As a result of the Six Sigma program, Motorola received the first Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 1988, which is given by the President of the United States.
Along with his two sons Christopher and Michael, Galvin started a real estate investment firm, Harrison Street Real Estate Capital, named for the street where his father and uncle started Motorola (originally named "Galvin Manufacturing").
In 1990, IIT presented Galvin with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, and in 1996, he received the university's Henry Heald Award.
In 2000 he was awarded the IEEE Founder's Medal for "For his distinguished leadership in promoting quality, technological excellence and' cooperation between government and the private sector, and expanding the applications of electronics and communications technology globally.
In the counsels of government, industry, and academe, he unselfishly gave the Nation the benefit of his knowledge, experience, and creative wisdom while leading his company in its great contribution to the computing and telecommunications transformation of society.
Galvin was inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame, in 2000, for his role in the cellular industry.