Mayor's Medal of Honor

Since 1984, Rochester mayors have been recognizing community members for going above and beyond and making a difference in our community! Please take a few minutes to nominate someone you know who is deserving of this award. See below for a list of the 14 categories.

Nomination Form <click on this link

Before nominating someone, please check the list. Community members can only be awarded the Mayor’s Medal of Honor once.

Nomination forms are also available by contacting Michon in the Mayor’s Office at (507) 328-2701 or at mrogers@rochestermn.gov.

Honorees will be recognized at a luncheon on December 4, 2026.

An individual who sustains and promotes creative artistic and/or cultural endeavors in our community by any of the following: a) acting as a benefactor; b) coordinating displays, performances or shows; or c) personal achievement in art, music, theater, dance, literary or poetic endeavors, and other artistic or cultural activities. 

An individual who demonstrates value for, facilitates, promotes, or utilizes the talents of the wide variety of diverse people in our community; one who celebrates all dimensions of diversity.

Any member of the community who donates personal time and ability to the benefit the residents of the Rochester area

For individual achievement in sustaining high quality education in Rochester through one of the following: a) personal endeavors as a teacher or educator; b) administrative endeavors providing resources; c) citizen providing service to the schools as a volunteer, or d) any individual promoting the cause of education within the community. 

An individual who is either a) an employee of the City who provides a service above and beyond the call of duty, or b) a volunteer who provides extraordinary service to the city while fulfilling duties of appointment on a board, committee, or commission.

An individual exemplifying business and industrial advancement, a) by encouraging development and growth in Rochester, b) by demonstrating innovation in business or industrial concepts, or c) through contributions that help sustain organizations that provide necessary services that benefit the citizens of our community.

An individual who has demonstrated heroism in our community. 

An individual in our city who has either: a) demonstrated a compassionate and a caring spirit by providing humanitarian services; b) provided notable assistance to others any member of the community in need; or c) who has assisted persons with special needs or a disability.

For action or endeavors that have or will have a lasting impact and be recognized by future generations as a significant event and/or momentous part of the history of Rochester and Olmsted County worthy of commemoration.

Any member of the community who has given of their time and talent to the benefit of the citizens of the Rochester, Minnesota. This is to be selected by the Mayor.

An individual in our community with a disabling condition or handicap who either: a) demonstrated outstanding achievement in overcoming their personal disability or circumstances in the service of others; or b) demonstrated excellent volunteer service by using their time and talents towards creating a better community for all.

A senior citizen who exhibits one of the following: a) exemplary service among peers: creative endeavors that benefit their community; or c) promotion of health, economic, and other issues responding to the needs of senior citizens.

Any individual in our city who advances sustainable development (such as those recognized by the UNSDG) with emphasis on support for cleaner air, renewable energy, and creating a more livable, sustainable, and resilient community. 

Any K-12 or locally enrolled college student up to the age of 21 who shows significant involvement, initiative, and support of our community.