Public servant honored

The University conferred the William Benton Medal of Distinguished Public Service on former Sen. Paul Simon at a luncheon Monday, March 29, at the Quadrangle Club. The award, which is decided by the Faculty Committee on Awards and Prizes and affirmed by the Board of Trustees, honors individuals whose public service improves the field of education. President Sonnenschein (at left) presents the medal to Simon, who later spoke to a small audience of faculty, administrators, students and other Benton Medal recipients, including last year’s winner, John Callaway, senior correspondent for WTTW-Channel 11 and host of Chicago Tonight.