Distinguished Alumni Awards
2024 Alumni Distinguished Award Recipients
Since 1941, the Office of Alumni Engagement has presented awards to honor alumni of Elon University who serve as active partners, advocates and investors. The Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented each spring and are the highest accolades conferred by the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Meet the recipients
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
Awarded to an alumnus who has distinguished himself in a profession and in the community and brought honor to Elon.
Sam Troy ’67
A devoted steward of his alma mater and community, Sam Troy has enjoyed a rewarding career in international business driven in part by his life-changing study abroad experiences at Elon.
Sam earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Elon before furthering his education with a master’s degree from East Carolina University and an advanced degree from the College of Europe in Belgium. Sam currently serves as executive-in-residence at the Bryan School of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where his primary focus has been conducting research on and promoting the North Carolina wine industry.
He is the epitome of an engaged Elon alumnus, faithfully supporting the university with a gift every year since he graduated as well as volunteering his time. In addition to his generous financial contributions, Sam previously served as an alumni volunteer, Alumni 360 volunteer, class reunion volunteer, Elon Career Mentor, Elon Alumni Board member and National Alumni Executive Board member.
Distinguished Alumna of the Year
Awarded to an alumna who has distinguished herself in a profession and in the community and brought honor to Elon.
Kristen Yntema ’95
Kristen Wither Yntema has dedicated much of her life to the health care field, fueled by a passion for finding innovative ways to help people receive the best possible care. Kristen is the president and CEO of AuthoraCare Collective, one of the largest nonprofit hospice and palliative care organizations in central North Carolina. She oversaw the successful merger of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro and Hospice & Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell to become AuthoraCare Collective, which now operates in 10 North Carolina counties.
At Elon, Kristen double majored in business administration and public administration and was a member of the Phi Mu sorority. She currently serves as a Women of Elon Advisory Council member and previously supported the university as a class reunion volunteer, National Alumni Executive Board member, affinity reunion volunteer and class agent.
Triad Business Journal recognized Kristen as one of its 40 Leaders Under 40 in 2011, one of its Outstanding Women in Business in 2016 and a Most Admired CEO in 2019.
Distinguished Service to Elon
Awarded to an organization, business, foundation or individual who has demonstrated outstanding service that promotes the advancement of Elon.
Carol Brown ’68
A first-generation college student, Carol Lupinacci Brown has defined her life by a deep appreciation of and investment in the transformative value of education.
After graduating from Elon with a degree in mathematics, Carol spent 30 years with the Christina School District in Delaware as a middle and high school teacher, building administrator and central office administrator. She also coached basketball and softball and taught graduate courses at the University of Delaware. In 1993 Carol established the Christina Educational Endowment Fund, which provides full college tuition to students who would not otherwise be able to afford higher education, and served as its executive director.
All the while, Carol has maintained a meaningful connection with Elon. She is an Elon Alumni Board member and previously served as a Alumni 360 volunteer, peer agent and class reunion volunteer. In the spirit of giving back to her alma mater, she made an estate gift in 2019 and created an Elon Experiences scholarship in 2023. These gifts allow students who may not otherwise be able to afford college to have a chance at the Elon experience.
Distinguished Alumni Service
Presented to an alum who has given extraordinary service to their community.
Erica Ayala ’08
Erica Ayala’s Elon experience laid the foundation for her journey from the softball field to the broadcast booth, and she has remained a steadfast advocate for her alma mater amid her impressive professional achievements and community service. Erica joined CBS Sports in 2023 as a writer and on-air analyst, primarily covering WNBA, NCAA Women’s Basketball and NHL stories. She is considered the only Black/Latina broadcaster to call an NHL game.
During her time at Elon, Erica was a valued member of the softball team and named a 2006 Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar. Erica graduated from Elon in 2008 with a degree in political science and a minor in African American studies and went on to earn a Master of Public Administration degree in public and nonprofit management from New York University.
Erica has faithfully volunteered her time with Elon as an alumna in roles such as class reunion volunteer, Elon Day volunteer, Elon LEADS regional committee member, President’s Athletic Advisory Council member, Young Alumni Council member and more. She currently serves on the Women of Elon Advisory Council and the President’s Young Leaders Council. In 2015, Erica received Elon’s Top 10 Under 10 Award. In 2017 New York Nonprofit Media recognized her as a “40 Under 40 Rising Star” in the nonprofit world.
Past Recipients
Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award
Awarded to an alumnus or alumna who has distinguished himself or herself in a profession and in the community and brought honor to Elon.
