Barnard Medal of Distinction
The Barnard Medal of Distinction is the College's highest honor. Established in 1977 it is awarded to a selection of notables, ranging from Toni Morrison to Lena Dunham to Barack Obama. The medal appears to serve a similar purpose as honorary degrees do at Columbia, since Barnard does not actually grant any degrees.
Not to be confused with the Barnard Medal for Meritorious Service to Science.
