CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC
OPELIKA — The Southern Union State Community College Foundation is now accepting nominations for two prestigious awards: the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Outstanding Community Partner Award. These awards honor individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to society, higher education and the success of SUSCC students and programs. The deadline for nominations is March 2, 2026.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an SUSCC alumni who has made a profound impact in the professional field and community. This award highlights individuals who have demonstrated excellence through professional achievement, service to others and advocacy of higher education.
Nominees must have earned an associate’s degree, diploma or successfully completed 45 semester hours (67 quarter hours) at SUSCC; have distinguished themselves through career achievements, earned degrees, professional training and contributions to their field; demonstrated a record of community service and involvement in bettering the lives of others; and be an advocate of higher education by showing continued support of SUSCC’s programs.
The Outstanding Community Partner Award recognizes local businesses and agencies that have shown exceptional commitment to the success of SUSCC’s students, faculty and programs. This is the second year that this award has been given.
Eligibility criteria for this award include a record of mentoring students, providing internships or hiring SUSCC students; participation in Southern Union’s advisory boards, career fairs and training programs and providing financial gifts or in-kind donations that support SUSCC’s initiatives.
Nominations can be made by visiting www.suscc.edu and clicking on the corresponding icons. Nominations may be made by any individual, friend of the college, former student or employee. A letter of nomination/support must accompany the nomination form. No limitations will be placed on the number of nominations received.
The awards will be presented at the Foundation gala, “Blue Jeans and Bling,” on April 9, at the Farm at Rocky Top. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the event.
About the Southern Union Foundation
The Southern Union Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was established to support and foster the educational and service programs and activities of SUSCC. The Foundation increases educational access for students through financial support and enables the college to initiate innovative projects to enhance the quality of education.
For more information, please visit suscc.edu or contact Gretchen VanValkenburg at gvanvalkenburg@suscc.edu.
