A Year of Achievements and Unity in 2024
As we reflect on 2024, the Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS) proudly celebrates a year filled with milestones that embody our mission of honoring immigrant contributions, fostering unity, and championing the values that make America great. To our esteemed past honorees, your legacy continues to inspire our efforts to build a more inclusive and respectful nation.
In January, EIHS launched the year with the resounding success of the 2024 Beacon Awards, held in New York City. Hosted by our vice-chairman, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the event celebrated the next generation of leaders making transformative contributions to our country. We are also thrilled to congratulate Dr. Oz on his recent nomination as the head of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare—a recognition of his dedication to improving healthcare for all Americans.
The highlight of our year, the 2024 Ellis Island Medals of Honor ceremony, was held in May and celebrated the extraordinary achievements of a diverse group of honorees who embody the spirit of service, innovation, and inclusivity. Among those honored were Michael Milken, a visionary in philanthropy and finance; Whoopi Goldberg, a beloved entertainer and advocate for social justice; Craig Newmark, the creator of Craigslist and a champion for journalism and veterans; Chris Anderson, the founder of the immensely popular and influential Ted Talks, along with his wife, Jacqueline Novogratz, a social entrepreneur, author, and the founder and CEO of Acumen, a global nonprofit; Harvey Mason, Jr., the CEO of The Recording Academy; and David Rockefeller Jr., a leader in environmental and cultural initiatives; and Gen. Joseph Dunford, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff (Ret.) Their stories remind us of the boundless contributions immigrants and their descendants make to America’s success.
This year, EIHS introduced a significant initiative to Congress, a resolution to create a national Day of Honor and Respect. This proposal seeks to establish September 17—Constitution Day, commemorating the ratification of our nation’s guiding document—as a recognized national holiday promoting honor, respect, tolerance, and unity for all Americans. We have made many successful trips to the Capitol and have met with several important congressional leaders who have expressed their support for the resolution including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a proud 2023 Ellis Island medalist. In an era marked by division, this resolution underscores the importance of coming together to honor the shared principles that bind us as a nation.
In addition to all these exciting activities, I’m proud that in 2024 we continued to give back to this great nation with our ongoing support of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and their Immigrant Student Success Center, of which EIHS was a contributing founder. The Center was created to provide legal, academic, financial, and socioemotional support to immigrant, undocumented, DACA, TPS, refugee students, and students in mixed-status families. This important program assists hundreds of career-minded, patriotic young people with establishing their citizenship through legal means, and allows them to be important contributors to America’s greatness.
In 2024, we also forged new partnerships and significant relationships with other organizations, including the prestigious Milken Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. The Institute is guided by a tremendous collection of leaders from diverse backgrounds in business, public service, finance, philanthropy, health, marketing, business development, and more. EIHS is very proud to be partners with the Milken Institute and expect to do great work with them in 2025 and beyond.
EIHS also formed a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship with HealthCorps, a national non-profit organization working to eliminate health inequity and improve lives by educating and empowering teens, encouraging them to become change-agents within their families, schools, and neighborhoods. I’m proud that HealthCorps was founded by my dear friend, Dr. Mehmet Oz, our vice-chairman and one of our longest-serving board members.
Finally, I’m delighted to share that the EIHS Capital Campaign is making remarkable progress, having already reached $4 million in contributions from the board alone, without seeking any external support. This achievement reflects the incredible generosity and shared vision of our community, and I’m grateful to the friends of EIHS who supported this initiative. Building this endowment is essential for ensuring our organization’s long-term stability, allowing us to expand our programs and ensure opportunities for future generations. Together, we are not just investing in today, but laying a strong foundation for a brighter, more impactful tomorrow.
As we look ahead to 2025, we echo our commitment to fostering peace and unity in our nation. We are hopeful that the new presidential administration will work to bridge divides and create a stronger, more tolerant America. Together, let us continue to honor the ideals of our shared heritage, striving toward a brighter, more united future.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to EIHS. Your partnership is vital as we carry forward the torch of respect, tolerance, and opportunity for all.
With warm regards and best wishes for the year ahead,
~Chairman Nasser Kazeminy
