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Honoring Outstanding Oregon Staters

The OSU Foundation & Alumni Association proudly present awards to outstanding Oregon Staters. Awards are bestowed upon legendary Beavers for their professional achievements, dedication to Oregon State University or service to their community. You can help us recognize honorable alumni and friends by submitting a nomination.

Learn more about the great Beavers whose names appear on our awards by viewing the awards, recipients and nomination forms below.

 

Alumni Fellows

Established by the OSU Alumni Association in 1988, the Alumni Fellows recognition program recognizes alumni who have achieved distinction in their professions and communities. Every two years, Oregon State celebrates these accomplished leaders whose careers, service and dedication bring honor to the university while inspiring current students and fellow Beavers through their achievements and continued connection to OSU.

 

Changemakers

Created by the OSU Alumni Association, the Changemakers program honors Beaver alumni who are creating meaningful, lasting change in their communities and professions. Driven by passion and commitment, these leaders are recognized for advancing justice, equity, health, sustainability and other causes that strengthen society while reflecting Oregon State's values of leadership, innovation and service.

 

Dan W. Poling Service Award

Named for Dan W. Poling, a 1928 Oregon State graduate who devoted decades of service as a faculty member, dean of men, mentor and champion of OSU traditions, this award recognizes alumni and friends whose exceptional volunteer service reflects his enduring commitment to the university. It honors individuals whose dedication strengthens Oregon State and inspires future generations of Beavers.

 

Alumni Inclusive Leadership Award

Established in 2020 in partnership with the Office of Institutional Diversity, the Alumni Inclusive Leadership Award (formerly the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award) recognizes alumni who demonstrate an enduring commitment to social justice, equity and inclusion. Recipients exemplify Oregon State's values through leadership, advocacy and service that create more welcoming, equitable communities both on campus and beyond.

 

Don and Shirley Wirth Young Alumni Award

Named in honor of Don and Shirley Wirth, this award recognizes outstanding young alumni whose early career accomplishments, leadership, public service or volunteer efforts bring distinction to Oregon State University. It celebrates emerging leaders who are already making meaningful contributions to their professions, communities and the Beaver family.

 

E.B. Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award

The E.B. Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award honors former Oregon State students whose extraordinary careers and contributions to society have brought lasting distinction to the university. Named for longtime alumni leader E.B. Lemon, the award celebrates alumni whose achievements reflect the excellence of an Oregon State education and inspire pride throughout the Beaver community.

 

Jean and C.H. "Scram" Graham Leadership Award

Named for Jean, '36, and C.H. "Scram", '35, Graham, whose decades of dedicated leadership helped shape the Oregon State Alumni Association, this award recognizes alumni and friends whose exceptional volunteer leadership reflects their lifelong commitment to Oregon State. It honors individuals whose service strengthens the university and advances the Alumni Association's mission.

 

Joan Austin Honorary Alumni Award

Established in 2005 and renamed in 2014 for beloved Oregon State supporter Joan ("Jo-Anne") Austin, this award recognizes individuals who, despite not earning an OSU degree, have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the university. Like its namesake, recipients embody the spirit of a Beaver through exceptional generosity, leadership and lifelong service to Oregon State.

 

Lifetime Trustee Award

The Lifetime Trustee Award recognizes OSU Foundation trustees whose expertise, dedication and generosity have distinguished their years of volunteer leadership. Through exemplary careers, steadfast service and philanthropic commitment, recipients have made a lasting impact on the OSU Foundation and Oregon State University while helping shape its future for generations to come.

 

Martin Chaves Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented annually by Oregon State Athletics, the Martin Chaves Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals whose lifetime contributions have advanced Beaver Athletics. Named for Martin Chaves — a four-year letterman, 1942 Rose Bowl team captain and influential fundraising leader — the award recognizes those whose enduring commitment has strengthened Oregon State's athletic tradition.

 

OSU Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award

The OSU Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award recognizes a faculty member whose outstanding teaching, scholarship and public service exemplify academic excellence. The award celebrates educators whose professional achievements, leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Oregon State University, its students and the broader community.

 

OSU Loyal Philanthropic Partner Award

The OSU Loyal Philanthropic Partner Award honors employees who actively foster a culture of philanthropy through both their professional and personal engagement with Oregon State University. Selected by the OSU Loyal Committee, recipients strengthen the university’s tradition of generosity, inspire others to give, and help advance OSU’s impact on students, programs and communities.

 

Outstanding Network Award

Established in 2024, the Outstanding Network Award honors alumni networks, councils and groups that demonstrate exceptional leadership, engagement and service. The award recognizes organizations that strengthen connections among alumni, expand opportunities for involvement and advance the shared mission of the OSU Alumni Association, OSU Foundation and Oregon State University.