Alumni Association Awards

The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Awards were established in 1985 to recognize those who have made important contributions to the establishment and growth of UNC Charlotte; embody the core principles of the University; and have distinguished themselves through their outstanding service to the University, their chosen field, humanity and/or society. These awards honor alumni and friends whose careers have been distinguished by significant accomplishments or through extraordinary service to alumni, faculty, students, and communities, especially the underserved.

We encourage our alumni to nominate themselves, their fellow graduates, or remarkable Engineering professors for these honors. Current awards and descriptions are listed below. To submit a nomination for the 2025 class of awardees, complete the online application and email at least one supplemental document—such as a letter of recommendation or feature article about the nominee—to 49erAlumni@charlotte.edu. Please note, current faculty and staff of UNC Charlotte are only eligible to receive the Distinguished Faculty Award.

Previous College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award recipients include:

  • 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.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Alumni Association Awards,
contact the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association.