Established in 1975, the Distinguished Service Award is the highest alumni award presented by Sterling College. The DSA honors and recognizes a lifetime of service that exemplifies the purposes for which Sterling College exists - exceptional contributions to society, distinguished professional accomplishment, outstanding leadership and character.
Nominations are submitted by peers and fellow Warriors; are reviewed and selected by the Sterling College Alumni Council; and then submitted to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for final approval.
Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award:
2021 - Marty (Montgomery) Behrendt ’68 2019 - Robert H. Thompson ’45 2018 - Paul Buchanan ’53 2017 - John S. Wilkey '67 2016 - Dr. Thomas Simpson '69 (College of Emporia) 2015 - John '60 and Catherine J. (Learned) '61 Grove 2014 - Roger '69 and Mary (Cresswell) '69 Trotter 2013 - John '69 and Gwen (Adair) '70 Haspels 2012 - Harold '58 and Patricia "Pat" (Offerle) '60 Hood 2011 - Charles "Chuck" Larsen '66 2010 - Rev. Don Ray '62 2009 - Don Reed '68 2008 - Bill Calderwood '57 2007 - Dr. Michael E. Wiebe '65 2006 - Tony Thompson '69 2005 - Dr. Gene '51 and Ruth (Adams) '50 Spear 2004 - Daryl Nuss '71 2003 - Dr. Minas Hiruy '73 2002 - Dr. Robert Brownlee '47 2001 - Dr. Clarence Lanning '34 2000 - Dr. Kenneth Rasmussen '45 1999 - Fran Calderwood '54 1998 - Dr. Howard Skinner '51 1997 - Dr. Ted Smythe '54 1996 - Bob Cunningham '51 1995 - Jill (Paige) Williams '70 1994 - Dr. Robert J. Campbell '49 1993 - Laura (Kneidl) Stewart '36 1992 - George Gordon '32 1991 - Harold "Gus" Edwards '38 1990 - Ralph fs43 and Merna (Vincent) fs43 Gilmore 1989 - Tom '50 and Chris (Lukens) '50 Buchanan 1988 - Dr. Orval '43 and Lucy (Gordon) fs47 Hamm 1987 - Lamar Dunn '40 1986 - Carol Gene Brownlee '42 1985 - Allen Edgar '37 1984 - Dr. Jim '54 and Sally (Christon) fs55 Conway 1983 - Dr. Joe McFarland '51 1982 - Katheryne (Work) Hamilton '29 1981 - Ralph Ball fs37 1980 - John Reilly '40 1979 - Dr. Marion Hanlon '45 1978 - Mrs. Lorene (Cuthbertson) Harrison '28 1977 - No award given this year 1976 - Dr. Ruth Thompson '18 1975 - Mr. Jean Kissell '29
