Recognizing accomplished graduates
Do you know a graduate who should be honored? Nominations open Sept. 1, 2025
The Association & Foundation celebrates the graduate community with awards and accolades. Each of the award programs is outlined below, where you can also learn about the latest award recipients.
Distinguished
Graduate Award
Integrity. Service. Excellence.
The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation and/or their communities. This unique honor is bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and its Association of Graduates, recognizing graduates whose accomplishments are inspirational and elevate the reputation and the standing of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Distinguished Graduates should provide an example to all graduates and cadets of the standards that we value and of the abilities that have made our country and society great.
Gen. William J. “Bill” Begert '68 and Mr. Jerome “Jerry” Bruni '70 were named the 2025 Distinguished Graduate recipients for their contributions to the Academy and its legacy. Learn more about their incredible impact on our community and nation.
Read about the recent awardeesLeadership
Achievement Award
Showcasing high standards of integrity and character
The newest honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation, the Leadership Achievement Award honors graduates who have distinguished themselves by obtaining a high level of professional accomplishment, whether in military or civilian life, demonstrating excellence in all they do. They possess high standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the Air Force Academy.
We are proud to announce Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dondi Costin '86 and Col. (Ret.) Carolyn Benyshek '87 as the 2025 recipients of the Leadership Achievment Award. Their contributions to greater Colorado Springs and the community inspire both graduates and civilians alike. Learn more about their impactful careers.
Read about the recent awardeesYoung Alumni
Excellence Award
Making a difference professionally and philanthropically
Specifically honoring our recent graduates, the Young Alumni Excellence Award is awarded to those who have obtained a high level of professional or philanthropic achievement and who possess high standards of integrity and character that positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the Air Force Academy. These graduates have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and contributions to community, whether in military or civilian life.
The recipients of the 2025 Young Alumni Excellence Award are Maj. Megan Biles '10, Maj. Joseph Bledsoe '11 and Mr. Anson Cheng '18. From volunteer work to innovation in the aerospace industry, we honor their contributions to our country's well-being and defense.
Read about the recent awardeesSullenberger Award
for Courage
2025 Winners
Those honored with the Sullenberger Award for Courage have demonstrated exemplary performance during a singular act, or series of events within a short duration of time, where the individual demonstrated an achievement well exceeding the expectations for that period of time. This award honors the Academy core values – integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. These acts of bravery can occur during a military, civilian, business sector or community-related event, and they should reflect positively on the Academy and directly correlate to the training provided by the Academy.
The 2024 honorees are Capt. Logan "Batman" Cowan '18, Capt. Claire "Atomic" Eddins '18, Capt. Carla "Guns" Nava '18 and Capt. Kyle "Royal" Abraham '19. Learn more about the challenges these exceptional graduates overcame.
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