Each year Iowa State University recognizes alumni and friends at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration. On April 15, 2011, the university’s highest awards will be presented including the Distinguished Alumni Award, Honorary Alumni Award, and Order of the Knoll Awards.
This year, Allen F. Jacobson (BSChE’47), Subra Suresh (MSME’79), and A.J. Van Dierendonck (MSEE’65/PhDEE’68) will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award honors Iowa State alumni who are nationally and/or internationally recognized for preeminent contributions to their professions or life’s work.
Katherine Melsa and Eugene and Mary Sukup will receive Honorary Alumni Awards. Melsa is the wife of former College of Engineering dean Jim Melsa and was a strong partner in her husband’s success during his tenure as dean from 1995 to 2004. Much of the Sukup’s extended family attended Iowa State, including their sons Charles (BSAgE’76/MSAgE’82) and Steve (BSIE’79). The Honorary Alumni Award is given to individuals who are not graduates of Iowa State University and who have made significant contributions to Iowa State’s welfare, reputation, prestige, and pursuit of excellence.
George Burnet (BSChE’48/MSChE’49/PhDChE’51) will receive the Order of the Knoll Faculty and Staff Award given to an individual or couple employed by or retired from Iowa State University who has/have brought distinction to the university, its students, programs or research significantly beyond the expectations of the position(s) held.