Ellis Island Honors Society Presents the 2026 Ellis Island Medals of Honor

Leaders in various sectors were honored with the Ellis Island Medals of Honor during a gala held on May 16, 2026. The event, organized by the Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS), recognized 76 recipients for their contributions in fields such as business, education, entertainment, public service, philanthropy, media, healthcare, sports, and defense of the United States.

Among the honorees were notable individuals including Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG; celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck; Sarah Friar, Chief Financial Officer for OpenAI; Alejandro Mayorkas, Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; and Ebs Burnough, Filmmaker and Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Sundance Film Institute. For a complete list of recipients, the company's website offers further details.

This year's ceremony took place in Ellis Island's Great Hall, a historical site that previously welcomed 12 million immigrants to the United States. Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman of the Ellis Island Honors Society, emphasized the importance of honoring the legacy of immigrants, stating that the individuals recognized represent achievements grounded in hard work, courage, and service.

Since its inception in 1986, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor have acknowledged a wide array of distinguished Americans, including past U.S. Presidents and notable figures such as Nobel Laureates and military leaders. The medals have gained recognition from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, with honorees listed annually in the Congressional Record.

The Ellis Island Honors Society was established to highlight the contributions of immigrants and their descendants throughout American history. In addition to awarding the medals, the organization aims to promote scholarships focused on immigration and to support cultural initiatives nationwide.