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A photo of the awards on a table at the Alumni Awards for Excellence.
Western Colorado University Alumni

Awards

Distinguished Alumni Award Pathfinder Young Alumni Award

Recognizing excellence across generations of Mountaineers.

A table full of guests for one of the award recipients sit and mingle at a table over salad and drinks.

Western Colorado University proudly recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni through two honors: the Distinguished Alumni and Pathfinder recognitions. These traditions celebrate graduates who exemplify excellence in their careers, leadership, service, and impact on their communities. Together, they highlight the many ways Mountaineers continue to shape the world long after graduation.

2026 Alumni Award Recipients

Headshot of Von Washington Jr.

Von Washington Jr. ’90

Distinguished Mountaineer Alumni Award

Von Washington Jr. exemplifies the transformative power of educational leadership combined with unwavering community commitment. His 25-year career demonstrates how an individual can fundamentally reshape…

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Headshot of Jermaine Rodney.

Jermaine Rodney ’14

Pathfinder Young Alumni Award

Jermaine Rodney is an entrepreneur, technologist, and community leader whose career reflects a sustained commitment to the Gunnison Valley and to the values of service, innovation,…

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Headshot of Taylor Worsham.

Taylor (Cull) Worsham ’16

Pathfinder Young Alumni Award

Taylor (Cull) Worsham serves as Assistant Director and Librarian for the Upper San Juan Library District in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. After earning her degree in Politics…

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Distinguished Alumni Award

Nominations will be accepted until November 14 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. No late submissions will be accepted.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is Western Colorado University’s newest tradition, celebrating the remarkable accomplishments our alumni have achieved since graduation. This award highlights graduates who exemplify professional achievement, leadership, philanthropy, or service to the community, and serves as a reminder of the many ways Western alumni make a lasting impact on the world around them.

Members of the Alumni Advisory Council review all nominations and select honorees. Each nomination represents an extraordinary alum, and the selection process is always challenging. To make the best decisions, Council members must have complete and specific information. Ultimately, the strongest nominations are those that provide detailed examples of how the nominee meets the award criteria.

 

Award Criteria
Submission Process
  • Professional and/or Academic Accomplishments: Demonstrates exceptional achievement and recognition in their field of work or advanced studies (i.e., pursuing graduate school/PhD programs/professional degrees).
  • Leadership: Inspires others through initiative, innovation, and influence within their profession, community, or beyond.
  • Philanthropy: Shows generosity and commitment to making a difference through charitable giving, volunteerism, or mentorship.
  • Service to Community: Enhances the lives of others through active participation, advocacy, and civic engagement.

Nominations will only be accepted via the online form. Instead of submitting a traditional nomination letter, nominators will address each of the award criteria individually in a maximum of 500 words each. An additional 500 words may be used to include any other information relevant to the nomination. We recommend drafting responses in Word before pasting them into the form.

Not every section must be completed for a nominee to be considered; however, nominators are strongly encouraged to provide information for as many criteria as possible. The Alumni Advisory Council considers all available details when making selections, and fuller nominations offer a more complete picture of the alum’s impact.

Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form

Pathfinder Award

Nominations will be accepted until November 14 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. No late submissions will be accepted.
The Pathfinder Award recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of Western Colorado University’s young alumni. This award honors graduates from the past 15 years who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, leadership, or service early in their careers. Pathfinders embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and dedication that define Western alumni and serve as role models for the next generation.
Members of the Alumni Advisory Council review all nominations and select honorees. Each nomination highlights an extraordinary young alum, and the selection process is always challenging. To make the best decisions, Council members must have complete and specific information. Ultimately, the strongest nominations are those that provide detailed examples of how the nominee meets the award criteria.
Award Criteria
Submission Process
  • Professional and/or Academic Accomplishments: Demonstrates exceptional achievement and recognition in their field of work or advanced studies (i.e., pursuing graduate school/PhD programs/professional degrees).
  • Leadership: Active leadership roles that showcase initiative, vision, and the ability to inspire others.
  • Philanthropy or Service: Dedication to improving their communities or supporting causes through service, advocacy, or giving back.
Eligibility:
Nominees must have graduated from Western within the past 15 years.

Nominations will only be accepted via the online form. Nominators will address each of the award criteria individually in a maximum of 500 words each. An additional 500 words may be used to share other information relevant to the nomination. We recommend drafting responses in Word before pasting them into the form.

Not every section must be completed for a nominee to be considered; however, nominators are encouraged to provide information for as many criteria as possible. The Alumni Advisory Council takes all submitted details into account, and thorough responses strengthen the nomination.

Pathfinder Award Nomination Form

Questions?

Call or send us a message.

Alumni

Director of Alumni Relations

Contact Information

970.943.3464
alumni@western.edu

Contact Location

Aspinall-Wilson Center
909 E. Escalante Dr.
Gunnison, CO 81230