Awards

The Alumni Fellows recognition program was established by the Oregon State University Alumni Association in 1988 to recognize eminent alumni. Every two years, the OSU Alumni Association recognizes new Fellows that distinguished themselves in their professions and communities, as well as thank them and celebrate them for all that they have done and will continue to do. 

Hosted by the OSU Alumni Association, the Changemakers program celebrates Beaver alumni who foster meaningful and impactful transformation in their communities or fields of interest. Driven by passion and commitment, these inspiring individuals are blazing a path toward justice, equity, strong communities, human rights and health equity, climate change solutions and so much more.

Every outstanding university depends greatly upon the loyal service of its alumni and friends. Dan W. Poling, a 1928 graduate of Oregon State, joined the faculty of his alma mater in 1937 and has served as a shining example to thousands of Oregon Staters as dean of men, mentor, teacher and friend. His abiding love for Oregon State University, his strong commitment to maintaining OSU traditions and ideals and his loyal and tireless support of the University deserve special recognition. In his honor this award is given.

Established in 2020 in partnership with the OSU Alumni Association, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Alumni Legacy Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to causes of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion and who exemplify and enrich OSU’s values of community, diversity, respect and social responsibility in their broader community and/or organization.

This award recognizes exceptional achievements in career, public service or volunteer activities that bring honor to Oregon State University. Nominations are reviewed, and awards granted, by the OSU Alumni Association Board of Directors’ standing Awards Committee. Nominations may be submitted by alumni, friends of the university, faculty and staff members.

View past recipients or nominate someone here.

The OSU Alumni Association has established the E.B. Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award to recognize and honor former OSU students who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments and careers have brought credit to OSU. The award does more than honor these former students. It spotlights the accomplishments of OSU and thereby increases the pride in our Alma Mater by all associated with the University. The award also presents to the people of Oregon and the nation tangible evidence of the effectiveness of the progress of our University.

Every outstanding university depends greatly upon the loyal service of its alumni and friends. Scram ’35 and Jean ‘36 Graham. Scram joined the alumni association of his alma mater in 1961 as the Executive Director and served for seventeen years. Jean and Scram's abiding love for Oregon State University, their strong commitment to maintaining OSU traditions and ideals, and their loyal and tireless support of the University deserve special recognition. In their honor this award is given.

Established by the Oregon State University Alumni Association in 2005 and permanently renamed the Joan (“Jo-Anne”) Austin Honorary Alumni Award in 2014, this award recognizes those who have contributed greatly to OSU and the Alumni Association, yet have not received a degree from OSU. Like its first recipient and eventual namesake, these individuals have given so tirelessly of their time and resources to the university that it is obvious that they are Beavers at heart.

One of Oregon State's most beloved friends and supporters, Joan (“Jo-Anne”) Austin died June 5, 2013, in Newberg, Oregon, where she lived with her husband of nearly 60 years, Ken Austin, a 1954 alumnus. The Austins co-founded A-dec, the world's largest privately-owned dental equipment manufacturing company, and when they found themselves able to help meet critical needs in society, in their hometown, and at Ken's alma mater, they did so with great enthusiasm and generosity. Austin Hall, the new home of the OSU College of Business, bears their name.

Executive Committee, Lifetime Trustees and historical volunteer leaders.

The annual Martin Chaves Lifetime Achievement Award is presented by OSU Athletics to individuals who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to OSU Athletics. Chaves was a four-year letterman who was the captain of the 1942 Rose Bowl team. A former president of the Beaver Athletic Student Fund, he was influential in various fund-raising activities.

The OSU Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award recognizes a faculty member for superior academic performance, professional renown and service to the University and to the public.

Members of OSU Loyal are qualified to be nominated for this award in recognition of efforts in the community to support, promote, and encourage a culture of philanthropy at the university through their activities, partnership, and engagement.

Established in 2024, the Outstanding Alumni Network Award is presented to honor exceptional alumni networks, councils and groups that demonstrate exemplary leadership, engagement and support to both their alumni community and Oregon State University. This award recognizes active alumni networks, councils and groups that have gone above and beyond in fostering connections, providing invaluable resources and making significant contributions that enhance the mission and values of the OSU Alumni Association, OSU Foundation and Oregon State University.