Distinguished Alumni Awards
2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
Since 1941, the Office of Alumni Engagement has presented awards to honor alumni of Elon University who serve as active partners, advocates and investors. The Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented each spring and are the highest accolades conferred by the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
Awarded to an alumnus who has distinguished himself in a profession and in the community and brought honor to Elon.
Kent Strosnider ’91, P’25
A devoted steward of his alma mater, Kent Strosnider’s Elon experience included earning a degree in corporate communications in 1991, participating in study abroad trips to London and Costa Rica and is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Kent Strosnider is the Managing Director of The Strosnider Dudderar Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. He has over 30 years of investment management experience and has been with Morgan Stanley since 1994.
Kent has previously served in various capacities at Elon including the Parents Council from 2022-2025 and as a member of the Elon Alumni Board from 2012-2015. In 2024, Kent made a gift that named the Strosnider Family Meeting Room within the newly renovated Golf Training Facility. One of Kent’s daughters, Sophie, also graduated from Elon in 2025 with a degree in strategic communications.
Distinguished Alumna of the Year
Awarded to an alumna who has distinguished herself in a profession and in the community and brought honor to Elon.
Joyel Crawford ’97
Joyel Crawford graduated cum laude from Elon in 1997 with a degree in psychology, a minor in theatre arts and was an Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellow. In 2004, Joyel earned her MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. As Founder and CEO of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a professional consulting firm she started in 2014, Joyel serves as a keynote speaker, TV and podcast host of “Career View Mirror” and is the bestselling author of “Show Your Ask”. Joyel holds 20+ years of leadership development experience with clients including the U.S. Senate, NASA, The New York Times, ESPN, and Aramark.
Joyel has had the opportunity to share her expertise with Elon, serving as Guest Lecturer. She has been an Elon Black Alumni Network Mentor since 2018, served on the Philadelphia Alumni Board from 2016-2019, and was a member of the Elon Alumni Board from 2018-2021. In 2022, Joyel was the recipient of the Elon Black Alumni Gail Fonville Parker Distinguished Alumna Award, and in fall 2025, she joined President Connie Ledoux Book on the “Elon Beyond the Bricks” podcast.
Distinguished Service to Elon
Awarded to an organization, business, foundation or individual who has demonstrated outstanding service that promotes the advancement of Elon.
David Rich ’87 and Sue Hoggard Rich ’85
Alumni couple, David Rich and Sue Hoggard Rich, have shared many of the university’s moments and traditions. David served on the Elon Alumni Board from 2001-2007 and in creation with his friends, hosts the “7 a.m. Tailgate” before home football games where you will see him loyally supporting the Phoenix. Sue formerly served on Elon’s National Alumni Executive Board from 2001-2004 and the Board of Visitors from 2007-2015. Sue was also a member of the Elon alumni Long Maroon Line at Dr. Book’s inauguration.
Active members of the local community, David currently serves as Secretary of the Alamance County Meals on Wheels Board of Directors, while Sue has served on the boards of Alamance Community College Foundation, Piedmont Health Coalition, and United Way of Alamance County.
Sue graduated with a degree in English – journalism in 1985 and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She retired in 2023 as the Vice President of Human Resources at Glen Raven, where she served in various roles since 1992.
David graduated with a degree in sociology in 1987 and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He retired in 2022 as the Global Director – Workplace Technology Support at Atos, a global European IT services and consulting firm. David managed the firm’s account with Willis Towers Watson, his former employer, where he spent 26 years in IT roles.
Distinguished Alumni Service
Presented to an alum who has given extraordinary service to their community.
Hon. Stephen M. Ross ’73
Steve Ross graduated from Elon with a degree in political science in 1973, later graduating with a master’s degree from NC State University in 1975. He remained in the local community after graduation, holding a long career in public service. Steve is currently serving his sixth term in the North Carolina House of Representatives, chairing both the Commerce and Economic Development Committee and the Finance Committee. Steve also has an extensive background in the private sector as a financial advisor, most recently serving as Vice President and Investment Officer at Wells Fargo.
A Burlington native, Steve served as the city’s mayor for two terms and on city council for four terms. Community and civic-minded, Steve’s involvement in local organizations included his roles as Chairman of the Piedmont Triad Regional Council of Governments, President of the Alamance Division of the American Heart Association, among others, and he was recognized as one of the Triad’s “Most Influential People” by the Triangle Business Journal.
Past Recipients
Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award
Awarded to an alumnus or alumna who has distinguished himself or herself in a profession and in the community and brought honor to Elon.
