The OSU Alumni Association has established the E.B. Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award to recognize and honor former OSU students who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments and careers have brought credit to OSU.

Distinguished Alumni Award Given annually to an Appalachian State University alumnus/alumnae who have attained extraordinary distinction and success in their career field and have demonstrated exceptional and sustained leadership in their community.

Given to alumni who have distinguished themselves through service to humanity and who best exemplify the university's motto, “Education for Citizenship.” Nominees will have performed significant voluntary service to their communities beyond the call of business or professional duty.

The Alumni Association established the Award for Research Excellence in 1975 to promote research at Virginia Tech. To achieve this purpose, individuals or research teams who have reached a level of significant research achievement will be considered.