Alumni / About / Alumni Awards
Alumni Awards
Our 2025 Recipients
Each year, the Alumni Association recognizes the extraordinary achievements of distinguished graduates and friends of the College of Charleston in seven awards categories. The 2025 awards will be presented during Homecoming Weekend at the Alumni Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 15, from 5:30-6:30 pm, at Sottile Theatre. The ceremony will be followed by a celebratory Oyster Roast in Cistern Yard from 7-10 pm. Tickets to these and other Homecoming events may be purchased at https://homecoming.charleston.edu/tickets/.
Alumni Award of Honor
2025 Recipient: Demetria Noisette Clemons ‘75
The Alumni Award of Honor is the highest honor awarded by the College of Charleston Alumni Association. It is presented to those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Association and/or to the College. Both alumni and friends of the College are eligible for this award.
Karen Burroughs Jones ’74 Distinguished Alumni Award
2025 Recipient: Arlinda Locklear ’74
The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1983 to recognize graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions and/or their communities over an extended period of time, thus reflecting honor upon the College of Charleston. In 2024, the award was re-named in honor of the Alumni Association’s Executive Secretary Emerita, Karen Burroughs Jones ’74, who dedicated more than 30 years in service to our alma mater.
More about Ms. Locklear and the Karen B. Jones ’74 Distinguished Alumni Award
Alumnus of the Year
2025 Recipient: Marcus Hammond ’09
This award recognizes a graduate who has achieved a significant accomplishment in the previous 18 months, thus reflecting honor upon the College of Charleston.
Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year Award
2025 Recipient: Cynthia Marcengill Legette ’93
The Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year Award recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions as business leaders to their industries or professions, communities, and the College of Charleston, and who have exhibited great integrity in their business and personal lives. The School of Business selects this award recipient.
More about Ms. Legette and the Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year
Outstanding Service Award in Medicine
2025 Recipients: Youlanda Gibbs ’98
This award is sponsored by the Alumni Association, the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, and the Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society. The award recognizes graduates whose practice of medicine, including dental, veterinary, and related medical sciences, represents remarkable achievements, and who demonstrates an enduring commitment to the College and their communities. The members of Alpha Epsilon Delta select the recipient.
More about Ms. Gibbs and the Outstanding Service Award in Medicine
Honors College Distinguished Alumni Award
2025 Recipient: Lancie Affonso ’96, ’08
This award recognizes Honors College alumni for their professional achievements, contributions to society, and exceptional service to the College of Charleston.
More about Mr. Affonso and the Honors College Distinguished Alumni Award
Young Alumni Award
2025 Recipient: Deniz Houston ’16
This award recognizes an alumnus who has expressed the finest of CofC traditions through service to his or her community and/or profession within ten years of graduating. The recipient’s class year must be within the past ten years.