– 2025 Akilah Weaver Hill ’00
– 2025 Sam Troy ’67
– 2024 Kristen Yntema ’95
– 2023 Chris Bell ’92
– 2023 Kathie Niven ’89
– 2021 Michelle Wideman ’00
– 2021 Steve Ellington ’80
– 2018 Carter M. Smith ’92
– 2018 Angie Lovelace Walton ’10
– 2018 Tony Weaver Jr. ’16
– 2018 Jill Rose ’00
– 2018 David A. Stevens ’81
– 2017 Susan L. Yow ’76
– 2017 W. Cecil Worsley III ’86 P’14
– 2016 Kelli E. Palmer ’98
– 2016 John R. Hill ’76
– 2015 Tracey Nugent ’84 P’15
– 2015 Igor Pavlov ’94
– 2014 Gail Hettel LaRose ’64
– 2014 Mike Riccio ’85
– 2013 U.S. Navy Adm. William “Bill” E. Gortney ’77
– 2013 Tracey Helton Lewis ’93 P’10
– 2012 A. Christine Baker G’88
– 2012 Christopher P. Martin ’78 P’13
– 2011 W. Thomas Amick ’69 P’13
– 2011 Samuel L. Burke ’89
– 2011 Michele Skeens Hazel ’78 LP’09
– 2010 Jack R. Lindley Sr. ’56 P’83
– 2010 Stephen F. Schuckenbrock ’82
– 2010 Kebbler McGhee Williams ’98
– 2009 William N.P. Herbert ’68
– 2009 Deborah A. Yow-Bowden ’74
– 2008 Noel L. Allen ’69
– 2008 Bonnie Baxter ’88
– 2007 George J. Kilroy ’73
– 2006 Raymond L. Beck ’75
– 2005 Gerry Stephen Oxford ’69
– 2004 Jerry Lee Michael ’66
– 2003 Eddie C. Bridges ’57
– 2002 Frederick J. Stephenson Jr. ’65
– 2001 Lowell L. Thomas ’65
– 2000 Kerrii Brown Anderson ’79
– 1999 Jo Craven McGinty ’85
– 1998 John “Jack” McKeon ’63
– 1997 William E. LaCoste ’62
– 1996 Frank R. Lyon ’71
– 1995 Jo Watts Williams ’55
– 1994 William C. Wilburn ’64
– 1993 Bob E. McKinnon ’62
– 1992 Kenneth Utt ’42
– 1991 Richard Thompson ’64
– 1990 C. Carl Woods Jr. ’51
– 1989 Zachary T. Walker III ’60
– 1988 Robert E. LaRose ’66
– 1987 G. Thomas Holmes ’39
– 1986 Barbara Day Bass ’61
– 1985 Don L. Allen ’56
– 1984 Charles Almon McIver ’36
– 1983 Isabella W. Cannon ’24
– 1983 Moses Crutchfield ’41
Distinguished Service to Elon Award
Awarded to an organization, business, foundation or individual who has demonstrated outstanding service that promotes the advancement of Elon.
– 2025 Mike Cross
– 2024 Carol Brown ’68
– 2023 Rich Johnson ’87 P’17 and Laurie Johnson P’17
– 2021 Priscilla Awkard ’95
– 2017 Garrett A. McKnight ’94
– 2016 Howard F. Arner ’63 & Beverly Frye ’66 Arner
– 2015 Darryl Smith ’86
– 2014 Tim Johnson ’09 & Max Cantor ’10
– 2013 Lindsey Goodman Baker ’04
– 2011 Amy Thomas Hendrickson ’69 & Jay A. Hendrickson ’71
– 2011 Dorothy S. Walker & Zachary T. Walker III ’60
– 2009 Walter Campbell Tims ’00
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Presented to an alumnus or alumna who has given extraordinary service to his or her community.
