Peter J. Koutoujian receives honor from Spanish university

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian has received an international academic honor from Spain’s Universidad de Alcalá, recognizing his work in public service and partnership-building.

The university awarded Koutoujian, a Waltham resident, its Honorary Silver Medal for the 2025-26 academic year, citing his 15 years of leadership in developing public-private partnerships through the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.

Koutoujian was honored alongside Ambassador Alfredo Martínez Serrano, Spain’s envoy to Canada, and Belén Garijo, CEO of Sanofi Pharmaceuticals and a university alumna. Rector José Vicente Saz presented the award and praised Koutoujian’s efforts to advance academic collaboration, mentorship and public service.

“It was a pleasure to honor Sheriff Koutoujian,” Saz said, noting his work has had an impact “from Massachusetts to Madrid.”

Founded in 1499, the Universidad de Alcalá serves about 30,000 students and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The institution is also known for awarding the Cervantes Prize, Spain’s top literary honor.

Koutoujian accepted the medal during a formal ceremony and spoke at a university conference on leadership in public service, organized with the Franklin-UAH Institute.

“I am incredibly humbled to be presented with the prestigious Silver Honorary medal,” Koutoujian said, calling public service “a calling” shaped by his career as a bar advocate, assistant district attorney, state legislator and sheriff.