Alumni Distinguished Service Award
Established in 1972, with the first awards presented in 1973, the Alumni Distinguished Service Award honors two Virginia Tech alumni annually for exceptional service to the university, their professions, and their communities. The award celebrates individuals whose contributions embody the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) and reflect the highest ideals of Virginia Tech.
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must be an alumnus/alumna of Virginia Tech and should demonstrate exemplary and sustained achievement in the following areas:
Service to Virginia Tech
This may include involvement through:
- The Board of Directors of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association
- The Board of Visitors
- The Virginia Tech Foundation Board and its committees
- Volunteer leadership roles (such as local alumni chapters, department/constituency board, Hokie Club)
- Significant advocacy, mentorship, or ambassadorship on behalf of the university
Typically, recipients have served in multiple capacities and demonstrated a long-term commitment to Virginia Tech.
Service to Community
Service may be local, national, or international, and should demonstrate a meaningful and recognized impact. Examples include:
- Founding or leading nonprofit organizations
- Volunteer leadership in education, public health, or humanitarian causes
- Civic or public service, such as elected office or community development initiatives
- Mentorship of underserved or underrepresented populations
Service to Profession
Nominees should demonstrate leadership, innovation, or advocacy within their professional field. Examples include:
- Recognized impact on industry through significant leadership positions
- Serving as president or board member of a professional association with recognized large scale impact
- Notable publications, patents, or industry awards
Please note that while financial support of the university is a valued form of service, it should not be the primary criteria for this award. Nominees should have an identifiable and appropriate relationship with Virginia Tech so that presentation of the award would reflect favorably both on the award recipient and the institution.
No individual affiliated with Virginia Tech as a student, faculty, or staff member, administrator, or trustee, or anyone in a similar capacity is eligible for the Alumni Distinguished Service Award, nor would any alum currently serving on the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors. Individuals affiliated with the university in any of these capacities would remain ineligible for at least 12 months after ending such affiliation. Exceptions may be granted in extraordinary situations.
Nomination Process
Who can nominate:
- Virginia Tech alumni
- University department heads and vice presidents
- Local alumni chapter leadership
- Virginia Tech Advancement staff
- Virginia Tech faculty and staff
How to nominate:
- Nominations must be submitted through the online form maintained by University Advancement.
Nomination timeline:
- Initial review: University Advancement staff will screen all submissions and recommend four to five finalists, depending on the number of nominations received
- Executive committee review: Finalists will be presented to the VTAA Executive Committee
- Board vote: Final selections will be voted on by the VTAA Board
Award Presentation and Publicity
Awardees will be honored at the University Awards event and at University Commencement. Advancement will coordinate communications and news coverage, including:
- Information in Virginia Tech Magazine.
- A story VT News.
- Details on social media.
Past winners
A list of past honorees can be found online.