University of Wyoming alumnus and retired United States Sen. Alan Simpson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on July 7.
U.S. President Joe Biden awarded Simpson the medal along with 16 other people. The award is given to civilians in the U.S. who have demonstrated contributions to security and the national interests of the U.S., world peace, or cultural endeavors, private or public.
“This is one of the finest things that has ever happened to me. When you’re 90, you got to pick up all you can gather.” Simpson said after receiving the award.
“I’m going to take this home, put it on the mantle, hang it in the chandelier, for God’s sake.”
During the ceremony, President Biden spoke very highly of former Sen. Simpson.
“[Simpson is] one of the most decent, stand up, genuine guys that I’ve ever served with, and I served with a lot of senators,” Biden said.
“We need more of your spirit back in the United States Senate, on both sides of the aisle.”
Simpson graduated from the University of Wyoming (UW) in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree and received his Doctorate in Law in 1958.
During his time at UW, he served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956.
“Sen. Simpson is truly deserving of our nation’s highest civilian honor,” UW President Ed Seidel said.
“We all know him as a stalwart supporter of the University of Wyoming who has made such a difference for his beloved alma mater over many decades while he has served our state and nation as a legislator and statesman.”
The Simpson family has been ingrained in Wyoming and its politics. Milward Simpson, Alan’s father, was a U.S. Sen. for Wyoming and Governor. Alan’s brother, Peter, and son, Colin, served in the Wyoming House of Representatives.
Simpson and his family’s names have been used across campus for several location names, including Simpson’s Plaza outside the Wyoming Union and the Simpson Family Welcome Center in the UW Gateway Center.
