William H. Foege, who was honored by Georgia Tech in March with the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage, has been named by President Obama as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  

A transformational leader in global health policies who made possible the eradication of smallpox and other diseases worldwide, Dr. Foege was honored during events at the Institute’s Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts on March 14-15, 2012. Foege is one of thirteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom announced by President Obama April 26th. The Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.  The awards will be presented at the White House in late spring.