Pictured: 2019-20 Alumni Award Winners
(L to R): TyRuben Ellingson '81 '82 (Distinguished Alumni Award recipient), Lee LaDue '84 '92 (Alumni Service Award recipient), Michelle Schmitz '05 (University Leadership Award recipient) and Marie Pflipsen '14 (Graduate of the Last Decade Award recipient).

Honoring Service to St. Cloud State and Beyond

The most remarkable signs of a University’s vitality are seen in the success and achievements of its alumni. 
St. Cloud State University granted its first alumni award in 1963, establishing a long tradition of honoring our distinguished and committed alumni – those who embody the spirit of St. Cloud State, those who have shaped the world and those who have strengthened our global alumni community.  

The SCSU Alumni Association is proud to recognize and honor exceptional graduates at several events during Homecoming Weekend at St. Cloud State. The awards spotlight outstanding living alumni, friends and employees who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and character; individuals whose career and life accomplishments reflect positively on our University community.  

We invite St. Cloud State alumni, faculty, staff, administration and emeriti to offer a nomination.  Awards are presented in four categories (Click on the award category title to link to a list of previous recipients): 

• Distinguished Alumni Award: Presented to *undergraduate or graduate alumni who have distinguished themselves over their lifetimes and/or in their careers.
• Alumni Service Award: Presented to *undergraduate or graduate alumni of the University who are exemplary in their service to society or to St. Cloud State.
• Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: Presented to *undergraduate alumni of the last decade (2010-2020) for outstanding achievement in their careers or in service to the community or in service to St. Cloud State. 
• University Leadership Award: Presented to current or retired St. Cloud State employees who are also *undergraduate or graduate alumni and have made a positive difference in the lives of students. 
  
  *Undergraduate = bachelor's degree earned 

Click here to view a list of the past College/School Leadership Alumni Association Award recipients

Why nominate? When you nominate, you celebrate the hard work and loyalty of a deserving recipient and promote pride on campus and among our alumni community. You recognize alumni whose achievements make a difference for St. Cloud State. You inspire current and future students. 

Nominations for alumni awards in all categories are accepted year-round. Those who wish to submit a nomination for the 2020-2021 selection cycle are encouraged to do so. All nominations and supporting documentation will be due to the Alumni Relations office by Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. To submit a nomination, fill out the form below and click submit. All supporting documentation, such as letters of recommendation, resume/curriculum vitae, brief biography and news articles, must be must be received no later than the aforementioned deadline.

Beginning with the 2020-2021 selection cycle, we are going paperless with supporting documentation. All supporting documentation must be submitted in Word, PDF and/or JPEG files and emailed to jmbrown@stcloudstate.edu with “Supporting Documentation for (nominee’s name)” in the subject line.

Questions? Call 320-308-1668 or email jmbrown@stcloudstate.edu. Recipients will be expected to attend St. Cloud State Homecoming events, where they will be publicly recognized and honored.