About the award

The college recognizes a distinguished alumnus/alumna that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence throughout their career in a natural resources discipline.

Criteria

  • Nominee may have received either an undergraduate or graduate degree.
  • Nominee must have graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in a natural resources’ discipline. The name of such degrees and the college that awarded them may vary from different university eras and organizational structures.
  • Nominee must have spent 25 years in their respective field, discipline, or industry.
  • Nominee must have a demonstrated record of service, scholarship, leadership, and/or entrepreneurship in a natural resources discipline.
  • Preference for alumni who have remained engaged with Virginia Tech through service and engagement.
Nominate a distinguished alum

Application materials

  • College of Natural Resources and Environment nomination coversheet
  • Provide a letter addressing the following:
    • Nominee’s class year, major, current (or most recent) employer
    • A description of your relationship to the nominee (50 words or less)
    • Explain why the nominee should receive this award (500 words or less)
    • Describe any recent service or involvement with the College of Natural Resources and Environment
  • Nominee’s resume or CV

Evaluation process and award presentation

  • Reviewed by a selection committee comprised of
    • a faculty member from each department
    • A/P faculty member from the CNRE Advising Center
    • CNRE Assistant Dean of Advancement
    • CNRE Alumni Director
    • CNRE Communications Director
  • The award is presented at the annual college awards events.

Past Recipients

  • 2024 - Bettina Ring ’86 B.S.
  • 2019 - Mike Melo ’79 B.S.
  • 2014 - Carl E. Garrison III ’78 B.S.
  • 2013 - Randy Bush ’73 B.S. and John Carroll ’77 B.S.
  • 2012 - Doug Domenech ’78 B.S.
  • 2009 - Michael Wolcott ’89 Ph.D.
  • 2008 - David D. Reed ’81 M.S., ’82 Ph.D
  • 2007 - Robert Hayes Giles, Jr.
  • 2006 - Carl E. Garrison III ’78 B.S.
  • 2003 - Brian Greber ’83 Ph.D.
  • 2001 - David Van Lear ’63 B.S., ’63 M.S.
  • 2000 - James Mooney ’82 B.S.
  • 1998 - Charles W. Cartwright, Jr. ’71 B.S.
  • 1997 - Ted Bush
  • 1996 - James W. Garner ’58 B.S.