Herbert Hoover Medal For Distinguished Service
David Starr Jordan's belief that every academic degree should represent work actually done in or under the direction of the institution granting it has meant that, since its founding, Stanford has awarded no honorary degrees. As a means of recognizing extraordinary individuals who deserve special acknowledgment, the Stanford Alumni Association in 1962 voted to establish the Herbert Hoover Medal for Distinguished Service. The name pays tribute to the former President's example of service to his University, to his country, and to the cause of world humanitarianism. Indeed, Mr. Hoover was the first award recipient. The gold medal is presented following selection by an anonymous committee appointed by the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association.