– 2023 Chris Bell ’92
– 2023 Kathie Niven ’89
– 2021 Michelle Wideman ’00
– 2021 Steve Ellington ’80
– 2018 Carter M. Smith ’92
– 2018 Angie Lovelace Walton ’10
– 2018 Tony Weaver Jr. ’16
– 2018 Jill Rose ’00
– 2018 David A. Stevens ’81
– 2017 Susan L. Yow ’76
– 2017 W. Cecil Worsley III ’86 P’14
– 2016 Kelli E. Palmer ’98
– 2016 John R. Hill ’76
– 2015 Tracey Nugent ’84 P’15
– 2015 Igor Pavlov ’94
– 2014 Gail Hettel LaRose ’64
– 2014 Mike Riccio ’85
– 2013 U.S. Navy Adm. William “Bill” E. Gortney ’77
– 2013 Tracey Helton Lewis ’93 P’10
– 2012 A. Christine Baker G’88
– 2012 Christopher P. Martin ’78 P’13
– 2011 W. Thomas Amick ’69 P’13
– 2011 Samuel L. Burke ’89
– 2011 Michele Skeens Hazel ’78 LP’09
– 2010 Jack R. Lindley Sr. ’56 P’83
– 2010 Stephen F. Schuckenbrock ’82
– 2010 Kebbler McGhee Williams ’98
– 2009 William N.P. Herbert ’68
– 2009 Deborah A. Yow-Bowden ’74
– 2008 Noel L. Allen ’69
– 2008 Bonnie Baxter ’88
– 2007 George J. Kilroy ’73
– 2006 Raymond L. Beck ’75
– 2005 Gerry Stephen Oxford ’69
– 2004 Jerry Lee Michael ’66
– 2003 Eddie C. Bridges ’57
– 2002 Frederick J. Stephenson Jr. ’65
– 2001 Lowell L. Thomas ’65
– 2000 Kerrii Brown Anderson ’79
– 1999 Jo Craven McGinty ’85
– 1998 John “Jack” McKeon ’63
– 1997 William E. LaCoste ’62
– 1996 Frank R. Lyon ’71
– 1995 Jo Watts Williams ’55
– 1994 William C. Wilburn ’64
– 1993 Bob E. McKinnon ’62
– 1992 Kenneth Utt ’42
– 1991 Richard Thompson ’64
– 1990 C. Carl Woods Jr. ’51
– 1989 Zachary T. Walker III ’60
– 1988 Robert E. LaRose ’66
– 1987 G. Thomas Holmes ’39
– 1986 Barbara Day Bass ’61
– 1985 Don L. Allen ’56
– 1984 Charles Almon McIver ’36
– 1983 Isabella W. Cannon ’24
– 1983 Moses Crutchfield ’41
Distinguished Service to Elon Award
Awarded to an organization, business, foundation or individual who has demonstrated outstanding service that promotes the advancement of Elon.
– 2023 Rich Johnson ’87 P’17 and Laurie Johnson P’17
– 2021 Priscilla Awkard ’95
– 2017 Garrett A. McKnight ’94
– 2016 Howard F. Arner ’63 & Beverly Frye ’66 Arner
– 2015 Darryl Smith ’86
– 2014 Tim Johnson ’09 & Max Cantor ’10
– 2013 Lindsey Goodman Baker ’04
– 2011 Amy Thomas Hendrickson ’69 & Jay A. Hendrickson ’71
– 2011 Dorothy S. Walker & Zachary T. Walker III ’60
– 2009 Walter Campbell Tims ’00
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Presented to an alumnus or alumna who has given extraordinary service to his or her community.
