Presidential Medal
The WPI Presidential Medal was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who represent the ideal of the "technological humanist," a notion that has been at the heart of WPI's approach to education since its founding in 1865. Balancing theoretical studies with practical application, WPI prepares its students to take the knowledge they learn in the classroom and use it, not only to advance the frontiers of science and technology, but to serve the greater public good. This award was established to recognize outstanding individuals from all walks of life who, through their professional or personal accomplishments, exemplify the ideal of the technological humanist.
Recipients
| Name | Title | Date Presented |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Murray | Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor | May 20, 2006 |
| Edward M. Kennedy | United States Senator (D-Mass) | May 20, 2005 |
| James P. McGovern | United States Congressman (D-Mass.) | May 20, 2005 |
| William R. Grogan '46 | Dean Emeritus of Undergraduate Studies, WPI; A Founder of the WPI Plan | May 20, 2005 |
| Duane Pearsall | Inventor of the First Practical Home Smoke Detector | April 1, 2004 |
| Richard Whitcomb | Innovator of supersonic aircraft design | June 5, 2003 |
| Paul MacCready | Founder and Chairman, AeroVironment Inc. | November 11, 2002 |
| Arthur C. Clarke | Noted Author and Pioneer in Satellite Communications | November 30, 2001 |
| Raymond Kurzweil | Inventor and Founder of the Kurzweil Companies | November 30, 2001 |
| Alison Taunton-Rigby | President, Forester Biotech | November 30, 2001 |
| Joaquim Agut | Executive Chairman, Terra Lycos | April 20, 2001 |
| Curtis L. Carlson '67 | President and CEO, SRI International | April 20, 2001 |
| W.S. Lin | President, Tatung Company | April 20, 2001 |
| Donald K. Peterson '71 | President and CEO, Avaya Inc. | April 20, 2001 |
| David Walsh | President and COO, Global Crossing | April 20, 2001 |
| Ronald L. Zarrella '71 | President, General Motors North America | April 20, 2001 |
| Dean Kamen '73 | President and Owner, DEKA Research and Development Corp. | March 30, 2001 |
The Medal
High-resolution photos of the medal:
