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Distinguished Alumni Awards
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
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 5:30 p.m.
Harper Alumni Center | Sacramento State
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. This year the silent auction supporting scholarships will be hosted online and open to all to participate, even if they are not attending the event.
Tickets will go on sale late summer/early fall.
Meet our 2024 DAA Honorees
Ron Brown ’86 (Construction Management)
President/CEO, Brown Construction, Inc.
Vu D. Nguyen ’95 (Criminal Justice)
Posthumous honoree
Detective, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas ’03 (Government)
California State Assembly Speaker
Marco A. Rodriguez ’91 (Business/Finance)
Investment Advisor Representative, Principal Financial Group
Chairman of the Board, Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California
Noel Mora ’18, MPPA ’21 (Government/Public Policy Administration)
Community Partnership Coordinator, Sacramento State
Trustee, Natomas Unified School District
Elizabeth H. Shattuck
Co-Founder and Ex-President of Capital Public Radio Endowment
Faculty widow
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!
GOLD Sponsors: Aramark | Principal | SCMEF | SMUD | Unleashing Leaders
SILVER Sponsors: Atlas Disposal | VSP
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards program, please contact Julie Jackson (julie.jackson@csus.edu) or Megan Carmazzi (megan.carmazzi@csus.edu) or (916) 278-2577.
Nominations
Nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards are now closed. As you think of alumni that you would like to see honored with an award, please make note and come back to this page in early 2026.
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.