– 2023 LaToya Faustin ’04 G’10
– 2021 Kevin Gilmore ’96
– 2014 TJ Reynolds-Emwanta ’01
– 2013 Natasha Christensen ’07
– 2010 Carol Ann Barnett Collard ’89 & Chuck Collard ’89
– 2008 Joan Summers Drummond ’52
– 2006 Clyde Edward Welch Jr. ’59
– 2002 William Dennis Rippy ’43
– 2001 J. Fred Bowman ’51
– 2000 Margaret Patillo Cass ’57
– 1999 M. Cade Covington ’41
– 1998 Anita Butler ’88
Service to Church and Society Award*
– 2016 Samuel V. Barefoot ’79
– 2014 The Rev. Erin M. Keys ’05
– 2013 The Rev. Jonathan Chapman ’07
– 2011 Sir Walter L. Mack Jr. ’89
– 2009 Walstein W. Snyder ’45
– 2007 William J. Andes ’35
– 2006 Mary Coolidge Ruth ’66 & William J. Ruth ’66
– 2004 Faye Gordon Humphrey ’61
– 2002 Wilmer Brown ’92 & Hulen Grogans Brown ’92
– 2001 Laurinda M. Hafner ’76
– 2000 The Rev. Marvin L. Morgan ’71
Distinguished Service Award*
– 2003 Don E. Bolden
– 2002 Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation with special appreciation to Lyons Gray
– 2001 Alamance Regional Medical Center
– 1999 Henry N. Dorris ’57
– 1998 Nell Mann Snyder ’47
– 1997 Virginia Shipman Wilburn ’72
– 1997 Raleigh D. Ellis Jr. ’52
– 1992 The A.J. Fletcher Foundation
– 1991 Francis Asbury Palmer Fund
– 1987 Martha & Spencer Love Foundation
– 1985 Burlington Industries
Citizens Service Award*
– 2002 Edward K. Walker Jr. P’78 P’79 & Carol Ann Walker P’78 P’79
– 2000 R. Cruse Lewis
– 1998 Dolores Hagan Truitt ’53
– 1997 Warren “Dusty” Rhodes
– 1994 Eddie C. Bridges ’57
– 1989 James S. Belk Sr.
– 1987 David E. Pardue Jr.
– 1986 Calvin A. Michaels ’54
– 1984 Frances Turner Fonville ’28 & Rudy Moore Fonville ’27
– 1983 Marvin H. Comer
– 1982 James B. Powell
– 1981 Thad Eure
– 1980 Thomas E. Powell III
– 1979 Roger Gant Jr.
– 1978 Laurence A. Alley
Young Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award
Awarded to an alumnus or alumna who has graduated within the past 10 years and has distinguished himself or herself in their profession.
– 2017 Ashleigh J. Palmer Weathers ’08
– 2017 Brandon S. Shore ’08
– 2016 Samantha J. Gilman ’08 L’11
– 2016 Geoffrey M. Lynn ’07
– 2015 Melissa Taylor Duncan ’06 L’09
– 2015 Matt Belanger ’05
– 2014 Kim Hayes ’05
– 2014 David L. Morrow II ’07 L’10
– 2013 Darris Means ’05
– 2013 Britten Ginsburg Pund ’06
– 2012 Alexandra E. Ellis ’05
– 2012 Michael G. Long ’04
– 2011 Joshua D. Voss ’01
– 2011 Daniel J. Watts ’04
– 2010 Michelle C. Pautz ’03
– 2009 Stephanie P. Newbold ’01
– 2009 Audrey M. Seagraves ’02
– 2008 Lundon B. Sims ’02
– 2008 Laith al-Majali ’05
– 2007 Kelli E. Palmer ’98
– 2007 Charles Ashton Newhall ’98
– 2006 Joshua S. Felix ’00
– 2005 Dustin Michael Tonkin ’95
– 2004 David L. Wyrick ’94
– 2003 Elizabeth Spain Cooper ’02
– 2002 Peter G. Lindstrom ’94
– 2001 Troy P. Senkiewicz ’98
– 1999 Steven P. Messinetti ’94
– 1998 Daniel C. Dollins ’93
– 1997 Burney Jennings ’87
– 1996 Raymond Covington ’86
– 1995 Christopher Janelle ’87
– 1993 Lisa D. Conklin ’86
– 1992 D. Wesley Durham ’88
– 1991 Greg Harris ’87
– 1988 Aiah Gbakima ’76
– 1987 Donna Hill Oliver ’72
– 1986 Eddie Ricky Brooks ’76
– 1986 D. Keith Hall ’72
– 1985 Deborah A. Yow ’74
– 1984 James W. Morris III ’72
– 1983 Raymond L. Beck ’75
– 1982 Noel L. Allen ’69
– 1982 William N.P. Herbert ’68
– 1981 William J. Griggs Jr. ’74
– 1980 Sally Ann O’Neill Mauldin ’70
– 1980 Wayne Weston ’71
– 1979 Carolyn Little ’69
– 1979 Gerry Oxford ’69
– 1978 Sam Lee Story ’69
* The Distinguished Service Award and Citizens Service Award were combined in 2004 to create the Distinguished Service to Elon Award.
For more information on the alumni awards, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at (336) 278-7500 or alumni@elon.edu.