University Awards: Alumni
The Ohio State University Alumni Association's awards program celebrates more than 50 years of excellence by honoring alumni and others who have brought extraordinary credit to Ohio State. University award nominations may be submitted here.
Ralph Davenport Mershon Alumni Award
Presented to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to The Ohio State University. Nominees’ volunteer work should show a strong commitment to Ohio State.
2017: Daniel Kimmet
William Oxley Thompson Alumni Award
Awarded to young alumni who have demonstrated distinctive achievement in a career, civic involvement or both. Nominees must be 35 years or younger.
2018: Mike Snyder
Robert M. Duncan Alumni Citizenship Award
Presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves in service to humanity and who have best exemplified the university’s motto, “Education for Citizenship,” by having performed significant voluntary service to their community beyond the call of business or professional duty.
Archie M. Griffin Professional Achievement Award
The Professional Achievement Award is presented to alumni who have superb records of distinguished career accomplishments and who have made outstanding contributions to their professions. No more than three individuals will be selected in any one year for this award.
2013: Shyama P. Chakroborty
Dan L. Heinlen Award
Presented to alumni who have realized outstanding achievements in advancing the university by advocating for its interests with one or more of its important audiences. It recognizes achievement in activities ranging from the recruitment of outstanding students and faculty to the University, to advocacy with elected officials and opinion leaders on behalf of Ohio State.
Josephine Sitterle Failer Award
Awarded to those whose voluntary personal involvement has enhanced the quality of student life at the university beyond the call of business or professional duty.
Alumni Medalist Award
This is the single highest honor bestowed by The Ohio State University Alumni Association, Inc. It is presented to alumni who have gained national or international distinction as outstanding representatives of their chosen fields or professions, bringing extraordinary credit to the university and significant benefit to humankind.
Diversity Champion Award
Presented to alumni who have made a significant and sustained contribution that fosters diversity and inclusion in their broader community and/or organization. Their efforts must recognize and respect the value of individual differences such as race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran or military service status, gender identity, economic status, political belief, marital status or social background.