Distinguished Alumni Award

Established by the Board of Trustees in 1951, the Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by Penn State upon an outstanding alumna or alumnus. The award salutes the achievements of alumni whose "personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater."

Eligibility and Timeline
All living graduates of the University, who have received a bachelor’s or advanced degree, and former students who have attended full-time as a degree-seeking student and satisfactorily passed a minimum of one semester, are eligible for consideration of the award.  Current members of the Board of Trustees, employees of the University, and officers and members of the Executive Board of the Penn State Alumni Association are not eligible for this award.  Honorees are selected by the Board of Trustees during their November meeting, and are invited to receive the award during a ceremony held the following year at University Park.

Nominations
Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends of Penn State may submit nominations for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from July 14, 2023 until September 30, 2023. Completed forms should be submitted by email to tjo5277@psu.edu.

Contact
Please direct any questions about the award or candidate nominations to the Board office at tjo5277@psu.edu or (814) 867-1246.