Fr. Tim Scully, former executive vice president of the University and current director of the Institute for Educational Initiatives received the Presidential Citizens Medal at a ceremony in the Oval Office Wednesday.
The award, according to a University press release, is the second-highest award the president gives to a civilian, behind The Medal of Freedom. Scully was among 24 recipients of this year's award.
Scully, who is a political science professor and a fellow and trustee of the University was given the award for "committing his life to strengthening communities through faith-based education that prepares individuals for a lifetime of achievement, service and compassion," according to a White House statement quoted in the University release. Scully is also co-founder of Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program, which provides Catholic schoolteachers to under-served schools across the country.
Scully focuses his research on political institutions, political parties and democratic governments. Scully served as executive vice president from 2000 to 2003 and was vice president and senior associate provost from 1994 to 2000.
