The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation announced today that one of four 2008 Bradley Prizes will be awarded to Gary S. Becker.Dr. Becker is a University Professor of Economics and Sociology at the University of Chicago, and Professor in the Graduate School of Business.He is also the Rose-Marie and Jack R. Anderson Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution.
Professor Becker will be presented the award during a ceremony to be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, June 4.Each award carries a stipend of $250,000.
"The Bradley Foundation selected Dr. Becker for his original research in the fields of economics and sociology," said Michael W. Grebe, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bradley Foundation. "Dr. Becker's pioneering work in the fields of economics and human behavior has revolutionized those fields of study and inspired a generation of economists."
Dr. Becker was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize for Economic Science in 1992, the National Medal of Science in 2000, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007.He is a member of the Advisory Committee on Financial Innovation of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the Hoover Task Force on Energy, and a member of the Board of Faster Cures.
Dr. Becker is the author of more than ten books, and he was a Business Week columnist for nearly twenty years.He regularly debates public policy issues with Judge Richard Posner on their blog: www.becker-posner-blog.com.
The selection was based on nominations solicited from more than 100 prominent individuals and chosen by a Selection Committee, which included:Pierre S. du Pont, Michael W. Grebe (Bradley Prizes Committee Chair), Charles Krauthammer, Heather Mac Donald, Thomas L. Rhodes, Dianne J. Sehler, Shelby Steele, David V. Uihlein, Jr. and George F. Will.
"Through the Bradley Prizes, we recognize individuals like Dr. Becker who have made outstanding contributions and we hope to encourage others to strive for excellence in their respective fields," said Mr. Grebe.
Founded in 1985, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is devoted to strengthening American democratic capitalism and the institutions, principles and values that sustain and nurture it.Its programs support limited, competent government; a dynamic marketplace for economic, cultural activity; and a vigorous defense, at home and abroad, of American ideas and institutions.Recognizing that responsible self-government depends on enlightened citizens and informed public opinion, the Foundation supports scholarly studies and academic achievement.
To schedule an interview with Bradley Foundation President & CEO Michael Grebe, please contact Kevin McVicker with Shirley & Banister Public Affairs at (703) 739-5920 or (800) 536-5920.
—Prof. Chuan He
