In early 2014 The Friends took on the challenge of creating a database detailing the lives of graduates honored with a variety of exceptional achievement awards. These awards included the Distinguished Graduate Award and the Distinguished Service Award. As part of a multi-year set of heritage projects supported by The Friends of The Air Force Academy Library, this effort reflects The Friends commitment to being a premiere Academy organization in recording and preserving the heritage of the Air Force Academy. The project’s continuing goal is to assemble all the available material dealing with the adult lives of these Air Force Academy graduates and future award recipients.
The graduate database is currently in the process of being migrated from legacy software to a more modern, user accessible interface. Until complete, data will be unavailable. Please check back frequently as this process continues.
The Distinguished Graduate Award
It is a unique honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and its Association of Graduates, recognizing exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation and/or their communities. Distinguished Graduates provide inspirational examples to all graduates and cadets of the standards that we value and of the abilities that have made our country and society great. The award was first presented in 2001 to General Ronald R Fogleman ’63 and Mr. Harry J Pearce ’64.
The Distinguished Service Award
The Air Force Academy established this award in February 1999. Each year the award is presented by the Superintendent to an individual or organization whose contributions have had a distinct impact on the morale and well-being of the Academy. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes those who contribute to the betterment of the Academy through their personal generosity and dedication to the institution.
Previously there was no central location for information about the recipients of prestigious awards presented by the Academy and the Association of Graduates. Nor was much existing information on awardees readily accessible. If you have any information you wish to be considered for inclusion in this data base, you may contact The Friends. We encourage you to enjoy the fruits of this historic project. The Friends believe this project will have a lasting impact for decades to come, indeed as long as the Academy exists.
