The Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS) was founded in 1984 at the behest of President Ronald Reagan, who turned to his friend Lee Iacocca — the legendary figure behind the restoration of the Statue of Liberty — to spearhead the revitalization of Ellis Island. Joining him was William D. Fugazy, a prominent travel and transportation magnate and another close friend of President Reagan. Together, they set out not only to restore the island’s iconic structures but also to reaffirm its place as a powerful symbol of America’s immigrant heritage and national values.

Nearly four decades later, EIHS carries on that mission through the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, celebrating individuals whose contributions embody the spirit of America’s strength, diversity, and opportunity.

The Ellis Island Medals of Honor are awarded each year to a distinguished group of American citizens who exemplify the very best of our national character. These individuals honor the traditions and values of their heritage while embracing the responsibilities of American citizenship. Through selfless service, unwavering patriotism, and a commitment to building a stronger, more united nation, they uphold the ideals upon which America was founded, and inspire future generations to do the same.

Responsibilities

Advisory Committee members serve as independent ambassadors of the Ellis Island Honors Society and report directly to the Chairman. Membership is reserved for past recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor who have demonstrated a continued commitment to the values of our organization. While members may have been invited to serve based on their professional or cultural affiliations, they are encouraged to nominate individuals of any background, profession, faith, or ethnicity who exemplify the ideals of patriotism, service, and humanitarian leadership.

Members are expected to uphold the rich diversity of our organization and to maintain the highest standards of fairness, integrity, and ethical conduct throughout the nominating process.

Advisory terms are two years in length, with the possibility of extension at the discretion of the Chairman.

Ellis Island Honors Society

Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee consists of past medalists who have shown a deep connection to our organization and have volunteered their time and consideration to act as ambassadors of EIHS. Their responsibilities consist of helping to advance our mission of celebrating excellence, service, and the diverse contributions of the American people. Advisors are expected to nominate exceptional individuals for recognition, promote awareness of our organization’s values and impact, and, when appropriate, assist in fundraising efforts by helping to identify new sources of support. This advisory role is honorary, but meaningful, and we are deeply grateful for the insight, influence, and enthusiasm each member brings.

Who We Are

Nominations

Advisory members are requested to use the Ellis Island Honors Society website to submit their nominations. This is required to ensure that all nominations are tracked through our database. Members should not assume that upon having discussed a nominee with EIHS administration that the nomination has been officially submitted for consideration.

When submitting via the website, you should be prepared to answer the following simple questions: Your email, your name and your phone number, profession and title, if applicable.

You will be then asked for the name, email, and phone number of your nominee. While we do not ask members to include a nominee’s CV or bio with this online nomination, we do ask that you respond to the online prompt with one or two reasons why you are making the nomination. 

Nomination Criteria

Integrity
The nominee must demonstrate a consistent record of honor, character, and ethical leadership. Please highlight a specific act or sustained effort that reflects these values.

Passion
Show how the nominee’s deep commitment to a cause, belief, or mission—social, humanitarian, or ideological—has shaped their life’s work.

Achievement
Outline the nominee’s notable accomplishments in their field. Include any peer-recognized awards, innovations, or honors from respected institutions.

Humanitarian Impact
Describe the nominee’s hands-on involvement in humanitarian efforts. Emphasis should be placed on personal time, leadership, and advocacy—not just financial contributions.

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Final Medalist decisions rest solely with the Chairman and Board after full vetting.

All nominees must be U.S. citizens, either native-born or naturalized.

We do not present the medal posthumously.

Best Practices

All committee members should understand and follow the submission, vetting, and selection guidelines. These protocols ensure we have the necessary information for informed decisions.

Nominations must be submitted online at

https://www.eihonors.org/medalists

When nominating someone, we strongly encourage you to share just how meaningful this once-in-a-lifetime honor truly is—an unforgettable celebration made all the more powerful when shared with family, friends, and colleagues. The gala, held on historic Ellis Island, is a spectacular and patriotic evening that brings together extraordinary Americans from all walks of life.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of our honorees to help sustain this special tradition, and we hope each nominee will consider purchasing a table or additional tickets so their loved ones can be there to witness this proud moment.