Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor awarded to notable alumni who display personal integrity, make meaningful contributions to Central Michigan University and have achieved professional excellence. 

Award eligibility criteria

To receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a CMU alumna/alumnus.
• Must have attained professional prominence or developed a record of exemplary accomplishment.
• Must engage in actions and deeds that reflect proudly on the university. 
• Must demonstrate loyalty and service to CMU through supporting future, current and former CMU Chippewas and faculty.

Meet last year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Nominations for the 2026 alumni awards will open January 2026.