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Housed within the Donia Human Rights Center, a member of the International Institute, the Wallenberg Medal and Lecture recognizes outstanding humanitarians whose work perpetuates University of Michigan alumnus Raoul Wallenberg’s extraordinary accomplishments and human values. These activities are supported by the Wallenberg Endowment, which was established in 1985.
2023 Wallenberg Lecture


On October 10th in Rackham Auditorium, Lucas Benitez received the 2023 Wallenberg Medal and delivered his keynote Wallenberg Lecture, “The Fight for Fair Food and the Future of Worker-driven Social Responsibility.” U-M President Santa Ono awarded the medal to Mr. Benitez, following introductions by LSA Dean Anne Curzan and Wallenberg Medal Executive Committee Chair Sioban D. Harlow.
The co-founder of the Florida-based labor and human rights organization the Coalition of Immokalee Workers told attendees, “The legal system is built to respond to violations of human rights. But what we have built is a model for prevention. Because a world without victims is far preferable to a world where survivors must pick up the pieces.” Read more…
Recent Medal Recipients
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Raoul Wallenberg Human Rights Practitioner Fellowship
The Raoul Wallenberg Human Rights Practitioner Fellowship will be awarded to one outstanding individual who has dedicated their career to the practice and cause of international human rights. The program is funded by the Raoul Wallenberg Medal Endowment. For more information about the fellowship, please contact the Donia Human Rights Center.
Wallenberg Fellowship
The Wallenberg Fellowship is awarded annually to a graduating senior of exceptional promise who is committed to service and the public good. For more information about the fellowship, please contact the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships.