Alumni Association Awards

The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Awards were established in 1985 to honor alumni, faculty, and friends who have made meaningful contributions to the growth and success of University of North Carolina at Charlotte. These awards recognize individuals who exemplify the University’s core values and have distinguished themselves through exceptional professional achievement, leadership, service and impact on their communities, particularly in support of underserved populations.

We invite alumni to nominate themselves, fellow graduates or outstanding Engineering faculty members for consideration. Award categories and descriptions are listed below:

How to Submit a Nomination

To nominate an individual for the 2025 Alumni Association Awards:

Complete the online nomincation form

Submit at least one supplemental document in support of the nomination, such as:
- A letter of recommendation
- A feature article or news story
- Professional biography or résumé/CV
- Additional supporting materials highlighting the nominee’s impact

Supplemental materials should be emailed to 49erAlumni@charlotte.edu.

Please note: Current faculty and staff of University of North Carolina at Charlotte are only eligible for the Distinguished Faculty Award.

Previous College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients:

2024 – Dean Arp, MSCE ’99
2024 – Dr. Alain Miatudila, BSCE ’03, MSCE ’12, PhD ’16
2021 – Tiffani Teachey, BSME ’03, MSEM ’05
2021 – Craig Albert, BSME ’85
2017 – Eric Reichard, BSCE ’89
2015 – Johnny R. Graham, BS ’75, MS ’83
2012 – William T. Crowder, Jr., BS ’75
2010 – Dhiaa M. Jamil, BS ’78
1998 – Manuel L. Zapata, BS ‘69, MBA ‘72
1994 – Donald E. Hatley, BSEE ‘71
1991 – Wyatt G. Bell, ‘51

Bonnie E. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award

The Bonnie E. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award is presented on occasion to alumni for extraordinary leadership and accomplishments. It recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the university and community by giving generously of their time, energy and leadership. This award celebrates alumni whose outstanding accomplishments have brought honor and recognition to themselves and The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is preserved for those who’ve had a transforming influence for our university and/or for their community, over a lifetime. It is the highest honor the Alumni Association bestows. To preserve the specialness of this award it is only to be given on a select and very occasional basis.

Previous W.S. Lee College of Engineering recipients:

2016 – 2010 – Dhiaa M. Jamil, BS ’78
2001 – Manuel L. Zapata, BS ‘69, MBA ‘72
1993 – Wyatt G. Bell, ’51

Outstanding Service Award

The Outstanding Service Award recognizes lifelong service to society or to humankind and honors those who have provided extraordinary service to their community, demonstrating leadership through global or local service. The award honors alumni and/or faculty who have fulfilled the obligations of their education through creative citizenship and exemplary service leadership in ways that benefit society and bring credit to the institution.