HQ News

Harper Lee to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

On November 5, 2007, Harper Lee, an initiate of Nu Beta Chapter/U of Alabama, will be presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest Civil Award. Harper Lee's Pulitzer prize winning novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, was published in 1960 and depicts life in the deep south during the Great Depression.

Statement given by the Press Secretary states, "The medal may be awarded 'to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.' " Harper Lee is among the 8 distinguised recipients to receive the award in 2007.

Harper Lee is a recipient of the Malinda Jolley Mortin Woman of Achievement Award of Chi Omega.