In recognition of the many and varied philanthropic initiatives of Progressive Business Publications and himself, Ed has proudly accepted several honors and awards. In combination, they are a testament to his dedication and his company’s focus on enriching communities, and helping to create the leaders of tomorrow.
The Individual Philanthropist of the Year Award 2003
In 2003, the Greater Philadelphia Association of Fundraisers identified Ed Satell as the Individual Philanthropist of the Year in recognition of the impact of his philanthropy and corporate citizenship on the region.
This annual award is presented by community leaders during a special luncheon in Center City.
“On behalf of all Pennsylvania, I commend you for upholding the highest standards of service, humanitarianism and philanthropy. You exemplify and cultivate among others a high caliber of leadership that is an invaluable resource to your family, neighbors, and the entire Commonwealth.”
-Ed Rendell
Pennsylvania Governor
The World Affair’s Atlas Award for Leadership – Man of the Year 2005
The Atlas Award is presented annually by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia to a community leader who embodies the Council’s motto: “In a Democracy, agreement is not essential; participation is.”
In 2005, Ed Satell accepted this honor from Presenter and Keynote speaker Don Graham, Chairman and CEO of the Washington Post.
“There are individuals who understand that the key to success is access– to valid information, the best minds, the most trustworthy leaders, and the most current actions. Ed is at the top of the list among those individuals. It’s a privilege to honor him.”
-Buntzie Ellis Churchill
CEO
World Affairs Council
Temple Sholom’s Visionary of Sholom Award – Man of the Year 2006
Vision means honestly assessing the future and being willing to take bold actions to achieve goals.
In 2006, Temple Sholom in Broomall asked Ed to accept its first “Visionary of Sholom” award as their Man of the Year.
Rabbi Peter Hyman, National Jewish Chaplain for the Boy Scouts of America and Rabbi for the Temple, told the sold-out crowd:
“How can you best honor a man whose actions touch so many … a man who is changing the world for the better, one institution, one group, one individual, one child at a time? How can we honor Ed Satell, for his vision, his courage, his integrity, his selflessness, his leadership? We can only say thank you, humbly but sincerely, thank you.”
-Rabbi Peter Hyman
Temple Sholom
The Walnut Street Theatre’s Edmund Forrest Award – Man of the Year 2007
Each year the Trustees of the Walnut, Philadelphia’s most popular subscription theater, vote to honor one Philadelphian who understands and supports the importance of the arts and American Theater to enhance the vitality of the region as Man of the Year. Recipients include Senator Arlen Specter and Governor Mark Schweiker.
In 2007 Ed Satell was selected for this honor. In addition, the Stargazers Ball was dedicated to Ed, who accepted the Edmund Forrest Award at the Ball and presented a lifetime achievement award to the “Composer for the Queen of England, Tony Macaulay”
“Ed represents the same kind of vision and patriotism that Edmund Forrest, known as America’s first great tragedian, did. Forrest, also a Philadelphian, encouraged the development of a truly American theatre that would reflect the tenets of the new republic. Ed makes the same kind of long term, significant commitment. His passion embodies all that Forrest intended for American theatre.”
-Bernard Havard
CEO and Managing Artistic Director
Walnut Street Theatre
Cradle of Liberty Council’s Good Scout Award – Boy Scouts of America 2008
Courage, patriotism, integrity, loyalty – the annual Good Scout Award is designed to acknowledge an individual who personifies the Boy Scout values and serves as a shining example for youth. In 2008 Ed Satell was honored by the Cradle of Liberty Council with their special Man of the Year Award – The Good Scout.
When accepting the award, Ed electrified the audience, first with a strong and vibrant message of support for the mission of Scouting, and second with a “Satell Challenge Grant” to stimulate additional contributors to Scouting.
“I know Ed as a community leader and as an involved parent, building for the future. That’s really what Ed is about – building character, building values, building discipline and building commitment.”
-Bill Dwyer
Chief Scout Executive
Cradle of Liberty Council – Boy Scouts of America
The Caron Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year Award 2009
The Humanitarian of the Year was established by the Caron Foundation to honor an individual each year whose life is dedicated to improving the lives of others—a true humanitarian. Ed Satell was asked to accept this honor in 2009 from football great Joe Theismann.
The 2009 event opened with a special film, created by Mitlas Productions, featuring seven nonprofit and education leaders describing Ed and his impact as a humanitarian. See the inspiring video on YouTube.
“Ed, with his gift for giving of himself, defines the meaning of the term “Humanitarian.” Ed always goes the extra mile.”
-Doug Tieman
CEO
Caron Foundation
The Technion Institute’s International Honorary Fellowship Degree 2010
The Honorary International Fellowship Degree is confirmed on individuals whose vision and philanthropic commitment improves the lives of mankind by supporting and stimulating vital research and education. In 2010 The Board of the renowned Technion Institute (Israel’s MIT) announced, in a global press release, that Ed Satell of Pennsylvania, USA, was nominated for the International Honorary Fellowship Degree. The Degree was conferred during a special ceremony in Haifa, Israel in June of 2011.
