Academy of Distinguished Alumni
The Academy of Distinguished Alumni honors West Virginia University graduates who have attained national or international distinction in their profession or discipline. The award has been established by the West Virginia University Alumni Association in cooperation with the University’s 13 schools and colleges.
Since 1988, this prestigious award has been bestowed on more than 70 West Virginia University alumni, including Jerry West, David Selby, Dr. Nancy Nielsen, Rod “Hot Rod” Hundley, Sam Huff and Gen. Robert H. Foglesong.
Nominations can be submitted electronically through November 18, 2011 (for consideration for 2012) or anytime thereafter for future nominations.
2011 Inductees
In its 24th year, the West Virginia University Academy of Distinguished Alumni celebrated a year of firsts with the Class of 2011. Our first international alumni and family—the Al Zamil Family: Zamil (‘73), Fahad (‘76), Waleed (‘86) and Tawfiq (‘86) – was inducted into the Academy. And we welcomed our youngest inductee – Dr. Kimberly Weaver (‘87). We were also pleased to welcome successful businessman and entrepreneur Benjamin Statler (‘73, ‘09) as part of this elite class.
These outstanding graduates were inducted into the Academy on Feb. 4, 2011, at The Erickson Alumni Center. View some of the sights and sounds from this year’s induction ceremony.
How are inductees selected?
Inductees are nominated by the general membership of the Alumni Association or their respective schools or colleges. Information on the honorees is permanently displayed in The . To be considered for this prestigious recognition, nominees must hold a degree from West Virginia University; he/she should be recognized in his/her profession at the national or international level; and he/she cannot be present WVU, WVU Alumni Association, or WVU Foundation, Inc. employees. (However, this would not necessarily exclude members of the Board of Governors, Foundation Board, etc.).
WVU Alumni Association membership/support, WVU support, WVU Foundation, Inc. support or monetary support to any of these three are not limiting factors for nomination.
How can I nominate an alumnus/a?
You can nominate individuals for this award by completing the on-line form or by downloading/completing the nomination form and submitting it, along with all required documentation, to the WVU Alumni Association at P.O. Box 4269, Morgantown, WV 26504-4269. The deadline for 2012 nominations is closed; however, the WVU Alumni Association accepts “rolling” nominations throughout the year for consideration for the following year (Class of 2013). Inductees will be selected in Fall 2011. The 2012 Academy of Distinguished Alumni will take place in February 2012.