The Graduate School Distinguished Alumni Award is given annually to a graduate of a Duke University Ph.D. program who has distinguished themselves in service to their fields of endeavor, to Duke, and to society in general. 

Eligibility

Please note the following eligibility requirements. The nominee should: 

  • not be currently employed by Duke University;  
  • have received a Ph.D. from Duke University at least 10 years ago; and
  • have made a distinctive contribution to their field, community, or society at large.*  

* – This criterion is intentionally broad to allow for a wide variety of contributions. Nevertheless, there should be some discernible connection between the nominee’s contribution and his or her graduate program at Duke.

Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award! Nominations will close on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Nomination Form

Deans, chairs, directors of graduate studies, and alumni can nominate individuals they consider to be the department’s or school’s most distinguished graduate alumni. Other individuals from the university community may also submit nominations.

To submit a nomination, complete the online submission form. The form will request the following supplemental materials: 

  • A single document that summarizes the nominee’s more significant accomplishments in all three of these areas: their fields of endeavor, their service to Duke, and their service to society in general. These accomplishments should be the direct result of the nominee’s individual interests and efforts. Provide evidence of personal involvement and commitment, as well as specific dates and tenure for activity or service.
  • A current curriculum vitae or résumé.
  • Letters of recommendation (up to 3)
  • Any other support documents that display the nominee’s contributions, such as website or print articles. 

Please submit your nomination by February 3, 2025.

The selection committee will consist of individuals selected from the Executive Committee of Graduate Faculty, other graduate faculty, a graduate student, a representative from Alumni Affairs, and the dean of The Graduate School or a designate. 

2024: Jill Tiefenthaler, Ph.D.
Jill Tiefenthaler delivers her Distinguished Alumni Award acceptance speech

Conversations with Some of the Past Recipients

Oceanographer and Explorer Sylvia A. Earle

Historian and Higher Ed Administrator George C. Wright

Biomechanics Pioneer Mimi A.R. Koehl

Psychology Researcher Kenneth J. Gergen

Shakespeare Scholar Ralph A. Cohen

Feminist Historian Jane De Hart