In recognition of his orchestral work Ellis Island: The Dream of America, Professor of Music Peter Boyer has been selected as one of the recipients of the 34th Ellis Island Medals of Honor.
The annual medal is offered to some choice of 100 Americans whose accomplishments within their field and inspired service to the nation are worthy of commendation.
The Helen Smith Chair in Music in the university, Boyer will join with his fellow recipients-including Executive Director from the U.N. World Food Programme David Beasley, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, and former Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt-for the 2010 award ceremony on May 11 held on Ellis Island situated in Upper New York Bay.
Upon hearing of the announcement, Boyer expressed both his surprise and gratitude towards the selection committee.
\”I am truly overwhelmed to understand which i is going to be receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor,\” he said. \”I've always been aware of the many distinguished Americans who've received this special recognition, and it's touching to learn that I will join this group.\”
Since the medal began in 1986, the Ellis Island Honors Society has honored a diverse choice of honorees (including seven U.S. presidents) whose careers celebrate the American beliefs in opportunity and possibility.
As he ready to compose Ellis Island: The Imagine America, Boyer asserted he conducted extensive research in 2001 and 2002 around the immigrant experience at Ellis Island with the Ellis Island Oral History Project.
\”I never could have imagined then which i would eventually return to this historic location for this extraordinary honor,\” said Boyer. \”I'm most grateful towards the Society's Chair, Nasser Kazeminy, and all sorts of members of [its] board for their support, which is deeply meaningful to me.\”
