In 2006, recognizing the unique contributions James A. Haslam II and his wife, Natalie, had made to UT, an award signified by a medal that bears their names was initiated by the university. The Jim and Natalie Haslam Presidential Medal is presented at the discretion of the president. Recipients are “those rare individuals who make extraordinary contributions to UT through their gifts, their volunteer leadership, and their service.” The inaugural recipient was Howard H. Baker Jr.