Awards
The UC Santa Cruz Foundation board, in partnership with the University Awards Committee, plays a pivotal role in fostering recognition for outstanding achievements through its prestigious awards: The Foundation Medal and The Fiat Lux Award. Honoring innovators, leaders, and visionaries who have made significant contributions to society and academia not only underscores the value of excellence but also encourages a culture of ambition and service within the university community and beyond. With a firm commitment to celebrating achievement that mirrors UC Santa Cruz’s ideals and vision, UC Santa Cruz and the Foundation ensure that the legacies of its awardees serve as an inspiration for current and future generations.
The Foundation Medal
Award criteria
The UC Santa Cruz Foundation Medal recognizes individuals of exceptionally distinguished achievement whose work and contribution to society exemplify the vision and ideals of the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Learn more about the UC Santa Cruz Foundation Medal’s Description and Provenance from artist Sean M. Monaghan (UCSC Alumnus, Kresge ’83).
Awardees
- June 8, 2024 – Julie Packard, Global champion of ocean conservation and health and founder of the Monterey Bay Aquarium (awarded at the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Gala)
- June 8, 2024 – Narinder S. Kapany (posthumously) International scientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. (awarded posthumously at the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Gala)
- September 22, 2020 – Margaret Atwood, award-winning poet, novelist and essayist
- February 2, 2019 – Janet Yellen, distinguished fellow of Brookings Institution and former chair of the Federal Reserve
- September 18, 2017 – Sylvia Earle, legendary oceanographer, explorer, and author
- September 26, 2015 – Alice Waters, chef, restaurateur, activist, and author (awarded at the 2015 Founders Day Dinner)
- October 25, 2014 – Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning author (awarded at the 2014 Founders Day Dinner)
- October 18, 2013 – Frank Gehry, world-famous architect
- October 12, 2012 – Martin Rees, United Kingdom’s Astronomer Royal and Intel Corporation co-founder Gordon Moore and wife Betty Moore, founders of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (awarded at the 2012 Founders Day Dinner)
- October 21, 2011 – Arthur D. Levinson, Chairman and Former CEO of Genentech and J. Michael Bishop, University Professor and Chancellor Emeritus at UCSF (awarded at the 2011 Founders Day Dinner)
- October 22, 2010 – Jean-Michel Cousteau, Founder and President, Ocean Futures Society (awarded at the 2010 Founders Day Dinner)
- October 23, 2009 – Dr. Edwin Catmull, president of Pixar-Disney Animation Studios (awarded at the 2009 Founders Day Dinner)
- October 24, 2008 – The medal was not awarded in 2008.
- October 18, 2007 – Robert Sinsheimer, Chancellor Emeritus, UCSC (awarded at the 2007 Founders Day)
- October 6, 2006 – Amartya Sen, Nobel Prize Laureate (awarded at a dinner following the 2006 Maitra Lecture which Amartya Sen delivered.)
- November 3, 2005 – Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (awarded during Denton Investiture & Diversity Symposium Dinner).
- November 6, 2004 – M.R.C. Greenwood, UC Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs (awarded at the 2004 Scholarship Benefit Dinner)
- October 11, 2003 – Richard C. Atkinson, UC President Emeritus (awarded at the 2003 Scholarship Benefit Dinner)
Fiat Lux Award
Award criteria
The Fiat Lux Award (Designed by Heather Glass in Santa Cruz) is presented to alumni and friends who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, dedication and service in support of the University’s programs and goals. This honor recognizes distinguished and sustained service to the University by persons who are not currently members of its faculty and staff.
Award History
- October 20, 2018 – John Laird (Stevenson ’72)
- October 21, 2017 – J. Herman Blake and Linda Peterson (Stevenson’70)
- October 22, 2016 – The Helen and Will Webster Foundation
- September 26, 2015 – UC Santa Cruz Pioneer Faculty and Staff (1964 -1967)
- October 25, 2014 – The Long Family and the Joseph and Vera Long Foundation
- October 18, 2013 – Diane and Don Cooley
- October 12, 2012 – George Ow and Gail Michaelis-Ow
- February 25, 2012 – Bill Dickinson
- October 21, 2011 – Hal Hyde
- October 22, 2010 – S.H. Cowell Foundation
- October 23, 2009 – Patricia and Rowland Rebele
- October 24, 2008 – Dr. Narinder S. Kapany
- October 18, 2007 – The Farr Family
- February 3, 2007 – Anne Neufeld Levin, Robert Stephens and Julie Packard
- November 4, 2005 – Jack Baskin