Since 1978, the UCM Alumni Foundation has presented the Distinguished Alumni Awards
annually to recognize outstanding University of Central Missouri graduates who are
esteemed by their peers as "the brightest and most distinguished" in their field.
2024 Honorees
Distinguished Alumni Award
Stephen R. Jenne, '69
Distinguished Alumni Award for Service
LaTonia Collins Smith, '95
Distinguished Alumni Award for Early Achievement
Joel F. Swift, '14
Register today for the annual Distinguished Award Dinner during Homecoming! This year's
event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, in the Sandra Temple Elliott Ballrooms.
Register Now
All former Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are also invited to a private luncheon
hosted by President Roger Best to welcome the newest class of honorees on Friday, Oct. 25. Register here by Oct. 14.
Do you know an exceptional UCM graduate who should be considered for one of our Distinguished
Alumni Awards? Review the criteria for each of the award categories and complete the
brief nomination form so they will be considered for this honor in the future!
Distinguished Alumni Nomination
The Distinguished Alumni Award has been bestowed upon UCM graduates since 1978. Read
their bios and watch videos to learn more about past recipients' accomplishments and
contributions to society and the university.
See video stories of our past Distinguished Alumni on YouTube.
Past Distinguished Alumni Recipients