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.