MAES

Medalla de Oro Award MAES has traditionally reserved time during the annual International Symposium and Career Fair banquet to pay tribute to professional members, industry supporters, and representatives of academia. These individuals are highlighted for their outstanding achievement and contributions in science and engineering as well as service to the Mexican American community. When selected, they receive the Society's highest award, the prestigious Medalla de Oro (Gold Medallion), for their contributions to MAES and the community. A committee of previous Medalla de Oro winners in attendance at the conference selects the winners. The national awards program is conducted under the direction of the MAES National Awards Committee. Nominations, however, are submitted to this committee by professional membership. The Medalla de Oro was first awarded at the 7th annual MAES International Symposium and Career Fair. The purpose of the 'Medalla de Oro' Award is to honor members and supporters of MAES who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating a dedication to service and to greatness, a dedication to humankind that carries with it responsibilities and strict disciplines. It carries with it the challenge to individual men and women to make most of their abilities and talents. It carries with it the responsibility of hard work, so that the well being of all our people may be improved. It demands self-reliance and self-discipline. It also requires that each individual conduct themselves so that their life demonstrates the dignity of man. The Medalla de Oro is the highest honor that MAES can bestow upon any member. For this reason it is made of solid gold to remind everyone that it was this precious element which brought together our ancestors five hundred years ago and made us what we are today. As a recipient of MAES’ highest award, the Medalla de Oro winner will present a Madrina/Padrino Scholarship in their name to a worthy MAES college student to symbolize the MAES concept of “The Bridge to the Future”. This allows the establishment of a lifelong mentor relationship in which the Medalla de Oro recipient provides guidance and serves as a role model for the young engineer or scientist. The MAES National Scholarship Committee selects the student winners. The Medalla de Oro award is represented by a beautifully engraved medallion made of one ounce of pure gold. The narrative on the medal is in English and Spanish to signify our bilingual culture resulting from the acculturation of our forefathers in a new nation. The Aztec calendar in the background, the significance of which still lies unexplored and hidden, depicts our great technological heritage. The MAES logo is placed in the center plane to signify the role MAES accepts to serve as a 'Bridge to the Future' by promoting the advancement of Mexican Americans in science and engineering. At the forefront there is a futuristic building in the shape of a pyramid to signify the contributions that will be made by future generations of Mexican Americans. The narrative explains the philosophy of the medal. The message states that we will build bridges for all humanity. We believe we must share those bridges with others. We also believe that we have the right to use all bridges, as science does not belong to anyone. The four elements from ancient scientists: earth, water, fire, and air, are represented on the rim of the medal to recognize other cultures and influences which add to our great and diversified culture. Arturo Cano designed the Medalla de Oro.