Alumni Recognition Awards
The families of our 2022 Frank D. Brown Awards winners with the award's namesake, CSU's third president Dr. Frank D. Brown, and CSU's interim president, Dr. John Fuchko.
At the annual Alumni Recognition Awards hosted each year during Homecoming, the CSU Alumni Association recognizes several deserving alumni in five areas. For a list of previous award honorees, please click here.
Criteria for Alumni Recognition Awards
Young Alumni Award
The Young Alumni Award is given to alumni who have graduated in the last 15 years in recognition of a commitment to excellence in post-collegiate life and a significant or ongoing commitment to extraordinary work, research, volunteerism or service to Columbus State University
Alumni Service Award
This award honors an alumnus that has rendered outstanding voluntary service to the Columbus State University Alumni Association and/or the University.
Distinguished Alumnus in Military/Public Service Award
The award recognizes CSU alumni who are active duty, veterans, or in public service (i.e. law enforcement, firefighter, EMT, etc.) who have brought distinction in their area of service to our country or community and in turn brings distinction to our University.
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Award
This award highlights contributions made to the Alumni Association by a current CSU Faculty or Staff member. Nominations for this award are only accepted from Alumni Association board members.
Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award
The Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award, is presented each year to the graduate who has most lived up to the high standards set by the award's namesake. Approved in 1980 by CSU's Alumni Association Board of Directors, it is considered the most prestigious award given annually to an alumnus. Honorable Mentions for this award will receive the Excellence in Alumni Achievement Award. No award will be given if the Selection Committee decides that no nominee is of sufficient high caliber. The nominee must meet the following requirements:
- The nominee must hold a degree (associate, baccalaureate, master's, or specialist) from Columbus College or Columbus State University.
- The nominee must have distinguished themselves in their professional and personal life and through community involvement and service, and thereby have brought recognition to CSU.
- The nominee must have exemplified high moral character and integrity and be held in high esteem by their fellow alumni.
Read more about this award and its namesake here.
Frank D. Brown Achievement & Leadership Excellence Award
The award is presented only when extraordinary achievement or service merits it. The Brown Award recognizes an organization, active or retired member of the faculty or staff, a non-graduate alumnus, or a supporter of Columbus State University who has made extraordinary contributions to educational excellence at Columbus State University or whose achievement has brought honor and distinction to Columbus State University. The nominee must meet the following requirements:
- Be an organization or individual supporter of Columbus State, other than a CSU graduate. (Former students who didn't graduate are eligible for nomination.)
- Have provided substantial and sustained support for Columbus State or must have brought honor and distinction to CSU.
- Have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills or accomplishments that serve as a model for the Columbus State University community.
- Be held in high esteem by the Columbus State University community.
Read more about this award and its namesake here.