Alumni Awards

Professional Achievement Award

The Professional Achievement Award pays tribute to the accomplishments of alumni in their chosen profession. This includes any and all professions, from business to healthcare to education to the arts. This award showcases a record of remarkable achievements, complemented by a history of outstanding contributions to their profession throughout their career.

Outstanding New Professional Award

The Outstanding New Professional Award honors the achievements of recent graduates. This award spotlights future leaders who show continued potential in their profession, commitment to their community and dedication to Kent State University. To be eligible for this award, nominees must have obtained a bachelor's or advanced degree, consecutively, no more than five years ago.

Kent State Advocacy Award

The Kent State Advocacy Award honors alumni who contribute significant time and talent to Kent State University or the Kent State University Alumni Association on a consistent basis, thus bringing favorable attention to the university.

Distinguished Citizen Award

The Distinguished Citizen Award honors alumni for their extraordinary service to the public through a nonprofit organization or community service. This award recognizes individuals who have unselfishly and generously contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others and the betterment of their community.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious award given by the Kent State University Alumni Association. It honors highly exceptional alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their chosen profession and demonstrated extraordinary service to Kent State University, the community, the state, the nation and/or the world.

Outstanding Staff Member Award

The Outstanding Staff Member Award recognizes Kent State alumni who are currently serving in full-time staff roles at the university and contribute significantly to the success of Kent State University and its programs, as well as the community and their profession. This individual goes above and beyond the demands of their role, providing considerable support to their peers, the university community and beyond. The alumni association also has a special award program called the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award (GFDTA) to honor faculty members. 

Golden Flash Award

The Golden Flash Award recognizes a student who promotes Kent State University spirit, pride and tradition. The recipient of this award serves as a positive role model, inspires other students and participates in campus activities, organizations and community service. To be eligible for this award, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Friend of Kent State University Award 

The Friend of Kent State University Award recognizes an individual who did not receive a degree from Kent State, but has demonstrated extraordinary support for the university, contributing to Kent State’s mission through philanthropy, volunteerism or other significant involvement that strengthens the university’s community, reputation or future success.

• Current Kent State full-time staff members who are alumni are only eligible for the Outstanding Staff Member Award.
• Alumni who are previous Kent State staff members will not be considered for another Alumni Award category sooner than five years after the individual’s separation from Kent State as an employee, and consideration of eligibility, accomplishments and service for any given award shall be for the time period after separation from the university as an employee.

Judging is done by the Kent State Alumni Association. The alumni association will review and make determinations for all award categories and reserves the right to suggest alternate awards based on the nominee’s qualifications and experience.

If you have additional questions about the Alumni Awards, please visit our frequently asked questions page.

Alumni Awards Frequently Asked Questions