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Distinguished Alumni Awards
Nominations
Nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards are now open. As you think of alumni that you would like to see honored with an award, please consider submitting a nomination. The deadline is Thursday, April 30, at 11:59 p.m.
Please contact Jennifer Barber at jbarber@csus.edu with any questions.
NOTE: Current Alumni Association Board Directors, Chapter Leaders or others in key Association leadership positions are not eligible for consideration during their active term.
About the Awards
Each year since 1972, the Sacramento State Alumni Association honors accomplished alumni and friends through the Distinguished Alumni Awards (DAA). The Order of the Hornet Award was presented from 1972-1985. In 1987, the awards became known as the Distinguished Service Awards, periodically giving Order of the Hornet (*) designation to selected recipients.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Given to alumni for exceptional career achievements, exceptional contributions to the campus and community, and for setting high standards of excellence in their personal and professional lives.
Distinguished Service Award
Given in recognition of professional achievements and community service. Nominees must have achieved prominence in their chosen field and brought distinction to the University and/or their community through their accomplishments.
Honorary Alumni Awards
Given to friends of the University who have demonstrated a close affinity to the campus and who have rendered exceptional support and leadership to the University or Association.
Rising Star Award
Given to a recent graduate of Sacramento State who has made outstanding contributions professionally, to the community or to Sacramento State.
DAA Event Information
Distinguished Alumni Awards
Join us as we honor exceptional alumni for professional achievement and contributions to the community. Honorees represent the University's values in action. The event starts with a reception followed by dinner and the awards presentation.
***Registration coming soon!***
Meet our 2025 DAA Honorees
Kinzie Murphy, MS ’87 (Speech Pathology and Audiology)
Retired from Sutter Memorial Hospital
Mahmud Sharif ’84 (Mechanical Engineering)
Owner, Sharif Financial Corporation
Ronald K. Fong ’83 (Psychology)
President & CEO, California Grocers Association
Art Pimentel ’02, MA ’10 (Social Science/Higher Education Leadership)
President, Folsom Lake College
Peter L. Tateishi ’02 (Government)
Chief Executive Officer, Associated General Contractors of California
Shelley R. Wetton ’94, MA ’98 (English)
SVP/Chief Marketing Officer, Five Star Bank
Lori D. Wilson ’02 (Accounting)
California Assemblywoman, Dist. 11
Brandon Gonzales
Owner, Flawless Boxing
Sponsorship Opportunities
You're invited to sponsor the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards program! This event represents the coming together of influence and achievement to celebrate these amazing Sacramento State community members! It's an extraordinary showcase of Sacramento State’s impact beyond the borders of its campus.
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 event, please contact Jennifer Barber (jbarber@csus.edu).