Clark State College employees, students, parents and community members are encouraged to nominate alumni for the Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Emerging Leader Award. Both awards recognize and honor extraordinary Clark State alumni.
The Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates who have reached extraordinary distinction in their professional lives, while also making a significant contribution to Clark State and the local community.
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes Clark State alumni who have achieved a high rate of success early in their careers while also serving their community. Nominees for this award must be 40-years-old or younger.
Both awards are open to any Clark State graduate who earned an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, short-term certificate or an individual who participated in a workforce training program.
Nominations can be made at www.clarkstate.edu/community/alumni and are accepted year-round, but the deadline to nominate for the 2024 award is June 15. Self-nominations are also accepted.
Characteristics of award recipients might include, but are not limited to, a high commitment toward service, profession and community; making a positive impact; continually improving personally and professionally; accepting new challenges; or motivational and creative leadership skills.
“I encourage everyone to nominate a worthy Clark State alumnus today,” said Toni Overholser, vice president of advancement and outreach. “Award recipients have made significant contributions to their professions and communities at local, state and national levels. They provide inspiration and encouragement to current Clark State students and are deserving of recognition and celebration.”
Both the Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Emerging Leader Award recipients will be honored by college, business and civic leaders throughout the Springfield area during the Presidential Awards Banquet on Sept. 26.
Manuel Lopez Ramirez, global strategy and operations consultant for Lexis Nexis, received the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award for his efforts to support and advocate for Hispanic community members, including leading the Ohio Latino Mental Health Navigators and serving as Board chair of the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission; his dedication to Lexis Nexis customers; and being a role model for the younger generation.
In 2023, Jordan Tyler, manager of North American business development for JobsOhio, received the Emerging Leader Award for leading the rebranding of NCF Savings Bank, for being a professional resource, supporting his peers, continuing professional development and serving Clark State as a student ambassador during his undergraduate years.