Weitzman Museum Celebrates Dr. Amy Gutmann with Prestigious Award

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History honored Dr. Amy Gutmann with the 2025 Only in America Award during its annual gala held on November 5, 2023. This recognition celebrates Gutmann’s remarkable personal journey and her numerous contributions to academia and public service.

Dr. Gutmann’s family fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s, marking the beginning of a narrative that would see her become the first in her family to graduate from college. Her academic journey culminated in an impressive tenure as the president of the University of Pennsylvania for 18 years, where she focused on enhancing educational access and financial aid for students.

The Only in America Award is the museum’s signature accolade, acknowledging the achievements of American Jews who have significantly influenced society and culture despite facing challenges such as antisemitism. In the past, recipients have included notable figures like former Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Weitzman’s Only in America Award recognizing the rich and resilient story of Jewish Americans — a story that is also my own,” Dr. Gutmann stated prior to the event. She highlighted her father’s escape from persecution and emphasized the importance of sharing such narratives to illuminate the contributions of Jewish Americans throughout history.

During her presidency at the University of Pennsylvania, Gutmann doubled the enrollment of low-income and first-generation college students, raising over $10 billion for the institution. Under her leadership, the university’s endowment grew from $4 billion to $20 billion, with a substantial portion allocated to student financial aid.

Dr. Gutmann’s influence extended beyond academia; she served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany from 2022 to 2024. Her efforts focused on strengthening U.S.-German relations, particularly in areas such as support for Ukraine and combating extremism. She also launched the “Stand Up, Speak Out” campaign, aimed at addressing hate and prejudice.

David L. Cohen, former U.S. ambassador to Canada and event chair, praised Gutmann’s achievements, stating, “Her career is a masterclass in visionary leadership, fierce intellect, and moral courage.” Cohen highlighted her ability to elevate dialogue and advance equity while honoring her heritage.

Dan Tadmor, president and CEO of the Weitzman Museum, remarked, “Dr. Gutmann is a force for good in the world. She embodies the very ideals the Only in America Award was created to celebrate.”

The gala served not only as a celebration of Dr. Gutmann’s legacy but also as a reminder of the ongoing importance of understanding and honoring Jewish history and experiences. As Gutmann noted, “By remembering and honoring our past, we light the way forward.”

The Weitzman Museum continues to stand as a vital institution, showcasing the stories of prominent Jewish Americans who have shaped the nation’s cultural landscape.