On October 30, 2025, Chi Psi Fraternity presented Alpha Sigma Alumnus J. Larry Jameson ’76 with the Albert Sprague Bard Award in Philadelphia. The Bard Award, which is presented by the Chi Psi Educational Trust, recognizes individuals who “improve the lot of humankind through their intellectual and cultural contributions.” It is named after Albert Bard, a dedicated Chi Psi alumnus and civic leader who also co founded the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). Jameson has distinguished himself as a leader in the field of medicine, as the dean of two different medical schools, and as the president of the University of Pennsylvania.
Chi Psi Fraternity
Albert Sprague Bard Award
Citation XXVI
Every community is elevated by those rare individuals whose intellect and humanity enrich the lives of others. One such individual, whose contributions have profoundly shaped the scientific, academic, and human fabric of our time, can be found in
James Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
Alpha Sigma 1976
Alpha Sigma at University of North Carolina has a rich and abiding tradition of excellence in all things. When Larry Jameson continued his life-long journey of discovery in Chapel Hill, it was fitting that he would find a home at Chi Psi, where brothers enjoyed a diverse community of scholars committed to an elevated and refined friendship and their academic pursuits. Brother Jameson brought luster to Sigma’s tradition of excellence while he was a student and has only added brilliance to it as an alumnus.
A pioneer in molecular medicine, Brother Jameson’s research has illuminated the genetic basis of hormonal disorders, leading to a new understanding of human endocrine development and hormone action. With more than 350 scientific articles and book chapters to his name, his work has been published in the most prestigious medical journals. He also shaped generations of medical professionals through his influential role as an editor of Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine.
Beyond his prolific research, Brother Jameson has served with distinction as a leader at top academic institutions. During his tenure as executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and dean of the Perelman School of Medicine, he oversaw remarkable growth in research, education, and patient care. It is no surprise that his principled leadership led to his election as the tenth president of the University of Pennsylvania at a time when the challenges facing higher education are among the most significant ever encountered by American universities.
In speaking at Penn’s convocation this fall, Dr. Jameson challenged first-year students to “embrace the unexpected” and added that “collaboration is our superpower.” Leading vital and time-honored institutions is never easy, least of all in these profoundly challenging times for higher education, but Brother Jameson has championed the pursuit of discovery, the cultivation of dialogue and understanding among students, and the creation of opportunities that lead toward a more promising future for all. Brother Jameson is a beacon in the storm, and the fraternity is grateful.
The world is enriched by Brother Jameson’s service for the benefit of humankind. In recognition of the ideals he has embodied and the example he continues to provide, a grateful brotherhood bestows upon J. Larry Jameson, Sigma 1976, the Albert Sprague Bard Award of Chi Psi Fraternity, given this thirtieth day of October, two thousand and twenty-five.