Annual Awards
Honoring the Most Distinguished Volunteers
The Alumni Association presents several annual awards to recognize, honor, and reward outstanding accomplishment and service to the Alumni Association and to MIT. The Awards Committee meets in February annually to review nominations. The committee presents recommendations for awards at the Board of Directors March meeting. Winners are announced in the spring, and awards are presented at the annual Alumni Leadership Conference in the fall.
Bronze Beaver Award
The Bronze Beaver Award is the highest honor the Association can bestow upon any alumni volunteer. It is given to recognize distinguished service to the Alumni Association and the Institute by alumni who have been active in most or all phases of alumni activity and who have been outstanding in at least one phase. Alf K. Berle '27 and Carole (Cac) A. Clarke '21 were the first recipients of this award which was established in 1955. As of July 1, 2009, a total of 294 individuals have been awarded the Bronze Beaver.
See the list of all Bronze Beaver Award winners (PDF)
Henry B. Kane '24 Award
The Henry B. Kane '24 Award recognizes exceptional fundraising service and accomplishments for the Alumni Association and MIT. As of July 1, 2009, a total of 95 individuals have received this award.
See the list of all Kane Award winners (PDF)
Harold E. Lobdell '17 Distinguished Service Award
The Harold E. Lobdell '17 Distinguished Service Award recognizes service to the Alumni Association and MIT that is of significant depth over a sustained period. Lobdell's interest and commitment to MIT spanned all areas of alumni relations. As of July 1, 2009, a total of 264 alumni have received this award.
See the list of all Lobdell Award winners (PDF)
George B. Morgan '20 Award
The George B. Morgan '20 Award recognizes ongoing excellence in all aspects of Educational Council activity. This includes dedication to MIT, an abiding concern for the interests of prospective students, and exceptional standards of achievement and professionalism in meeting Council responsibilities. As of July 1, 2009, a total of 187 alumni have received this award.
See the list of all Morgan Award winners (PDF)
Presidential Citation
The Presidential Citation recognizes distinguished service to the Alumni Association and MIT by alumni organizations. Like the Bronze Beaver for individuals, this award is given to groups in recognition of distinguished service to the Institute or the Association. Prior to 1968, outstanding organizations were given Bronze Beaver awards.
See the list of all Presidential Citation Award winning groups (PDF)
Honorary Membership in the Alumni Association
The constitution of the Alumni Association states, "anyone who has rendered outstanding service to the Association or the Institute" may be elected to Honorary Membership. This includes any present or former member of the Corporation, any present or former officer of administration or instructor on the staff of the Institute, as well as their spouses.
* Honorary Membership in the Alumni Association award is presented at the annual Technology Day Luncheon during Tech Reunions is June.