“With admiration for your generous support of Graduate Fellowships in cancer and stem cell research, the Richard D. Satell Cancer Research Projects, the Satell Family Nitrogen Hydrogen Alternative Fuel Reaction Laboratory, and the Satell Fellows.”
-Peretz Levie
President
The Technion Institute
Junior Achievement of Greater Delaware Valley’s Inaugural Inductee to the Business Hall of Fame 2011
Dedicated to the vital goal of expanding students’ knowledge and understanding of financial literacy, Junior Achievement of Greater Delaware Valley instituted a Hall of Fame Philadelphia Chapter, part of their national chapter whose honorees include Bernie Marcus and Mary Kay Ashe. The Hall of Fame annual induction recognizes and honors the professional accomplishments of an individual’s business success, as well as identifies positive role models for our region’s young people.
In 2011, Ed Satell was selected to become the first inductee for the Hall of Fame.
“Ed embodies the values and mission of Junior Achievement in terms of our three pillars: Work Readiness, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Literacy. It’s through his example of leadership that we can help kids K through 12 learn about and appreciate the free enterprise system and all of its aspects of capital formation, risk and reward, job creation, hard work, teamwork, and leadership – and to understand business and economics.”
-Paul Kappel
CEO
Junior Achievement of Delaware Valley
The University of Connecticut School of Business Hall of Fame Inductee 2012
Each year, The University of Connecticut School of Business celebrates the outstanding achievements of an Alumnus whose passion and drive has led to a successful career in his chosen field.
These acclaimed UCONN role models are then inducted into its Hall of Fame during a black-tie ceremony.
In 2012 Ed Satell was nominated, and accepted this accolade from his alma mater.
“Ed represents true UCONN spirit. His achievements are an excellent example for our students.”
–Mun Choi
Provost – Business School
University of Connecticut
World Affairs Council’s Legacy of Leadership Award 2012
The Council is one of the foremost nonpartisan public policy and information podiums in the nation, providing its members and the greater Philadelphia community with access to influential figures in the global arena. In 2012 the Council instituted an annual Legacy of Leadership Award. Ed Satell was selected to become its founding member.
In 2012 The Council celebrated Ed’s legendary contributions with the Award, presented to Ed by statesman and former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Council CEO Claudia McBride said: “ I can think of no one who more deserves this award.” Mr. Blair, while at the podium, echoed Claudia’s statement, saying he was grateful to Ed on “behalf of the region and the thinking world”.
The International House’s International Leadership and Vision Award 2012
Philadelphia’s International House, right by the Penn and Drexel University campuses, is the oldest in the world. It was founded to provide a unique introduction to American life for international scholars and students.
International House leadership asked to honor Ed Satell as he transitioned from an active Board role to the role of Senior Advisor. In late June of 2012 he accepted the International Leadership and Vision Award.
“Ed Satell has made us work. His generosity, his advice, it is all so valuable to us. He has stood by us and guided us and we are profoundly grateful for his leadership. We never want him to go!”
-Tanya Steinberg
CEO
International House of Philadelphia
2013 CEO Philanthropy Award
Executive Leaders Radio
Ed was nominated for this honor by the Cook-Wissahickon Elementary School, which he & his company, at the urging of General Colin Powell, “adopted” more than nineteen years ago. Cook-Wissahickon’s Principal, Karen Thomas, spoke at the event of how Ed’s support had transformed the K-8 elementary school.
Ed is just an extraordinary individual–other administrators won’t even believe all he’s done for our school. I was thrilled to nominate Ed Satell, and am so, so proud he won!”
Karen Thomas, Principal,
Cook-Wissahickon K-8 School
2014 Judge Lois Forer Award
The Support Center for Child Advocates
The SCCA, founded and principally supported by the Philadelphia Bar Association, asked Ed to be honored as a role model for its members and the business community. They chose him as a business person of integrity, whose actions in business, the community and for disadvantaged children change their story.
Ed’s passion for giving back spans more than 50 years. His philosophy is simple and consistent: “Think we, not me”. This man has single-handedly changed the story for thousands of young people, not just in our region, but around the world by developing and funding over a dozen impactful programs for underprivileged youth, all designed for long-term impact.
At the Support Center for Child Advocates, we believe he is an outstanding role model for all of us. He is a visionary, a successful entrepreneur, CEO and a dedicated philanthropist who leads by example.
Frank Cervone
Chief Executive Officer
The Support Center for Child Advocacy
2014 Heroes of Liberty Award
The National Liberty Museum
The National Liberty Museum, with its slogan “Live Like A Hero”, is an extraordinary institution dedicated to preserving America’s heritage of freedom by fostering good character, civic responsibility and respect for all people. The Museum asked to honor Ed for his deep dedication to developing, encouraging, and empowering individuals and organizations to become all they can be, for the greater good.
Ed accepted the beautiful one-of-a-kind glass bowl created for the award during a spectacular evening event in October. The Choir from his “adopted” school, Cook-Wissahickon k-8 Elementary in Philadelphia, serenaded him with a moving rendition of “People.“
