Outstanding Alumni

AACC cordially invites member CEOs to nominate candidates for the 2026 AACC Outstanding Alumni Awards. This is an opportunity for your college to gain national visibility that increases awareness of community, technical, and junior colleges nationwide among news media, policymakers, and other key audiences.

The Outstanding Alumni Awards, a tradition since 1982, honors individuals who attended community college and are making outstanding contributions in their chosen fields of endeavor at national or international levels. Their philanthropic activity—giving back to the community and/or college—is of particular interest.

Deadline for receipt of entries: October 31, by 5:00 p.m. (ET)

How to Participate

There is no limit to the number of people you can nominate. The nominee does not have to be an alumnus of the nominating college. The Nomination Form includes basic information about your nominee, your college, and the appropriate contacts at the college.

The Accomplishments & Contributions Form allows you to tell your alumnus’ story. This section should distill the nominee’s community college experience, career and/or service success, current professional activities, and philanthropic contributions (monetary and service).

College Requirements

If its nominee is chosen, the nominating college will play an important, active role in presenting the award. The college’s CEO must be present at the Outstanding Alumni Awards Brunch held during AACC 2026.

In addition, the college will play a crucial role in gathering materials for the video produced by AACC for each awardee. This comprises photographs, video, audio, and other print materials that will illustrate the awardee’s story.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nominated by an AACC member CEO.
2. Attended a community college for at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
3. Has notable achievements in the career field.
4. Has a specific philanthropic or public service activity that supports the community and/or college.
5. Has achieved recognition at a national level.
6. Provides inspirational impact.
7. Individuals nominated for the 2023 and 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards, determined to be of national prominence, will carry over for consideration in 2024. Colleges can skip submitting the nomination. However, updating information annually to reflect new activities or honors may strengthen the nomination.

Selection Process

AACC will review nominations and determine those that meet national criteria. The Committee on Community College Advancement of the AACC Board of Directors will make the final selection of three (3) awardees.

Those colleges with winning nominations will be notified in December 2025. 

Nomination Procedure

Submit the following materials to AACC by the October 31, 2025, deadline. Please include

1. The completed Nomination Form, signed by the college CEO.
2. A 1-page resume or biographical sketch of the nominee.
3. The completed Accomplishments & Contributions Form.
4. A high-resolution (300 DPI) photo of the nominee.
5. Additional materials or documentation to highlight or support your nomination (newspaper
6. clippings, etc.) are welcome but not required.

Please visit the Awards Application page.