Distinguished

Alumni Awards

Welcome to the Southern University Alumni Federation Washington, D.C. Chapter (SUAF-WDC) Distinguished Alumni Awards. Our alumni and dedicated supporters embody the true spirit of Southern University through their exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to service. We invite you to help us honor those who continue to elevate our community and alma mater by submitting a nomination for one of our prestigious award categories. Please review the award categories, nomination requirements, and past award recipients. Previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination.

The 2027 Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented during the SUAF-WDC Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, January 30, 2027.

Award Categories

  • This award will be presented to a seasoned SUAF-WDC Chapter Member who has made meaningful contributions to the chapter, Southern University, their profession, and the broader community through the years.

  • This award will be presented to a SUAF-WDC Chapter Member under 40 years old, who has made meaningful contributions to the chapter, Southern University, their profession, and the broader community. 

  • This award will be presented to a SUAF-WDC Chapter Member who has served the chapter in a leadership capacity and made meaningful contributions to the vitality of the chapter.

  • This award will be presented to a SUAF-WDC Chapter Member who has exhibited generosity with their time, talent, and/or treasure to the SUAF-WDC Chapter, Southern University Alumni Federation, Southern University System, and/or other local, national, or global organizations, initiatives, and/or causes.

  • This award will be presented to a SUAF-WDC Chapter Member who has made significant contributions and achievements in their chosen profession that is worthy of commendation.

  • This award will be presented to a Southern University System alumnus/alumna who is not a SUAF-WDC Chapter Member, resides in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, and whose leadership, service, professional achievements, or civic contributions have made a significant impact on local, national, and/or global organizations, initiatives, communities, or causes.

    The recipient exemplifies the excellence, leadership, and legacy of Southern University through distinguished service in government, business, education, nonprofit leadership, public service, advocacy, or another field of influence.

Nomination Process

  • Self-nominations are welcome.

  • Nominees for the five chapter-specific awards are not required to be current financial members of SUAF-WDC at the time of nomination. However, if selected as an award recipient, they must become a financial chapter member to receive the award.

  • Nominees for the Distinguished Alumni Capital Region Impact Award must be Southern University System alumni who reside in the DMV area (Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia) and are not current SUAF-WDC Chapter members.

  • Nominators must provide detailed information highlighting the nominee's accomplishments, leadership, service, contributions, and overarching impact.

  • Nominee eligibility will be formally verified as part of the Awards Committee's review and selection process.

Past Award Recipients