The Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics for exceptional and sustained professional achievement, recognition as innovative leaders in their fields, and meaningful service to their communities. This includes engagement and contributions to the department, the college, and the university.

All alumni who are at least 10 years beyond graduation are eligible.

The Recent Young Alumni Award honors alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in their professional or civic endeavors.

Recipients of this award have made significant contributions in their respective fields and serve as inspiring role models for their peers. Through their accomplishments, they have distinguished themselves as outstanding ambassadors for the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, the college, and the broader community of recent graduates.

Timeline

  • Award announcements: October 15, 2025
  • Submissions due: November 17, 2025
  • Winners announced: Week of January 20, 2026

Criteria

  • The nomination packet will include a narrative, not to exceed two pages, put together by the nominator or alumni if a self-nomination. The narrative should describe the nominee's qualities, achievements, and work.
  • CV/Resume, not to exceed three pages
  • Evaluation parameters: 60 percent industry leadership, 40 percent service

CALS Certificate of Teaching Excellence

  • Recent Winner: Shamar Stewart

CALS Outstanding Senior

  • Recent Winners:  Michele Mickelwait and Jack Wilson
  • Previous Winner: Kristen Frick

CALS Outstanding Ambassador

  • Recent Winner: Hannah Burton and Issac Turpin

CALS Comeback Award

CALS Global Visionary

CALS Honorary Alumni

  • Recent Winner: Wilmer Stoneman
  • Previous Winner: Dhamu Thamodaran

CALS Alumni Career Achievement Award

  • Recent Winner: James "J" Pearson
  • Previous Winner: Greg Estep

CALS Outstanding Alumni in the Global Community

  • Recent Winner: Tom Debass

CALS Hall of Fame

CALS Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumni

  • Recent Winner: Elijah Griles

CALS Staff Employee of the Month

  • Recent Winner: Jen Shelton
  • Previous Winner: Stephanie Hendrick

Principles of Community Award

  • Recent Winner: Mike Ellerbrock

Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Virginia Tech: Excellence in Teaching Spotlight

  • Recent Winner: Mike Ellerbrock

Virginia Tech's Grad School: Outstanding Master's Thesis

  • Recent Winner: Maguette Sembene

Questions:

If you have questions about our awards or would like archived winner information, please email Nancy Moseley, Awards Coordinator.

Awards Committee:

Purpose: To identify, recommend, and assist faculty, staff, students, and alumni in achieving recognition for contributions both internally and externally to Virginia Tech.

Members

  • Darrell Bosch (Co-Chair)
  • Dixie Watts Dalton (Co-Chair)
  • Amy Guerin
  • Chanita Holmes
  • Catherine Larochelle
  • Nancy Moseley