Breadcrumb
Distinguished Alumni Award
Since 1978, the UCM Alumni Foundation has presented the Distinguished Alumni Awards annually to recognize outstanding University of Central Missouri graduates who raise the bar in their fields and exemplify the university's motto of "Education for Service."
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Dinner will take place during UCM's Homecoming celebrations on Friday, Oct. 16. Join us in the Elliott Student Union's Sandra Temple Elliott Ballroom for a social at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a program honoring the following four recipients:
2026 Honorees
Distinguished Alumni Award
Kevin Visser, '78
Distinguished Alumni Award for Early Achievement
Kati Roach, '10
Distinguished Alumni Award for Service
Kelton Smith, '65
Distinguished International Alumni Award
Abhi Shimpi, '10
Watch archived video stories about past Distinguished Alumni Award honorees on YouTube.
Do you know an exceptional UCM graduate who should be considered for one of our Distinguished Alumni Awards?
Review the criteria for each of the award categories and complete the brief nomination form so they will be considered for this honor in the future!
The Distinguished Alumni Award has been bestowed upon UCM graduates since 1978. Read their bios and watch videos to learn more about their accomplishments and contributions to society and to the university.
See archived video stories of Distinguished Alumni on YouTube.
