Distinguished Service Award

Established in 1975, the Distinguished Service Award is the highest alumni award presented by Sterling College. The DSA honors and recognizes a lifetime of service that exemplifies the purposes for which Sterling College exists - exceptional contributions to society, distinguished professional accomplishment, outstanding leadership and character.

Nominations are submitted by peers and fellow Warriors; are reviewed and selected by the Sterling College Alumni Council; and then submitted to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for final approval. 
 

Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award:

2023 - No award given this year
2022 - Robert Wade class of ’69
2021 - Marty (Montgomery) Behrendt ’68
2019 - Robert H. Thompson ’45
2018 - Paul Buchanan ’53
2017 - John S. Wilkey '67
2016 - Dr. Thomas Simpson '69 (College of Emporia)
2015 - John '60 and Catherine J. (Learned) '61 Grove
2014 - Roger '69 and Mary (Cresswell) '69 Trotter
2013 - John '69 and Gwen (Adair) '70 Haspels
2012 - Harold '58 and Patricia "Pat" (Offerle) '60 Hood
2011 - Charles "Chuck" Larsen '66
2010 - Rev. Don Ray '62
2009 - Don Reed '68
2008 - Bill Calderwood '57
2007 - Dr. Michael E. Wiebe '65
2006 - Tony Thompson '69
2005 - Dr. Gene '51 and Ruth (Adams) '50 Spear
2004 - Daryl Nuss '71
2003 - Dr. Minas Hiruy '73
2002 - Dr. Robert Brownlee '47
2001 - Dr. Clarence Lanning '34
2000 - Dr. Kenneth Rasmussen '45
1999 - Fran Calderwood '54
1998 - Dr. Howard Skinner '51
1997 - Dr. Ted Smythe '54
1996 - Bob Cunningham '51
1995 - Jill (Paige) Williams '70
1994 - Dr. Robert J. Campbell '49
1993 - Laura (Kneidl) Stewart '36
1992 - George Gordon '32
1991 - Harold "Gus" Edwards '38
1990 - Ralph fs43 and Merna (Vincent) fs43 Gilmore
1989 - Tom '50 and Chris (Lukens) '50 Buchanan
1988 - Dr. Orval '43 and Lucy (Gordon) fs47 Hamm
1987 - Lamar Dunn '40
1986 - Carol Gene Brownlee '42
1985 - Allen Edgar '37
1984 - Dr. Jim '54 and Sally (Christon) fs55 Conway
1983 - Dr. Joe McFarland '51
1982 - Katheryne (Work) Hamilton '29
1981 - Ralph Ball fs37
1980 - John Reilly '40
1979 - Dr. Marion Hanlon '45
1978 - Mrs. Lorene (Cuthbertson) Harrison '28
1977 - No award given this year
1976 - Dr. Ruth Thompson '18
1975 - Mr. Jean Kissell '29