UCLA awarded James (Jim) L. Easton (UCLA ’59) the UCLA Medal, the highest honor for extraordinary achievement that can be awarded to an person at UCLA. The UCLA award was established in 1979. Past recipients have included national and international leaders in government, education, science, industry and the arts, as well as those who have advanced UCLA’s development into one of the world’s preeminent universities. Other 2014 UCLA Medal recipients include former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, physician Larry Brilliant and former U.S. Secretary of State and Senator from New York Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“I gratefully accept the UCLA Medal. What an honor to be among the ranks of such esteemed men and women, all talented leaders that have achieved so much. It is humbling and acceptance of this recognition carries with it the responsibility and obligation to face future challenges and solutions. I thank UCLA for the life changing opportunities it afforded me and countless others. To be recognized with the UCLA Medal, the school’s highest honor, makes me very proud, said Easton”
His wife, Phyllis, also a prominent member of the UCLA Anderson family said, “I’m thrilled for Jim. UCLA and the many talented people at UCLA have played such a significant role in his and our lives. We are deeply touched and this recognition is certainly a highlight for us. The UCLA Medal is a tribute not only to what Jim has accomplished, it’s a tribute to what he will, with resolve and determination, continue to accomplish.”