– 2025 Cecelia Thompson ’05
– 2024 Erica Ayala ’08
– 2023 LaToya Faustin ’04 G’10– 2023 LaToya Faustin ’04 G’10
– 2021 Kevin Gilmore ’96
– 2014 TJ Reynolds-Emwanta ’01
– 2013 Natasha Christensen ’07
– 2010 Carol Ann Barnett Collard ’89 & Chuck Collard ’89
– 2008 Joan Summers Drummond ’52
– 2006 Clyde Edward Welch Jr. ’59
– 2002 William Dennis Rippy ’43
– 2001 J. Fred Bowman ’51
– 2000 Margaret Patillo Cass ’57
– 1999 M. Cade Covington ’41
– 1998 Anita Butler ’88
Service to Church and Society Award*
– 2016 Samuel V. Barefoot ’79
– 2014 The Rev. Erin M. Keys ’05
– 2013 The Rev. Jonathan Chapman ’07
– 2011 Sir Walter L. Mack Jr. ’89
– 2009 Walstein W. Snyder ’45
– 2007 William J. Andes ’35
– 2006 Mary Coolidge Ruth ’66 & William J. Ruth ’66
– 2004 Faye Gordon Humphrey ’61
– 2002 Wilmer Brown ’92 & Hulen Grogans Brown ’92
– 2001 Laurinda M. Hafner ’76
– 2000 The Rev. Marvin L. Morgan ’71
Distinguished Service Award*
– 2003 Don E. Bolden
– 2002 Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation with special appreciation to Lyons Gray
– 2001 Alamance Regional Medical Center
– 1999 Henry N. Dorris ’57
– 1998 Nell Mann Snyder ’47
– 1997 Virginia Shipman Wilburn ’72
– 1997 Raleigh D. Ellis Jr. ’52
– 1992 The A.J. Fletcher Foundation
– 1991 Francis Asbury Palmer Fund
– 1987 Martha & Spencer Love Foundation
– 1985 Burlington Industries
Citizens Service Award*
– 2002 Edward K. Walker Jr. P’78 P’79 & Carol Ann Walker P’78 P’79
– 2000 R. Cruse Lewis
– 1998 Dolores Hagan Truitt ’53
– 1997 Warren “Dusty” Rhodes
– 1994 Eddie C. Bridges ’57
– 1989 James S. Belk Sr.
– 1987 David E. Pardue Jr.
– 1986 Calvin A. Michaels ’54
– 1984 Frances Turner Fonville ’28 & Rudy Moore Fonville ’27
– 1983 Marvin H. Comer
– 1982 James B. Powell
– 1981 Thad Eure
– 1980 Thomas E. Powell III
– 1979 Roger Gant Jr.
– 1978 Laurence A. Alley
Young Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award
Awarded to an alumnus or alumna who has graduated within the past 10 years and has distinguished himself or herself in their profession.
– 2017 Ashleigh J. Palmer Weathers ’08
– 2017 Brandon S. Shore ’08
– 2016 Samantha J. Gilman ’08 L’11
– 2016 Geoffrey M. Lynn ’07
– 2015 Melissa Taylor Duncan ’06 L’09
– 2015 Matt Belanger ’05
– 2014 Kim Hayes ’05
– 2014 David L. Morrow II ’07 L’10
– 2013 Darris Means ’05
– 2013 Britten Ginsburg Pund ’06
– 2012 Alexandra E. Ellis ’05
– 2012 Michael G. Long ’04
– 2011 Joshua D. Voss ’01
– 2011 Daniel J. Watts ’04
– 2010 Michelle C. Pautz ’03
– 2009 Stephanie P. Newbold ’01
– 2009 Audrey M. Seagraves ’02
– 2008 Lundon B. Sims ’02
– 2008 Laith al-Majali ’05
– 2007 Kelli E. Palmer ’98
– 2007 Charles Ashton Newhall ’98
– 2006 Joshua S. Felix ’00
– 2005 Dustin Michael Tonkin ’95
– 2004 David L. Wyrick ’94
– 2003 Elizabeth Spain Cooper ’02
– 2002 Peter G. Lindstrom ’94
– 2001 Troy P. Senkiewicz ’98
– 1999 Steven P. Messinetti ’94
– 1998 Daniel C. Dollins ’93
– 1997 Burney Jennings ’87
– 1996 Raymond Covington ’86
– 1995 Christopher Janelle ’87
– 1993 Lisa D. Conklin ’86
– 1992 D. Wesley Durham ’88
– 1991 Greg Harris ’87
– 1988 Aiah Gbakima ’76
– 1987 Donna Hill Oliver ’72
– 1986 Eddie Ricky Brooks ’76
– 1986 D. Keith Hall ’72
– 1985 Deborah A. Yow ’74
– 1984 James W. Morris III ’72
– 1983 Raymond L. Beck ’75
– 1982 Noel L. Allen ’69
– 1982 William N.P. Herbert ’68
– 1981 William J. Griggs Jr. ’74
– 1980 Sally Ann O’Neill Mauldin ’70
– 1980 Wayne Weston ’71
– 1979 Carolyn Little ’69
– 1979 Gerry Oxford ’69
– 1978 Sam Lee Story ’69
* The Distinguished Service Award and Citizens Service Award were combined in 2004 to create the Distinguished Service to Elon Award.
