ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A Cornell alum has received the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Class of ‘77 grad Bill Nye the Science Guy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom over the weekend. Nye is recognized for his dedication to science education and advocacy for space exploration, and environmental conservation. The Planetary Society CEO was one of 19 to receive awards at the White House on Saturday.

Other notable winners included former Secretary of State and First Lady Hilary Clinton, primate expert Dr. Jane Goodall, and a posthumous award for former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.