Steven M. Hilton, CEO and President of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, received the first Yunus Social Innovation Medal presented by Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and founder of the renowned Grameen Bank, at a ceremony launching the new California Institute for Social Business at California State University Channel Islands.Professor Yunus will participate in the strategic direction of the new institute, the first of its kind in the nation. Professor Yunus sees it as the next step in global social transformation efforts following the success of the microcredit movement that he founded. Students will be encouraged to work and study in social businesses around the world. These are businesses which have been created to solve a social problem where investors may have their money returned, but the profits are reinvested to sustain the projects. The Social Innovation Medal will be awarded annually by Professor Yunus in conjunction with CSU Channel Islands.
“Steve Hilton is a leader who has worked for social change throughout his life,” said Richard R. Rush, president of CSU Channel Islands in announcing the prize. “He was chosen by Professor Yunus for his longstanding commitment to social transformation."
