ALUMNI AWARDS HISTORY
The Ohio State University Alumni Association Board of Directors has established awards in several categories to honor those living alumni who personify the University's tradition of excellence, thereby bringing distinction to themselves and to our alma mater through their outstanding achievements.
The Alumni Awards started in 1958 with the first Alumni Citizenship Award. This award honors outstanding alumni who serve their Community through Volunteer Service. One Alumni Citizenship Award was given each year, until the Board of Directors decided in 1972 to increase the number of recipients from one to up to six recipients.
In 1977, the Class of 1927 celebrated its 50th anniversary by founding the Citizenship Grove where trees were planted for every Citizenship Award winner. Upon the completion of the Longaberger Alumni House, the Alumni Citizenship recipients were, and are still honored, with plaques instead of trees along the river wall.
Over the years, several categories of awards were added to keep up with the diverse and distinguished achievements of Ohio State Alumni. In 1984, three new awards were initiated: the Alumni Medalist Award, which honors outstanding national or international career achievement; the William Oxley Thompson Awards, which honors outstanding career achievements accomplished by young alumni under the age of 36; and the Ralph Davenport Mershon Award, which honors outstanding leadership and service to The Ohio State University.
In 1989, another award was initiated to honor Alumni who have enhanced the quality of student life at the University and was named after an alumna who exemplified these attributes, Josephine Sitterle Failer.
In 1992, the Professional Achievement Award was initiated to honor alumni with superb records of distinguished career accomplishments and who have made outstanding contributions to their professions.
In 1996, the Dan L. Heinlen was initiated in honor of the outstanding contributions made to the University and the Association by its' president at the time. This award is presented to alumni who have realized outstanding achievements in advocating the interests of the University with one or more of its important publics. It recognizes such achievement in activities ranging from student and faculty recruitment to advocacy with elected officials and opinion leaders on behalf of Ohio State.
