William Golden, C'30, HON'79
The School of Arts and Sciences' 1996-97 Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to William T. Golden, C'30, chairman emeritus of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Mr. Golden is being recognized for his achievements in the sciences and humanities.
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William Golden graduated from the College at the University of Pennsylvania in 1930. He is a member of the School of Arts and Sciences Board of Overseers and the Biology Advisory Board at Penn. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Penn in 1979.
Mr. Golden is the treasurer and a director of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a trustee of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. In addition, he serves as vice president of the American Philosophical Society, past chairman of the New York Academy of Sciences, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 1996, he received the Public Welfare Medal, which is the highest honor conferred by the National Academy of Science.
In 1950-51, Mr. Golden was special consultant to U.S. President
Harry Truman to review the organization of the government's
military-scientific activities; his recommendations led to
the creation of the President's Science Advisory Committee
and of the position of Science Advisor to the President.
He also advised President Truman and the Director of the
Budget on the activation of the National Science Foundation.
He has co-authored and edited three books on science advising
to the top levels of governments in the U.S. and worldwide.
In addition, he serves on the boards of Block Drug Company
and General American Investors Company, Inc.