Vice President Joe Biden, a University of Delaware alumnus, was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama during a surprise ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 12, at the White House.

This award, the nation’s highest civilian honor, was presented to Biden by Obama “with distinction,” a rare honor previously received only by President Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II and former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell.

Obama said Biden, who graduated from UD in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science, is “the best vice president America has ever had” and called him a “lion of American history.”

Clearly moved, an emotional Biden said to Obama, “This honor is not only well beyond what I deserve, but it's a reflection of the generosity of your spirit.” (For the full transcript of the ceremony, click here.)

University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis and his wife, Eleni, were present at the special ceremony held at the White House to honor and congratulate the vice president for his lasting contributions as a public servant.

“Vice President Biden has served the people of Delaware and our country admirably and honorably for nearly half a century." Assanis said. "His distinguished career and lifelong dedication to public service remind us about the importance of leadership with values and exemplify UD’s commitment to building a better society.”

In Biden’s remarks, the University of Delaware received a special mention from the vice president who called it his “home campus” and said it is “where my heart resides.”

“We are working to make the emotional connection of the vice president with his alma mater a lasting one. This is a special and proud moment for all of us,” Assanis said.

About the honor

The formal citation for Biden read, in part, “With his charm, candor, unabashed optimism and deep and abiding patriotism, Joe Biden has garnered the respect and esteem of colleagues of both parties, and the friendship of people across the nation and around the world. While summoning the strength, faith and grace to overcome great personal tragedy, this son of Scranton, Claymont and Wilmington has become one of the most consequential vice presidents in American history, an accolade that nonetheless rests firmly behind his legacy as husband, father and grandfather.”

About Joe Biden

Biden was elected vice president of the United States in 2008 after a 36-year career in the U.S. Senate. He is a 1965 graduate of the University, earning a bachelor’s degree with a double major in history and political science. He also holds an honorary doctor of laws degree from UD.

A frequent visitor to his alma mater, Biden has spoken at four UD Commencement ceremonies (in 1978, 1987, 2004 and 2014) and at the recent inauguration ceremony for University President Dennis Assanis in December.

He donated his Senatorial papers to the University of Delaware Library in 2011, when he also delivered the inaugural James R. Soles Lecture on the Constitution and Citizenship. In 1984, he was inducted into the University’s Alumni Wall of Fame.

His wife, Jill Biden, earned bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from UD.