Henry S. Bienen, who led the University to increased academic prominence, financial strength, and athletic success, became president emeritus on September 1, 2009. Bienen was elected the 15th president of Northwestern on June 13, 1994, and took office on January 1, 1995. During his tenure, Northwestern faculty and students received numerous academic awards, the endowment quintupled, applications for admission skyrocketed, and the University's reputation grew both nationally and internationally.