Hamilton, NY — Colgate University English professor Peter Balakian received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor on Saturday, May 17. The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) makes awards to individuals in recognition of ‘exceptional humanitarian service and professional contributions’ to the United States. Designed to pay homage to the immigrant experience, as well as individual achievement, medals are awarded to U.S. citizens from various ethnic backgrounds. Past winners include Elie Wiesel, Muhammed Ali, Madeline K. Albright, Joe DiMaggio, President Clinton, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Secretary of State Colin Powell. This year 120 recipients were selected from a pool of more than 10,000 nominees. The awards recognition schedule of events on May 17 included an interfaith service at Saint Bartholomew’s Church in Manhattan, a brunch at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, an awards ceremony on Ellis Island and a gala in the Great Hall on the island. Peter Balakian is the Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Professor of Humanities in the department of English at Colgate University. He is the author of seven books including June-tree: New and Selected Poems 1974-2000 and the memoir Black Dog of Fate, which won the 1998 PEN/Albrand Prize. With more than five million members, NECO is the largest organization of its kind in the United States. NECO serves as an umbrella group for 275 organizations that span the spectrum of ethnic heritages, cultures and religions. The coalition was formed with the intention of educating and encouraging cultural unity. Founded in 1819, Colgate University is a highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, Colgate University attracts motivated students with diverse backgrounds, interests and talents. ###
June 2, 2003