Awards​

Certificate of Distinction

The Certificate of Distinction is the highest award of the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association. It is presented at the Association's annual meeting, The Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry, which takes place in early February each year.

The Certificate of Distinction is intended to recognize those who have contributed significantly to agriculture, forestry or natural resources through professional accomplishments, activity in professional organizations, community service work, and other activities that make the nominees a credit to their profession.

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: ​ October 20, 2024

Certificate of Distinction page.

 
Considering a nomination - not sure which alumni award is the best fit - review Distinguished Ag Alumni award vs. Certificate of Distinction award. 

Distinguished Ag Alumni

The Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Award was created in 1992 to recognize mid-career alumni of Purdue's College of Agriculture. Honorees must have a demonstrated record of outstanding accomplishments, have made significant contributions to his/her profession or society in general, and exhibit high potential for future professional growth. Selections are made by a committee comprised of the Dean of Agriculture, associate deans, assistant dean, department heads, and unit directors. Typically, ten or fewer alumni are selected to receive the award. Recipients will be recognized in a convocation in September 2025 on the West Lafayette campus. Honorees must be in attendance to receive the award. 

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: ​ February 15, 2025

Distinguished Ag Alumni page.

 

Pathmaker Award

Purdue Agriculture's Pathmaker Awards, sponsored by the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association, annually recognize one master's student and one Ph.D. candidate for outstanding mentorship. 

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: March each year

Departmental Alumni Awards

Within the College of Agriculture at Purdue University, there are eleven academic departments. Of those eleven departments, seven of them have established prestigious awards to recognize their alumni. These awards vary from department to department. You can find additional information by clicking on the links below.