The Thomas Hart Benton Mural Medallion for Distinguished Achievement is awarded to those who have shown meritorious national or international service to the university or made exceptional achievements that reflect the central values and principles of Indiana University and contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Medal recipients include friends of IU who serve the university by expanding our reach and improve our programs, like Se-Ung Lee, a businessman from South Korea who helped build a nursing exchange program. Other recipients are faculty and alumni who well represent IU, such as Dr. Kent Brantly, alumnus of the IU School of Medicine, who directed a medical treatment unit fighting Ebola in Liberia.

The medal is made of bronze and features scenes from the famous Thomas Hart Benton murals in the Indiana University Auditorium. It hangs from a white ribbon and is accompanied by a rosette. It is presented with a formal parchment.