About the Alumni Awards

Members of the Ithaca College community are outstanding and talented individuals who make a difference in their communities. Each year the Alumni Association presents awards to several alumni and friends of IC. The Awards Committee is responsible for collecting nominations from alumni, faculty, and staff, and presenting candidates to the IC Alumni Association Board of Directors. A detailed description of each of the awards follows.

Edgar "Dusty" Bredbenner Jr. '50 Distinguished Alumni Award

This award, named to honor one of the most involved alumni in college history, is presented to alumni who have demonstrated outstanding loyalty and service to Ithaca College over a long period of time. It is the highest award the alumni association presents. Past recipients have served with distinction in organizations such as the alumni association board of directors or the board of trustees or have made significant contributions to one of the college's schools or programs. 

Humanitarian Alumni Award

This award is given to alumni who have made a transformative contribution to the nation or the world. These honorees have achieved recognition for making an extraordinary, positive change to the human condition.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award acknowledges alumni who have completed at least 40 years of their professional career and/or retired from their lifelong profession. They have achieved exceptional success in their profession and/or have contributed significantly to the advancement and leadership of noteworthy civic, philanthropic, or service organizations for many years. Their lifelong achievements have brought them significant professional and volunteer recognition and has set a standard of excellence to which others may aspire.

James J. Whalen Meritorious Service Award

This award recognizes non-alumni for their distinguished contributions to Ithaca College through their professional, civic, or philanthropic activities. All recipients have had a significant connection to IC, such as membership on the board of trustees, longtime service as a staff or faculty member, or volunteer work on behalf of the college. This award is named for and honors Ithaca College's sixth president.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

This award is given to alumni who have earned a degree within the past 10 years and who are emerging leaders in their fields.

Professional Achievement Award

This award recognizes alumni who have achieved national, regional, or local distinction in their professions; who acknowledge the importance of their Ithaca College education in reaching their career goals; and who have demonstrated long-standing loyalty to the college.

Volunteer Service Award

Given to alumni and non-alumni, this award acknowledges those who have contributed significantly, in a volunteer capacity, to the college. The award is also given to those who, in a volunteer capacity, have made outstanding efforts on behalf of a particular department, program, or school.