in 1945, enabling a peaceful American Occupation of Japan.
J. Edgar Hoover was an American law-enforcement administrator, final Director of BOI and first Director of FBI. Appointed by Coolidge in 1924, he led both agencies for a total of 48 years, spanning eight Presidents.
William Lyon Phelps was a American author, critic, scholar, and pioneer of modern novel studies. Engaged in radio, wrote syndicated columns, lectured extensively, and authored numerous books and articles.
Henry Ford was an American industrialist, founder of Ford Motor Company, pioneer of assembly line mass production. Revolutionized automobile industry, making cars affordable for the middle class, shaping 20th-century life.
Wendell Lewis Willkie was an American lawyer, corporate executive, 1940 Republican presidential nominee. Known for interventionist stance in WWII, but lost to FDR in 1940 election, despite widespread appeal.
Victor George Heiser, MD was an American physician, author, and Johnstown flood survivor. Led Philippine Health as director, managed Culion leper Colony, traveled extensively, and authored books, journals, and reports, primarily focused on leprosy.
Juan Trippe was an American aviation pioneer, founder of Pan American World Airways. Spearheaded innovations like Sikorsky S-42, Boeing 307 Stratoliner, Boeing 707, and Boeing 747, revolutionizing air travel. Also founded InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
Frank Pierrepont Graves was the
Commissioner of New York State Education Department from 1921 to 1940, Frank P. Graves was a prominent historian of education, college administrator, and author. His legacy enriched New York's education system.
Commissioner of New York State Education Department from 1921 to 1940, Frank P. Graves was a prominent historian of education, college administrator, and author. His legacy enriched New York's education system.
Robert Maynard Hutchins was an American educational philosopher, President and Chancellor of the University of Chicago. Former Yale Law School dean. Influential secular perennialist, defying family tradition, and married to novelist Maude Hutchins.
Frederick Evan Crane was an American lawyer, politician. Chief Judge of New York Court of Appeals 1935-1939. A dedicated public servant who made significant contributions to the legal field in New York.
Wayman Adams was an American painter best known for his portraits of famous people. His skill at painting at high speed earned him the nickname 'Lightning'.
Lorado Taft was an American sculptor, writer, educator, key figure in American Renaissance. Notable works: Fountain of Time, Spirit of the Great Lakes, The Eternal Indian. Authored pioneering book on American sculpture, advocated for women sculptors.
James Henry Breasted was an American archaeologist, Egyptologist, historian. First American with a 1894 Berlin PhD in Egyptology. Led Haskell Oriental Museum, pioneered Egypt studies, held first US Egyptology chair.
George Ellery Hale wa an American astrophysicist, renowned for discovering sunspot magnetic fields. Led construction of world-leading telescopes, including the 200-inch Palomar Observatory telescope. A pivotal figure in scientific organizations and Caltech's development.
Theobald Smith was a renowned epidemiologist, bacteriologist, pathologist, and professor. Regarded as America's earliest globally influential medical research scientist, leaving an indelible mark on the field.
Robert Andrews Millikan was an American experimental physicist, Nobel laureate in Physics 1923. Recognized for measuring elementary electric charge and pioneering work on the photoelectric effect.
Samuel Parkes Cadman was an English-born American clergyman, writer, and Christian radio pioneer in the 1920s-30s. A champion of ecumenism, he passionately opposed anti-Semitism and racial intolerance.
Leonor F. Loree was a distinguished American railroad executive, recognized for his significant contributions to the railroad industry, particularly in improving operations and infrastructure.
Henry Fairfield Osborn was an influential American paleontologist, museum curator, and advocate for evolutionary theory, known for his work on vertebrate fossils and contributions to natural history.
Leland Ossian Howardwas an American entomologist pivotal in advancing agricultural pest management, shaping strategies to protect crops from insects.
Hannibal Hamlin Garland was and American novelist, poet, essayist, short story writer, Georgist, and psychical researcher. He is best known for his fiction involving hard-working Midwestern farmers.
William Alphonso Murrill, an influential American mycologist, significantly advanced knowledge of fungi, serving as the assistant Curator at the New York Botanical Garden and co-founding the journal Mycologia.
Daniel Chester French, the American sculptor, is renowned for creating the iconic statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Carl E. Akeley, the American naturalist and explorer, left an indelible mark on the world of taxidermy and conservation in the early 20th century.
Augustus Thomas was an American playwright who made a notable impact with his plays on socially insightful melodramas, notably ``Arizona,`` leaving an enduring impact on the turn-of-the-century American stage.