Recognizing accomplished graduates
Do you know a graduate who deserves to be honored?
AWARD NOMINATIONS WILL OPEN ON SEPT. 1, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation celebrates the graduate community with awards and accolades. Each of the award programs is outlined below, where you can also learn about the latest award recipients.
Distinguished
Graduate Award
Integrity. Service. Excellence.
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.
The U.S. Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates recently announced the newest class of Distinguished Graduates: Mr. Worth W. “Bill” Boisture '67, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Susan J. Helms '80 and Gen. (Ret.) Tod D. Wolters '82. They will be honored at the Distinguished Graduate Dinner on July 24.
Leadership
Achievement Award
Showcasing high standards of integrity and character
The newest honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation, the Leadership Achievement Award honors graduates who have distinguished themselves by obtaining a high level of professional accomplishment, whether in military or civilian life, demonstrating excellence in all they do. They possess high standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the Air Force Academy.
The Association of Graduates recently announced the newest class of Leadership Achievement Award honorees: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kimberly Ford '90, Col. (Ret.) Shane Hamilton '92 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Nora Rule '02. They will be honored at the Long Blue Line Awards reception on July 24.
Young Alumni
Excellence Award
Making a difference professionally and philanthropically
Specifically honoring our recent graduates, the Young Alumni Excellence Award is awarded to those who have obtained a high level of professional or philanthropic achievement and who possess high standards of integrity and character that positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the Air Force Academy. These graduates have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and contributions to community, whether in military or civilian life.
The Association of Graduates recently announced the newest class of Young Alumni Excellence Award honorees: Maj. (Ret.) Andrew Van Timmeren '10, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Allen '11, Lt. Col. Carmilya Jones '11 and Mr. Sam Eckholm '18 as recipients of the 2025 Young Alumni Excellence Award. They will be honored at the Long Blue Line Awards reception on July 24.
Sullenberger Award
for Courage
Exemplary acts of bravery
Those honored with the Sullenberger Award for Courage have demonstrated exemplary performance during a singular act, or series of events within a short duration of time, where the individual demonstrated an achievement well exceeding the expectations for that period of time. This award honors the Academy core values – integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. These acts of bravery can occur during a military, civilian, business sector or community-related event, and they should reflect positively on the Academy and directly correlate to the training provided by the Academy.
The newest recipient of the Sullenberger Award for Courage is Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks '07. Col. Parks will be honored at the Long Blue Line Awards reception on July 24.
