Committee seeks nominations for medals

"These medals are not limited to active scholars in the way that the University's honorary degrees are," said Albert Alschuler, the Wilson-Dickinson Professor in the Law School and chairman of the Committee on Awards and Prizes. "They provide a wonderful opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of both academics and others who have contributed to areas in which the University has special interest, knowledge and concern."

The Benton Medal for Distinguished Public Service was created in 1967 to honor Sen. William H. Benton on the occasion of his 25th anniversary as chairman and publisher of Encyclopaedia Britannica. The medal was last awarded in 1976 to Hermon D. Smith, a Life Trustee of the University and a retired insurance executive.

The Committee on Awards and Prizes voted to limit its consideration of candidates for this presentation of the Benton Medal to people who have rendered distinguished public service in the field of education. The committee considers eligible recipients to include not only teachers but also educational administrators, museum directors, librarians, officers of learned societies, foundation executives, philanthropists, broadcasters and publishers -- that is, anyone who has contributed in a systematic and distinguished way to shaping minds and disseminating knowledge.

The Rosenberger Medal for outstanding achievement in the creative and performing arts was created in 1917 with a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Jesse L. Rosenberger. The medal was awarded most recently to Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison and to Sir Georg Solti, music director laureate of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, during the University's Centennial year. Although the Committee on Awards and Prizes will not limit nominations to particular artistic fields, areas in which the University has significant expertise -- literature, music, art and drama, for example -- are likely to be favored over other areas, Alschuler said.

Nominations for both awards should be directed to the Committee on Awards and Prizes, Office of the Secretary of the Faculties, Administration 605. Each nomination should identify the candidate and offer reasons for her or his nomination. Although one-paragraph statements are sufficient, the committee welcomes and encourages more extensive statements and supporting materials.

Nominations must be received by the Office of the Secretary of the Faculties no later than Friday, Feb. 10.