University of Miami president Donna Shalala - a former Clinton Cabinet member who was appointed by President Bush to head up a committee to improve veterans' care - has been awarded a presidential medal of freedom, the White House announced today.
According to the White House, the medal is the nation's highest civil award. Established by executive order in 1963, the medal may be awarded by the president to "any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution ... to the security or national interests of the United States...or world peace..."
The recipients were honored at a White House ceremony on June 19. Other honorees include HIV/AIDS researcher Anthony Fauci, the late Rep. Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor to serve in Congress; and Gen. Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps. (Ret.)
The White House called Shalala, "one of our nation's most distinguished educators and public officials. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that all Americans can enjoy lives of hope, promise and dignity."
