Nominate Alumni for Awards

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Nominations close August 3, 2026

Candler School of Theology invites alumni and members of the Emory University community to nominate candidates for special recognition as one of a select number of outstanding individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Candler School of Theology, the Church, and the larger society. Nominees should be individuals who embody the Core Values of Candler School of Theology in their work and ministry. As many as two awards (described below) may be presented annually by the Dean upon recommendation of the Candler Alumni Board:

Lifetime Achievement

The Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement recognizes graduates of Candler School of Theology for 30+ years of achievement in service to Candler, the Church, the Academy, and/or the Community. These are individuals who, over a lifetime, have used what they learned at Candler to the fullest in service to others.

Faithful and Creative Leadership

The Distinguished Alumni Award for Faithful and Creative Leadership recognizes graduates of Candler School of Theology who are still in the height of their ministry career and are living out the mission of the School—serving as faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries in the world. These are individuals who have demonstrated tremendous achievements and who evidence an ability to continue serving with excellence and creativity in their work and ministry.

Outstanding Young Alumni

The Distinguished Alumni Award for Outstanding Young Alumni recognizes graduates of Candler School of Theology age 40 and under who has notable leadership in their personal and professional environments. These individuals show exceptional dedication, loyalty, and support in his/her service to the Candler School of Theology community and beyond.

woman speaking at podium

Award Descriptions & Requirements

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a framed distinguished alumni award

Submit a Nomination

Alumni Awards
Previous recipients of this award and its predecessor, the Alumni Service Award, include:
Carolyn Ann Abrams 92TDow Kirkpatrick 40T †
Robert Lee Abrams 92TBishop J. Lloyd Knox 54T †
William S. Barnes 73B 76TCarlton Demont Mackey 05T
Hal N. Brady, III 64T 84TKenneth E. Marcus 92T †
William (Bill) Britt, IV 93TMarshall L. “Jack” Meadors 58T †
Lawson Bryan 75T 85TTim McClendon 96T
Pamela A. Cahoon 77TTimothy McDonald III 78T
William Carroll 54T †Cecil E. McFarland 55T †
Betty Clanton Castellani 83T †Bishop Robert Morgan 58T †
Robert N. Clarke 58T †Carolyn Morris 79T †
Brian Combs 06TDiane A. Moseley 73T
John Wesley Culp 71TCodi Norred 17T
Conitras M. Houston Dickens 08TDominique A. Robinson 10T 11T
William E. Flippin, Sr. 82TKenneth L. Samuel 81T
H. Eddie Fox 62T †J. Allan Sandlin 89T
Sarah Gerwig 02L 02TGilbert Schroerlucke 52T 53G †
James W. Giddens, Jr. 87TWilliam L. Self 71T †
Gordon C. Goodgame 58T †Herchel Sheets 52T †
Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster 73T 82TJasmine Rose Smothers 08T
The Rev. Alisa L. Gordon 15TKarl K. Stegall 79T
F. Stuart Gulley 86TB. Wiley Stephens 65T †
Donald A. Harp 66T †Chaplain Brandon Stewart, 10T Esq.
Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson 95TThomas A. Summers 59T
Susan T. Henry-Crowe 76TGordon G. Thompson, Jr. 46T †
Jay B. Hodges 72T 91TK. Edward Tomlinson 69T
Bishop L. Bevel Jones III 46C 49T †Sara J. Toering, 06T 06L Esq.
Ginger Rogers Kaney 72T †W. Waite Willis, Jr. 75T 83G
Calvin R. Kimbrough, Jr. 75TMichael John Zdorow 12T
Nelia J. Kimbrough 74TEugene M. Zimmerman 54T †

† deceased

University Wide Awards

Emory University awards distinguished alumni who have exhibited outstanding contributions to the Emory community or abroad.

Emory Medal
Turman Alumni Service Award
Jake’s Golden Heart Award
Outstanding Alumna Award
Sheth Distinguished International Alumni Award