The Pittsburgh-based Heinz Family Foundation has announced the recipients of the eleventh annual Heinz Awards, one of the largest prizes in the world awarded for individual achievement.

Established in 1993 to honor and sustain the legacy of Sen. John Heinz, who had died two years earlier in an airplane accident, the awards recognize exceptional leadership and accomplishments in areas of particular interest to the late Republican senator from Pennsylvania. This year's honorees, each of whom will receive $250,000, are Mark di Suvero, sculptor and founder of the Socrates Sculpture Park in New York City (Arts and Humanities category); Jerry Franklin, forest ecologist (Environment); Joseph Rogers, mental health administrator and advocate (Human Condition); Sidney Drell, theoretical physicist, educator, and arms control adviser (Public Policy); and Mildred Dresselhaus, scientist, researcher, and educator (Technology, the Economy and Employment). In addition, the foundation's Chairman's Medal was presented to Richard Goldman, chairman of Goldman Insurance Services and president and founder of the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, in recognition of his philanthropy, which benefits children and youth, democracy and civil society, the elderly, population, social and human services, and the environment.

"The collective life's work of these extraordinary individuals has helped transform our world, shaping it in ways that enhance our lives, provide inspiration to others, and bestow valuable wisdom and insight to future generations," said foundation chairman Teresa Heinz Kerry. "With courage of conviction, clarity of vision, and generosity of spirit, each of them has made a lasting contribution toward advancing our civilization. We are pleased to honor these incredible pioneers with this year's Heinz Awards."

For more information on the recipients, visit: http://www.heinzawards.net/articleDetail.asp?articleID=181.