UC Davis Professor Emeritus Mike Henderson was awarded the Margrit Mondavi Arts Medallion Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Manetti Shrem Museum’s fall fundraising gala in recognition of his many contributions over decades of teaching at UC Davis.

“At a time when students of color on this campus did not have ready mentors, Mike Henderson fostered the arts as a shelter, a place of freedom and expression, for his students,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan, who presented the award. “I can think of no better reason for an award than the profound work of fostering creativity and lifting up student voices.”

Henderson taught art at UC Davis for 43 years, retiring as professor emeritus in 2012. The museum will present Mike Henderson: Before the Fire, 1965-1985, in January 2023.

“Thanks to all the brave women and men who thought art should be a part of life and education,” Henderson said as he accepted the award from Croughan and museum Founding Director Rachel Teagle. “Thank you, everyone, for making this special. Thank you very much.”

The Arts Medallion honors the spirit of Margrit Mondavi, the late Napa Valley patron of the arts who made the museum’s initial founding gift.