The Distinguished Graduate Award
The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation and/or their communities.
This unique honor is bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and its Association of Graduates, recognizing graduates whose accomplishments are inspirational and elevate the reputation and the standing of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Distinguished Graduates should provide an example to all graduates and cadets of the standards that we value and of the abilities that have made our country and society great.
2024
Gen. (Ret.) William "Bill" Begert '68
Mr. Jerome "Jerry" Bruni '70
2023
Mr. Terrence "Terry" O'Donnell '66
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John D. Hopper Jr. '69
2022
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hans Mueh '66
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Susan Desjardins '80
Gen. (Ret.) David Goldfein '83
2021
Col. (Ret.) Leonard "Lucky" Ekman '63
Dr. William E. Wecker '63
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Eugene Lupia '67
2020
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jay Kelley '64
Mr. Hugh Williamson III '64
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Ron Sega '74
Col. (Ret.) Gail Benjamin Colvin '80
2019
Col. (Ret.) Leslie Denend '63
Mr. Fletcher "Flash" Wiley '65
Gen. (Ret.) Norton "Norty" Schwartz '73
Gen. (Ret.) Edward Rice Jr. '78
Mr. John "Jack" Kucera '78
2018
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward "Randy" Jayne II '66
Col. (Ret.) H. Michael Lambert, M.D. '70
Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III '76
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) John C. Inglis '76
2017
Mr. John Fox '63
Mr. T. Allan McArtor '64
Gen. (Ret.) Stephen R. Lorenz '73
2016
Gen. (Ret.) George Lee Butler '61
Gen (Ret.) Charles R. Holland '68
Mr. R. David Yost '69
Col. (Ret.) Gary E. Payton '71
2015
Gen. (Ret.) Gregory "Speedy" Martin '70
Mr. Paul Madera '78
2014
Dr. Thomas J. Eller '61
Gen. (Ret.) Kevin P. Chilton '76
2013
Mr. A. Bart Holaday '65
Gen. (Ret.) William "Bill" R. Looney III '72
2012
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Marcus A. Anderson '61
Mr. Edward "Ted" E. Legasey '67
2011
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Ruben A. Cubero '61
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard D. McConn '66
2010
Mr. Max F. James '64
Gen. (Ret.) Ralph E. Eberhart '68
2009
Gen. (Ret.) John Michael Loh '60
Dr. Heather A. Wilson '82
2008
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Donald Shepperd '62
Mr. John Martinson '70
2007
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ervin Rokke '62
Mr. Gregg Popovich '70
2006
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert D. Beckel '59
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward J. Mechenbier '64
2005
Gen. (Ret.) H. T. Johnson '59
Gen. (Ret.) Michael E. Ryan '65
2004
Gen. (Ret.) Ronald W. Yates '60
Col. (Ret.) Frederick Gregory '64
2003
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradley C. Hosmer '59
Mr. Richard T. Schlosberg III '65
2002
Gen. (Ret.) Robert C. Oaks '59
Dr. Paul G. Kaminski '64
2001
Gen. (Ret.) Ronald Fogleman '63
Mr. Harry J. Pearce '64