A Wheeling native who has earned world renown as a pioneering neurosurgeon will receive one of the nation’s most prestigious awards.

Dr. Joseph Maroon will be among those presented Saturday with an Ellis Island Medal of Honor at the Ellis Island Great Hall in New York City. Maroon will join such notable names as Oscar-winning actor Adrian Brody, decorated journalist Christiane Amanpour, Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla and Moderna Co-Founder Robert Langer.

Maroon — born in Wheeling, raised in Bridgeport and a graduate of St. John’s Central High School in Bellaire — is a neurosurgeon, educator, and advocate whose career has left an indelible mark on medicine, sports safety, and holistic wellness.

At the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, he has advanced minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques and mentored generations of medical professionals. His groundbreaking work in concussion research, including co-developing the ImPACT test, has transformed how brain injuries are managed, particularly in professional sports. His service on medical, ethical, and philanthropic boards reflects a career driven by integrity, innovation, and compassion.

“This evening is a tribute–one that honors perseverance, accomplishment, and service. Tonight, we recognize the remarkable contributions of 85 individuals to the United States and the world,” said EIHS Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy. “These honorees, representing a wide range of disciplines, exemplify the extraordinary potential of a nation built on freedom and opportunity.

“America’s rapid progress is a testament to its ability to harness the energy and ingenuity of its people,” Kazeminy added. “Nowhere else in history has freedom and individual dignity been more accessible and protected. When people think of the ‘Land of the Free,’ the United States stands alone.”

For 38 years, the Ellis Island Honors Society has been fostering acceptance, respect, and understanding among diverse ethnic and cultural groups by celebrating acclaimed Americans of immigrant descent and others of distinguished character for their contributions to the world.

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor has been awarded annually since 1986 to Americans, both U.S.-born and naturalized, who represent and contribute to the rich mosaic that is our great nation. This year, a total of 85 honorees will be honored for their contributions in business, education, entertainment, public service, philanthropy, media, healthcare, sports, and the defense of the United States. Each medalist has embraced their personal immigrant history and recognizes the role that uniquely American opportunities played in helping them reach their goals.

The Ellis Island Medals of Honor ranks among the nation’s most renowned awards. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record.