Distinguished Alumni
Individuals recognized with this award were nominated based upon their level of personal success and professional achievements, involvement with the University, and how they positively reflected on their alma mater. The Awards Committee of the Alumni Association Board of Directors made the selections based upon the review of the nominations. While this award was in place, recipients were recognized during the August commencement ceremony, during which they served as the commencement speaker. The Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award was replaced in 2008 with the introduction of the SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame.
| Year | Name | Degree at SIUE |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Keith Alper | Mass Communications |
| 2006 | John Simmons | Political Science |
| 2005 | Shelby Steele | Sociology |
| 2004 | Justice Philip J. Rarick, III | Sociology |
| 2003 | Lendell Phelps Jr. | Mass Communications |
| 2002 | Stephen Jankowski | Mass Communications |
| 2001 | William Gray Potter Jr. | English |
| 2000 | David Herndon | Government |
| 1999 | William Plaschke | Mass Communications |
| 1998 | John Klobnak | Mass Communications |
| 1997 | Gail A. Myers Liniger | Business Administration |
| 1996 | Gordon D. Bush | Geography |
| 1995 | L. Thomas Lakin | Business Administration |
| 1994 | John E. Oeltjen | Business Administration |
| 1993 | Ed E. Hightower | Education |
| 1992 | Mara M. Meyers | Business Administration |
| 1991 | Edward E. Giberson | Art |
| 1990 | Jo Ann Harmon | Sociology |
| 1989 | Robert J. Baer | Education |
| 1988 | Hulas H. King | Business Administration |
| 1987 | P. Dewayne Staats | Mass Communications |
| 1986 | John A. Fruit | Business Administration |
| 1985 | James B. McPike | Economics |
| 1984 | Dee A. Joyner | Social Science |
| 1983 | Mike E. Jantzen | Art & Design |
| 1982 | Alfred C. Hagemann | Business Administration |
| 1980 | Jane K. Bruker | Nursing |
| 1979 | Joe B. McAdams, Jr. | Psychology |
| 1978 | Ralph F. Korte | Business Administration |
| 1977 | Judge Milton S. Wharton | Business Administration |
| 1976 | James D. Milligan | Business Administration |
| 1975 | Arthur T. Towata | Art & Design |
| 1974 | Margaret F. Blackshere | Education |
