Dr. William H. Danforth has been named the recipient of this year's St. Louis award. The St. Louis Award honor is presented to the “resident of metropolitan St. Louis who, during the preceding year, has contributed the most outstanding service for its development.”

According to the St. Louis Beacon, Danforth will receive the award because of his "long-standing commitment to the St. Louis area, particularly for his role in establishing the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center." He is the center's board chairman.

Danforth retired from his position as chancellor of Washington University in 1995.

Danforth is the 85th recipient of the award, the Beacon reports, since the award began in 1931 by the late David P. Wohl.

Commerce Bank's David W. Kemper, president of the St. Louis Award committee, will present the award at a ceremony and reception Tuesday at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.  

Danforth joins a notable list of St. Louisans who have received the award, including University City entrepreneur Joe Edwards, Emily Rauh Pulitzer, Peter Raven and Enterprise Rent-a-Car's Jack Taylor of Clayton.