Medal of Excellence
Carnegie Hall is proud to award the Medal of Excellence to a distinguished member of the business community in recognition of their remarkable commitment to philanthropy and their dedication and partnership with the arts. Since 2006, the Medal of Excellence has honored a leader whose accomplishments in the corporate sector complement Carnegie Hall’s stature as one of the premier performance venues in the world. Each gala features an award ceremony and an exclusive intimate performance by a special musical artist. Previous performers include Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, Audra McDonald, Julio Iglesias, Denyce Graves, and Vittorio Grigolo.
Previous Honorees
2019: Vartan Gregorian, President, Carnegie Corporation of New York
2017: Adrienne Arsht, philanthropist
2015: Sanford I. Weill, Chairman Emeritus, Citigroup
2014: Oscar de la Renta, legendary fashion icon
2013: Robert K. Kraft, Founder, Chairman and CEO, The Kraft Group
2012: Bill Cunningham, fashion archivist and photographer
2010: Henry T. Segerstrom, Managing Partner, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons.
For more information on Henry T. Segerstrom’s legacy, visit henrysegerstrom.com.
2008: Terry J. Lundgren, Chairman, President and CEO, Macy’s, Inc.
2007: Richard S. Fuld, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Lehman Brothers
2006: Kenneth D. Lewis, Chairman, CEO and President, Bank of America
Contact Us
For more information on the next Medal of Excellence Gala as it is announced, join our mailing list by sending your name and mailing address to the Special Events Office at specialevents@carnegiehall.org.
Medal of Excellence 2019
On June 10, Carnegie Hall was thrilled to award its 10th Medal of Excellence to a pillar of our community and face of philanthropy and education in America: Vartan Gregorian. This was a beautiful evening dedicated to the great accomplishments of this remarkable and inspiring man, and it was very meaningful to have so many of the organizations and lives he has touched over the course of his life and career with us to share in the celebration. We extend our greatest thanks to Gala Chairmen Committee members Robert F. Smith, Sanford I. Weill, Shahla and Hushang Ansary, Marina Kellen French, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and Beatrice Santo Domingo, as well as to our Honorary Chairmen, Richard A. Debs and James D. Wolfensohn.
