The IEEEJohn von Neumann Medal was established by the IEEE Board of Directors in 1990 and may be presented annually "for outstanding achievements in computer-related science and technology." The achievements
may be theoretical, technological, or entrepreneurial, and need not have been
made immediately prior to the date of the award.
... it did not always have inherently negative implications, it merely designated anyone who assumed power for any period of time without a legitimate basis of ...