Alumni Awards

Since 1986, the UCR Alumni Association has honored graduates who personify the university’s tradition of excellence and service. Through their personal and professional achievements, these individuals bring distinction to UCR, contribute to the betterment of society, and enhance their communities. The UCR Medallion is presented in recognition of innovation, leadership, and philanthropy.

UCR Medallion: Jack and Laura Dangermond

A landscape architect by training, Jack Dangermond, along with his wife, Laura, founded Environmental Systems Research Institute, or Esri, in 1969 with a vision that computer mapping and analysis could help design a better future. Under the Dangermonds’ leadership, that vision has continued to guide Esri in creating cutting-edge GIS and Geodesign technologies used in every industry to make a difference worldwide.

The Dangermonds fostered the growth of the Redlands-based Esri from a small research group to an organization recognized as the world leader in software development for geographic information systems, or GIS. Esri employs more than 4,000 people worldwide including many who have been with the company from the early days of the company.

The award recognizes the Dangermonds for their innovation, leadership, and philanthropy in education and geospatial technology, and for conservation and humanitarian contributions to the global community.