The Society’s Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement was founded on the occasion of the Tenth Annual Dinner on December 12, 1908, in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the Society.

Every year, the Society presents its Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement to a prominent person in recognition of leadership, citizenship and contributions to the arts, science, education and industry.  In addition to the honor itself, The Pennsylvania Society contributes to a Pennsylvania charity chosen by the recipient of the Gold Medal, subject only to the approval of the Society Council.

Past recipients have included George H.W. Bush, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jane G. Pepper, Joe Paterno, Dr. Gertrude Barber, Bill Cosby, Tom Ridge, Chris Matthews, Judith Rodin, Arlen Specter and Dan Rooney.

Nomination
Nomination for the Gold Medal Award may be submitted, in writing, to the Council by any member in good standing. All nominations should include a specific endorsement of the candidate’s character as well as a rationale in favor of the selection

Selection
It is the sole prerogative of the Council of The Pennsylvania Society to select the Gold Medalist. The President shall convene the Council for the primary purpose of considering and approving candidates for the Gold Medal Award. In a private process, the Council will discuss (even investigate) the merit of each nominee and may request specific input form the membership.

Gold Medalists of the Society