KU News Release

Hemenway awarded outstanding civilian service medal by U.S. Army

Chancellor Robert Hemenway, center, receives the outstanding civilian service medal from Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, right, and Sgt. Maj. Philip F. Johndrow. Photo: Don Middleton, Multimedia/Visual Information Service Center, Fort Leavenworth

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway was awarded the outstanding civilian service medal May 6 at Fort Leavenworth. The medal honors individuals not employed by the U.S. Army for service and support to the Army.

Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, commanding officer at Fort Leavenworth, presented the medal to Hemenway at a luncheon at the fort.

“Chancellor Robert Hemenway has been a major supporter of Fort Leavenworth and the United States Army Combined Arms Center during the period of January 1995 through January 2009,” the award citation reads. “His proactive support of the Army’s educational programs at Fort Leavenworth directly led to the establishment of graduate-level degree programs for the Command and General Staff College students and to a variety of educational opportunities for combat-wounded veterans as part of the Wounded Warrior Program. Because of his overt support for an educational synergy between Fort Leavenworth and the University of Kansas, there is currently more day-to-day contact between Army students and KU students than ever before. Chancellor Hemenway’s service to Fort Leavenworth, the Army and the nation reflect great credit on him.”

The secretary of the Army or a major Army commander can give the medal. Eligible individuals are those not employed by the Army, federal government officials at the policy level and technical personnel who serve the Army as advisers or consultants. The secretary of the Army established the award in 1959. It is ranked below the Distinguished Civilian Service Citation and above the Patriotic Civilian Service Lapel Button.

“It has been my distinct pleasure to work with Lt. Gen. Caldwell and the many other fine men and women at Fort Leavenworth during my KU career,” Hemenway said. “KU is proud of the collaborations we have had with the U.S. Army, and I am humbled to be honored by an institution that has done so much in service for Kansas and our nation.”

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