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Medals of Philanthropy
David
Rockefeller
Laurance S. Rockefeller
Today,
with pride and admiration, the Carnegie family of institutions has
taken the unusual step of recognizing another great name in the
annals of American philanthropy: the name of Rockefeller. For it
was John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie who, together, at the
dawn of the last century, began the "business of benevolence":
with the same vision and fervor that they founded their own great
industrial ventures, they set the standards for philanthropy that
even today serve as the guiding stars for the philanthropists and
humanitarian leaders that have come after them.
The
contributions of the Rockefeller family are staggering in their
extraordinary range and in the scope of their contribution to humankind.
As Rockefeller University this year celebrates its own centennial—one
hundred years dedicated to scientific excellence for the benefit
of humanity—we must also take note of the many other far-reaching
benefactions of the Rockefeller clan that have literally affected
the lives of millions and brought hope, education, research breakthroughs,
medical advances, food programs, health care, and so much else to
people in every walk of life, in every corner of the globe. Through
the Rockefeller Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the creation
of the University of Chicago, Spelman College and so many other
institutions and endeavors such as the creation of Colonial Williamsburg,
the Rockefeller family has enriched humankind and made the name
Rockefeller synonymous with generosity, excellence and a vision
of international relationships founded on mutual respect and goodwill.
Perhaps
the best way to honor this great family is to honor David and Laurance
S. Rockefeller, two of the most outstanding representatives—indeed,
symbols—of this unparalleled family. Both of them have combined
public service, civic commitment and private philanthropy in the
service of not only our own city of New York but of the state, the
nation and the world, as well. And while their interests may vary,
they have always complemented each other in preserving our heritage
and advancing knowledge.
David
Rockefeller, you have been a deeply dedicated philanthropist and
co-steward of your family's legacy while also pursuing an extraordinary
and distinguished career that has included being founder and honorary
chairman of the Trilateral Commission, honorary chairman of the
Americas Society, the Council on Foreign Relations and Rockefeller
University, chairman of the Rockefeller University Council, chairman
of the Museum of Modern Art, chairman and chief executive officer
of Chase Manhattan Bank, chairman of the bank's International Advisory
Committee, author of landmark publications on the economy and banking,
and helping to launch the New York City Partnership.
Laurance
S. Rockefeller, you have long been known as a pioneer in the field
of venture capital and celebrated for your deep philanthropic commitment
to the environment—for which you have been admiringly called
"a catalyst for conservation"—and to the betterment
of the human condition, to cancer research and care, historic preservation,
higher education and the study of human values. You have served
under two presidents as chairman of the Outdoor Recreation Resources
Review Commission, brilliantly orchestrating an assessment of the
recreation and conservation needs and wants of the American people
and played a pivotal role in the development of several national
parks through major deeds of gift, including Grand Teton in Wyoming
and, most recently, with your late wife, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller
National Historical Park in Vermont. Your more than four decades
of service to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center was recognized
when you received the first Alfred P. Sloan Memorial Award from
the American Cancer Society.
For all these accomplishments, for your unparalleled lives of service
through philanthropy and business, and for carrying on the legacy
of a remarkable family whose name is etched in very annals of American
life and American history, the 21 institutions created by Andrew
Carnegie present the inaugural Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy
to you with deep appreciation and esteem.
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