Alumni Association Honors and Awards

Each year the McKendree University Alumni Association pauses to celebrate the accomplishments of our most deserving alumni and faculty. Each year during Spring Commencement and Homecoming weekend, the Alumni Association is honored to award these outstanding individuals for their contributions to the University.


Faculty Awards


The William Norman Grandy Faculty Award

Since 1981, McKendree has awarded The William Norman Grandy Faculty award for excellence in teaching. The award named for Dr. William Norman Grandy, is given each year to a full-time, tenured faculty member on the Lebanon campus who exemplifies outstanding teaching ability, as well as service to the University and community.

2024 Eligible Faculty

Previous Recipients


Alumni Awards


Each year during Homecoming weekend, the McKendree University Alumni Association proudly presents the following awards to alumni who excel in their professions, areas of athletics, or whose dedication and volunteer commitment has significantly enhanced the goals and mission of the University and the McKendree Alumni Association.


Academy of Excellence Awards

These awards are presented to alumni who through achievement, leadership and character, have made exceptional contributions to the honor and prestige of McKendree University. These awards are presented to individuals who in their professions, or chosen fields, have demonstrated in their daily lives the values imparted through a liberal arts education.

Academy of Excellence Award Nomination Form


Loyal Service Award

This award is presented to honor an alumna or alumnus who has shown distinguished, loyal service to the McKendree Alumni Association and its principles and purposes. This award was established to recognize an alumni whose commitment has enhanced the goals and mission of the University.

Loyal Service Award Nomination Form


Peter Akers Award

This is the McKendree Alumni Association’s most prestigious honor. Each year it is presented to a distinguished alumna or alumnus who has had remarkable success in his or her profession, whose life reflects the values of McKendree University, and who has demonstrated unparalleled loyalty to the University.

Peter Akers Award Nomination Form


Rising Star Awards

These awards are presented to alumni who have graduated from McKendree within the past decade and have made significant achievements in their professions, or chosen fields, and have demonstrated a high level of involvement in McKendree and in their respective communities.

Rising Star Award Nomination Form


Sports Hall of Fame

Reserved for McKendree University athletes, former coaches, and alumni coaches or sports professionals who through leadership and character, have made exceptional contributions to the honor and prestige of McKendree in the field of athletics. These awards are presented to individuals who have continued to demonstrate in their daily lives the values imparted through intercollegiate athletics and their liberal arts education.

Sports Hall of Fame Nomination Form


For additional information regarding our Alumni Association Awards, please contact Alumni Relations at (618) 537-6826 or [email protected].