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Alumni Awards
Nominations for 2027 due by March 1: Submit a 2027 Alumni Awards Nomination »
Our 2026 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 2026 awards will be presented during Homecoming Weekend at the Alumni Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 7, at 10:30 am, at Sottile Theatre. Register to attend the free ceremony here: https://cofc-alumni.info/CofCAwards26
Alumni Award of Honor
2026 Recipient: Brian Rutenberg ’87
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
2026 Recipient: Dr. Tracy Taylor Smith ’08
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 Dr. Smith and the Karen B. Jones ’74 Distinguished Alumni Award
Alumnus of the Year
2026 Recipient: Ann Looper Pryor ’83 (posthumously)
This award recognizes a graduate who has achieved a significant accomplishment in the previous 18 months, thus reflecting honor upon the College of Charleston. In 2026, the award is being re-named in honor of the Alumni Association’s former Vice President, Ann Looper Pryor ’83, who before hear death in 2026, dedicated 10 years in service to our alma mater.
Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year Award
2026 Recipient: Micah Mallace ’07, ’11
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 Mr. Mallace and the Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year
Pre-Health Society’s Outstanding Service Award in Healthcare
2026 Recipients: Dr. Juliana Celaro DiPasquale ’01
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 Dr. DiPasquale and the Pre-Health Society’s Outstanding Service Award in Healthcare
Honors College Distinguished Alumni Award
2026 Recipient: Julie Grier-Villatte ’04
This award recognizes Honors College alumni for their professional achievements, contributions to society, and exceptional service to the College of Charleston.
More about Ms. Grier-Villatte and the Honors College Distinguished Alumni Award
Young Alumni Award
2026 Recipient: Fabien McGill ’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.