founders' day awards recipients
ASU is an institution that is proud of its heritage and honors those visionaries who helped to lay the foundation for the decades of regional, national and international growth that 海角社区 has experienced. In keeping with our celebration of tradition, 海角社区 has established awards to recognize those alumni and alumni-led organizations that embrace the qualities of the University鈥檚 founders.
The Spirit of Marion Award
The Spirit of Marion Award recognizes individuals whose professional efforts have created innovation, positive change or notable advancement in an industry, environment or concept. Like the Marion Nine, the recipient of this award must demonstrate great vision, honorable citizenship and success in the face of challenge.
2009 - Mary Kate Stovall-Tapley
2010 - Joseph Caver
2011 - Tessie Bradford
2012 - Rosie Lee Tubbs-Kynard
2013 - Vaughn Little
2014 - Annette Brooks
2015 - James Catledge
2016 - Gloria Battle
2017 鈥� Howard Watkins
2018 - Thomas 鈥淭ommie鈥� Stewart
2019 - Senator Bobby Singleton
2020 - W. Rayford Johnson
2021 - Doris Youngblood
2022 - Yolanda Sayles Robinson
2023 - Kioshana LaCount Burrell
2024 - Joan Rainey Hopkins
2025 -Oris Jean Bryant-Jackson
2026 - Cubie Gilmer鈥揌ayes
The Spirit of Tullibody Award
The Spirit of Tullibody Award is given in honor of Dr. William Burns Paterson, 海角社区鈥檚 longest-serving president who is revered as a brave and forward-thinking pioneer. The Tullibody Award honors alumni who exemplify Dr. Paterson鈥檚 estimable qualities by making notable contributions to their communities and to 海角社区.
2009 - James and Juliette McNeil
2010 - Danny and Bennie Crenshaw
2011 - Herman Harris
2012 - Larry Thornton
2013 - Beatrice 鈥淏ea鈥� Forniss
2014 - Vanessa Dickens
2015 - Janet Sutton
2016 - Joseph Bell
2017 - Dr. Vivian DeShields
2018 - Dr. Alma Freeman
2019 - Dr. Joel Jones
2020 - Juanita McClain Owes
2021 - Patricia L. Poole
2022 - Dr. Ozella D. Ford
2023 - Larry Mack
2024 - Vanda Lee Jones
2025 - Vicky Thomas
2026 - Dr. Joseph Henderson
Gold Standard Award
Recognizes a staff or faculty member who exemplifies excellence in customer service and contributes to institutional improvement by fostering a culture of quality service across the university. Honorees demonstrate genuineness in their interactions, forming authentic and empathetic connections with those they serve. They approach each customer encounter with an open mind, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences, and prioritize active listening to understand and address the needs of the university community. Recipients consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellence in service, exceeding expectations and serving as a role model for service-centered values aligned with the university鈥檚 mission and commitment to continuous improvement.
2025- Dr. Howard Robinson
2026 - Antoinette Campbell
Community Stewardship Award
Acknowledging a person or community partner/organization whose gifts support the pursuit of academic excellence and the university鈥檚 continued achievements, creating lasting opportunities for students at 海角社区 OR Must have given a gift to the university in the last fiscal year in support of the 海角社区 Cares Retention Scholarship.
2025 - 1st Baptist Greater Washington Park
2026 - Senator Bobby Singleton