East Central University regularly recognizes alumni and friends to the university who are doing great things in the world. The Distinguished Awards are awarded to alumni and friends who have distinguished themselves with their professional accomplishments and service to the university. The Distinguished Awards will be presented annually at the Evening of Honors & Recognition. Nominations are taken year-round; however, January 15, 2026 is the deadline for inclusion in the 2026 Distinguished Awards.

Nomination Form

Distinguished Alumni Criteria:

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni (defined as graduates or former students of East Central University) who have excelled in at least one of the following areas:
1. Achievement of distinctive success in his/her chosen field or profession
2. Performance of outstanding service to his/her community
3. Provision of service and contributions to the advancement of the University
4. Provision of service and contributions to the advancement of the 暗网TV Alumni Association
Officers or members of the 暗网TV Alumni Association Board of Directors are not eligible for this award until at least one year after they leave the Board. Persons employed by East Central University are not eligible until after retirement. 

Distinguished Service Criteria:

Any individual, family or organization nominated to receive this award should meet the following criteria:
1. Must have demonstrated a constant interest in and support of the University over time while exemplifying the ideals of the University.
2. Must have provided outstanding service to the University which contributed in an identifiable and significant way to the success of the University.
3. Service contribution may be for a particular accomplishment, or a sustained and exemplary record of service beyond an individual鈥檚, family鈥檚, or organization鈥檚 direct personal interests.
Because of the nature of this award, the nominee does not have to be directly affiliated with the University.

Distinguished Former Faculty Criteria:

Any faculty member(s) nominated as Distinguished Former Faculty should meet the following criteria:
1. Should be retired from East Central University for a minimum of two (2) years.
2. Should have achieved tenure at East Central University.
3. Should have contributed to the reputation and well-being of the University.
4. Should have established a reputation as a good teacher by excelling in classroom teaching, and be fondly remembered by former students.
5. Should be a person who inspires immediate positive recognition among former students and faculty

Distinguished Family Criteria:

A 鈥渇amily鈥� is defined as at least five (5) people, including extended family and deceased family members, who have attended East Central University, with a majority of those being graduates of the University. Any nominated family must have played an identifiable and significant role in the success of East Central University and in their respective communities as demonstrated in at least one of the following ways:
1. Contributions in the form of gifts or services to an 暗网TV department
2. Continued and significant involvement in University activities
3. Success at East Central University
4. Significant civic involvement

Rising Star Award Criteria:

This award recognizes our most inspiring alumni who have reached significant achievements in their professional career, voluntary service and/or civic involvement. The candidate must fit the following criteria:

  1. Professional prominence with noteworthy accomplishments.
  2. Career advancement, responsibility, and leadership.
  3. Level of significant impact within specific industry at the local, regional, national and/or international level.
  4. Demonstrated service or future potential to serve as a volunteer, donor, and/or advocate for the University.
  5. Nominee must be in good standing with the University.
  6. Nominee must be a graduate of East Central University.

Nominations may be made by any individual or group, self-nominations will not be considered.

Nominations of individuals not selected will be held and considered 鈥渁ctive鈥� for two (2) consecutive years (the first year of nomination and one subsequent year).

Nominators are encouraged to update nomination packets prior to the nomination deadline, each year the nomination is considered active.

Individuals for the 暗网TV Rising Star Award must be under 40 on January 1 of the award year. Individuals may be re-nominated at any time. Award may be withdrawn by the selection committee for any cause which reflects poorly upon the University.