Envision Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has made distinguished and outstanding contributions to his or her profession or field of interest over the course of 25 or more years.

This award recipient has brought benefit to their community and honor to the College of Aeronautics and Engineering by embodying the values and spirit of what the college stands for.

This award is the highest honor bestowed by the college.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a graduate of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
• Must have achieved broad recognition for extraordinary creativity, advancement of knowledge or technology, performance or the advancement of mankind through application of their College of  Aeronautics and Engineering education.
• Must have demonstrated exemplary service to the college.

The Professional Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding alumnus or alumna of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering who has achieved exceptional accomplishment in their career and has brought distinction to themselves and the college through the benefits of vocation and leadership in their professional community.

The winner of this award will have been recognized at the regional or national level for accomplishments.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a graduate of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
• Exemplary professional or career achievement rooted in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering education.

The Young Alumni Award recognizes an outstanding alumnus of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering who is 35 years old or younger.

This award is given to an alumnus who has demonstrated excellence in their professional field and/or has demonstrated service to their community, the public or humanity, embodying the values, spirit and pride of Kent State University and the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a graduate of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
• Must be 35 years old or younger as of Dec. 31 of year nominated.
• Exemplary professional achievement and/or demonstrated service on a local or national scale, rooted in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering education.

The Distinguished Contributor Award recognizes an outstanding contributor or partner who has consistently provided financial support for the College and or its programs.

This award recipient has created a lifetime legacy through their commitment to the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

This award recognizes significant service to the college by any alumnus, staff member, faculty, or friend of the university who has given their time, expertise or leadership generously, thereby ensuring the prolonged welfare of the institution for future generations.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a graduate, staff member, advisory council member, faculty, or friend of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or one of the predecessor programs.
• Must exemplify service to the CAE community.
• Must have invested time or treasure in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering scholarships, programs, or projects.

Nominations accepted; recipient selected by Dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

The Outstanding Faculty Award recognizes outstanding contributions in a specialty area.

The award recipient will be selected for significant contributions in the field of basic or applied research, creative production, or other scholarly achievements.

They will have achieved recognition among colleagues in the discipline for productive research or creative work; will have made a concerted effort toward the advancement of his or her scholarly discipline; possess the highest ideals of scholarship; seeks intellectual and professional growth, as a member of a specialized discipline and as a participant in the academic affairs of College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

They demonstrate an interest in fostering the intellectual growth of students, stimulate and promote student scholarship, and is active in professional associations.

This award recipient contributes to the institutional welfare of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominees for this award hold a regular appointment in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at the rank of instructor or higher.
• Faculty members awarded in a given year are not eligible for selection in the same category for a 3-year period.

The Outstanding Mentorship Award recognizes faculty and staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student mentorship and development within the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond their regular duties to foster student growth, provide guidance, and create meaningful mentoring relationships.

Outstanding mentors in our college demonstrate a sustained commitment to student development that extends far beyond the classroom or office. These individuals actively create inclusive and supportive learning environments where students feel empowered to explore their academic and professional interests. They invest significant time and energy in guiding students through academic challenges, career planning decisions, and professional networking opportunities.

The ideal candidate serves as both an advocate and role model for students, demonstrating measurable impact on student retention, academic achievement, and professional placement. Their mentorship often leads to transformative outcomes for students, whether through research opportunities, internship placements, or personal growth. Through their dedicated guidance, these mentors help shape the next generation of aerospace and engineering professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominees for this award must be current faculty or staff members in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering
• No previous receipt of this award in the past three years

Nominations accepted; recipient selected by Dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

The Outstanding Staff Award recognizes outstanding contributions in advancing the vision, mission, and core values of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

The award recipient exhibits excellence in their performance and is an outstanding contributor to the college community.

They create and disseminate knowledge in a friendly and supportive atmosphere for the benefit and welfare of all people, exhibit exceptional work performance, regularly participate in college events, and are helpful to colleagues.

This recipient is a proven leader.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominees for this award have worked full-time for the College of Aeronautics and Engineering for a minimum of two years.
• Staff members awarded in a given year are not eligible for selection in the same category for a 3-year period.

The Van Deusen Award is presented to an individual who is an alumnus or friend of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

They have made a significant contribution to the college and its programs in the form of financial investment, time serving on a committee, or service as a member of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering Advisory Council.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have invested time or treasure in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering scholarships, programs, or projects.
• Must be a graduate or established friend of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.