Beginning in 1929, the Service Council of Berkeley presented an award biennially to "Berkeley's Most Useful Citizen." This award, the Benjamin Ide Wheeler Medal, is named after the former president of the University of California, and is awarded to one person who is selected for their outstanding nonpartisan service in any field of activity that has benefited the quality of life for a significant number of people in Berkeley. The selection is made for longtime public service without regard to sex, age, race, religion, place of birth or occupation.
From the description of Benjamin Ide Wheeler Award Committee minutes, 1928-1963. (University of California, Berkeley). WorldCat record id: 26657383