Past Recipients
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.
Recipients of this award include:
- 2026: Sarah Franklin and Jerry Hulick
- 2025: Deseria Creighton-Barney and Mark Lawrence
- 2024: Greta J. Harris and James E. Pearman Jr.
- 2023: A. Carole Pratt and Jay S. Poole
- 2022: John E. Dooley and James “Jim” Watkins
- 2021: H. Pat Artis and Michael J. Quillen
- 2020: Deborah Petrine and Lance Smith
- 2019: Frank M. Beamer, Joe W. Meredith, Raymond D. Smoot Jr., Charles W. Steger Jr. (awarded posthumously), and Thomas C. Tillar
- 2018: James Hatch and 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