Alumni Association Awards

Binghamton University alumni are bold, growth-minded, and frontrunners in their endeavors and pursuits. Their high achievement brings pride to the University and elevates the stature of the alumni network. Through an annual awards program, we recognize those alumni whose accomplishments truly stand out.   

Our 2027 awards ceremony will be held in Binghamton Saturday, April 10. The nomination cycle for 2027 awards opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, Nov. 6.

The Glenn G. Bartle Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a graduate who has distinguished himself, herself, or themself since graduating from the University, honoring alumni who have rendered outstanding voluntary service to the Binghamton University community, while also exhibiting excellence in his or her field and/or service to society. This award serves as a memorial to Glenn G. Bartle, the first president of Harpur College, and is considered the Alumni Association's highest honor. 

The Alumni Achievement Award honors a highly distinguished alumnus or alumna who, over the course of a decade or more, has exemplified outstanding, significant professional achievement. Examples include serving in a highly visible senior leadership position within his or her field; participation on special committees, boards, governing, or advisory roles related to his or her field; or considered to be an expert in his or her field as demonstrated by published works or serving frequently as a media interview source. 

The Edward Weisband Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service or Contribution to Public Affairs recognizes one alumnus or alumna each year whose life, work, career, and contributions exemplify the highest standards of service and deepest dedication to upholding the virtues of the common good. 

The Diversity and Inclusion Award is a Signature Award annually recognizing Binghamton University alumni who have made notable contributions to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their personal and/or professional endeavors, demonstrating a commitment to inclusiveness in its most pure and holistic definition. 

New for 2027 is the Gerald "Jerry" McLain '59 Binghamton University Alumni Employee Award. This annual award recognizes a Binghamton University faculty or staff member who is also a proud graduate of the University. It honors an individual whose commitment extends beyond their professional responsibilities through exceptional volunteer service that strengthens the alumni community and advances the mission of the institution. Recipients generously share their time, talents, treasure, advocacy, and leadership to inspire fellow alumni, foster meaningful connections, and exemplify the enduring spirit of service that defines the University community. Their dedication reflects a lifelong commitment to their alma mater and demonstrates the powerful impact alumni can have both on campus and beyond.

The Alumni Association and Bearcats of the Last Decade (BOLD) Leadership Council sponsor the BOLD 10 Under 10, which recognizes 10 successful and influential people who earned their degrees from Binghamton University within the last 10 years. Honorees have achieved considerable achievements in their field; are active volunteers, mentors, or activists; have made significant contributions toward alumni engagement; and are positive role models for our students. 

The BOLD 10 Under 10 recipient deemed to have made the strongest impact through his or her endeavors will be awarded the Lois B. DeFleur Distinguished Young Alumni Award, chosen by the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.  

***For all awards, the nominee must be a graduate of Binghamton University. Self-nominations will only be considered for the BOLD 10 Under 10 Awards. The nominee may not be a current member of the Alumni Association board. Alumni can only be nominated for one award each year. 

Questions about our awards program should be directed to the Alumni Engagement office by email or by calling 607-777-2424.