The Ellis Island Medals of Honor
The Ellis Island Medals of Honor recognize the best of America in their celebration of patriotism, diversity, and the contributions immigrants continue to make to our nation’s economic and social success.
Our ceremony is held annually on Ellis Island and attracts world leaders, elected officials, business trailblazers, and philanthropic Americans from all walks of life. The evening features a selection of powerful, outspoken leaders addressing various social issues including immigration.
Past medalists include 8 US Presidents, including President Joe Biden, Sen. John McCain, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey, 16th Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Muhammad Ali, Rosa Parks, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Dr. Mehmet Oz, former Apple CEO John Sculley, former Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga, former The Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent, and automobile executive Lee Iacocca, just to name a few.
Our Global Humanitarian recipients include The Rt. Rev. Ian Paisley, The Lord Bannside, First Minister Peter Robinson, and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Northern Ireland; President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, and most recently, Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe of Japan.
Great Hall with United Nations World Food Programme Ex. Dir David Beasley speaking.
Chairman Nasser Kazeminy with ceremony hosts Tamsen Fadal and Marvin Scott
Former Google CEO, current Alphabet executive chairman Eric Schmidt with EIHS Chairman Kazeminy.
MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga
EIHS Board member Yue-Sai Kan
