University Debuts One University Awards Ceremony

Syracuse University will debut a One University Awards Ceremony on April 25 in Hendricks Chapel. The first in what will be an annual event, the awards ceremony will convey two major University awards—the Chancellor’s Medal for Outstanding Achievement and the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence. The event is scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m., with a reception to follow.

The year 2017 marks the 50^th anniversary of the first presentation of the Chancellor’s Medal. It was first awarded in 1967 as the Centennial Medal on the occasion of Chancellor William Pearson Tolley’s 25th anniversary as chancellor. The Centennial Medal was given to recognize service to higher education and society and was presented in the years 1967-1971. The name of the award was changed to the Chancellor’s Medal in 1972. Since that time, it has been awarded to individuals in honor of their trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to society and/or the University.

The Chancellor’s Citation awards were first presented to members of the University community in 1979 in recognition of outstanding achievement in teaching, scholarship and creative work. Over time, the focus of the awards changed to reflect new priorities and institutional directions.

Over the years, various awards were instituted and some had ceased to be presented. Upon joining the University in 2014, Chancellor Syverud requested a comprehensive review of major awards and recognitions across the University. This year, a milestone anniversary for the Chancellor’s Medal, is an ideal time to move forward with a new model for recognition.

“Syracuse University is defined by members of the Syracuse family doing great things,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Whether it is great teaching, scholarship or creative work, members of the Syracuse community are making their marks. I look forward to recognizing them and celebrating all they have accomplished and all that they will go on to achieve.”

As part of the creation of an annual awards event, the One University Awards Ceremony will also include these recognitions: the Tolley Medal, the Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship, the Meredith Professorship for Teaching Excellence and the United Methodist Scholar-Teacher Award.

Also acknowledged will be the University Scholars; Senior Class and School and College Marshals; Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars; and emeriti faculty.

Information on the individual awards and nomination processes can be found at https://chancellor.syr.edu/university-awards/.