Alumni Distinguished Service Awards

Established in 1973, the Alumni Distinguished Service Awards are the highest honor bestowed on an alumnus/alumna by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. Presented at commencement, this award recognizes individuals on the significance of their contributions to the university, the Alumni Association, and their communities, with additional consideration for professional achievements and accomplishments.

2023: A. Carole Pratt ’72 and Jay S. Poole ’78
2022: John E. Dooley ’94 and James “Jim” Watkins ’71
2021: Deborah Petrine ’78
2020: Lance Smith ’68
2019: Frank M. Beamer, Joe W. Meredith, Raymond D. Smoot Jr., Charles W. Steger Jr. (awarded posthumously), and Thomas C. Tillar
2018: James Hatch, Mary Nolen Blackwood
2017: Nancy Moga and Charlie Wood
2016: Jeanne Centracchio DaDamio, James E. Smith
2015: David Calhoun, Harold “Hal” W. Schneikert Jr.
2014: Wayne Robinson, Curry Roberts
2013: Ben J. Davenport Jr., David E. Lowe
2012: John R. Lawson II, Jean Arnold Dodge
2011: John C. Watkins, Sidney C. Smith Jr.
2010: Jim Shuler, E. Ann Spencer
2009: Marni Byrum, Patricia Caldwell, John Higginbotham
2008: Kimble Reynolds Jr., Nancy Bowman Sauer
2007: Charles E. Broadwater Jr., W. Thomas Clark Jr.
2006: Calvin D. Jamison, Paul M. Saunders
2005: Marcella K. Arline, Eddie F. Hearp, Eugene E. Fife
2004: Gene A. James, James Eugene Justice, L. Preston Wade
2003: James E. Turner, Carlton Southworth
2002: Alexander F. Giacco, John Grado
2001: Cecil R. Maxson Jr., Clifton C. Garvin
2000: Robert B. Delano, John G. Rocovich Jr.
1999: Mary Virginia Jones, Sam Lionberger
1998: Daniel W. Bird, Jr., G. E. “Buddy” Russell
1997: Mace T. Coleman, William W. Moseley
1996: William C. Latham
1995: Charles O. Strickler, Leo A. Vecellio Sr.
1994: Thomas W. Moss Jr., J. Landon Short
1993: Harold N. Hoback, Joseph C. Thomas
1992: H. M. (Mac) McEver, Joseph Metzger (posthumously)
1991: George A. Costan, Kenneth L. Motley
1990: William K. Barlow, William E. Jamerson
1989: Horace G. Fralin, Willis S. White Jr.
1988: Lucian Y. Grove, G. Truman. Ward
1987: Henry J. Dekker, Kenneth V. Brugh Jr.
1986: Earl T. Gresham Jr., James B. Jones
1985: Richard M. Bagley, W. Ernest Norcross
1984: Roie M. Godsey, Henry B. Redd (posthumously)
1983: William E. Skelton, Lee C. Tait
1982: Fitzhugh C. Moore
1981: Christopher C. Kraft Jr.
1980: Parke C. Brinkley, Annie S. Leeper, William C. Wampler
1979: Edward R. English, George W. Litton, J. Kenneth Robinson, John E. Scott Jr.
1978: Charles B. Kirk Jr., W. Martin Johnson
1977: Julian N. Cheatham, Lewis A. Hall, Davidson Charlton Wysor
1976: J. Edwin Givens, Henry B. Boynton, Lucy Lee Lancaster
1975: Henry G. McBurney, Margaret R. Svoboda, William S. Moffett, Clarice Slusher Pritchard, Harry N. Gustin II, William E. Betts Jr.
1974: Gordon D. Bowman, Clifford A. Cutchins III, Charles O. Gordon, Gilbert L. Seay, Wyatt A. Williams
1973: John W. Bates Jr., Guy L. Furr, Robert O. Goodykoontz, John W. Hancock Jr., Charles R. Harris, Adger S. Johnson, Edward H. Lane Sr., Walter S. Newman, Robert B. Pamplin Sr., Samuel D. Preston, Herman L. Pritchard, W. Thomas Rice, Frank L. Robeson, Heath M. Robinson, C. Eugene Rowe, Carrie T. Sibold, Oscar F. Smith III, Erwin H. Will, Robert F. Willey, Harry C. Wyatt