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Each year, Williams honors members of the college for outstanding accomplishment and service. Bicentennial Medals, honoring distinguished achievement, are awarded in September’s Convocation exercises. Copeland, Ephraim Williams, Kellogg, Rogerson, and Thurston awards are bestowed at the annual meeting of the Society of Alumni, and Joseph’s Coat is awarded at a special Reunion Weekend luncheon. Extraordinary recognition for extraordinary people. Learn more about them all on this site.

Congratulations to our 2024 Bicentennial Medalists!

Join President Maud S. Mandel for a conversation with the 2024 Bicentennial Medalists, followed by a public reception on September 6, 2024. More details can be found online.

This year’s recipients are:

  • Christopher M. Filley ’73:
    Professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine as well as founder and director of the school’s Behavioral Neurology Section; prolific author and an award-winning teacher
  • Willa Black ’82, MSM:
    Digital equity advocate, longtime leader in corporate social responsibility at Cisco Canada and founder of Connected North, which virtually connects 35,000 K-12 Indigenous students across Canada’s remote north to education and career opportunities
  • Eric Schmitt ’82:
    Senior correspondent for The New York Times whose long career in journalism with a focus on counterterrorism and national security issues has earned him four shared Pulitzer Prizes
  • Marica Tacconi ’92:
    Distinguished professor of musicology and art history at The Pennsylvania State University whose research has led to uncovering previously neglected musical works and forged manuscripts
  • Amy Prieto ’96:
    Chemistry professor at Colorado State University, inventor and founder of Prieto Battery Inc., which is commercializing her invention of a three-dimensional, fast-charging lithium-ion battery, currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution

The Bicentennial Medals program was established in 1993 on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Williams College to honor a member of the Williams community for distinguished achievement in any field of endeavor. Through 2023, the college has celebrated and honored 187 members of our community with a Bicentennial Medal. View past honorees here.