Whitley Award for 2009 to be presented

The Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award, named after CSU's first president, is presented each year to the graduate who has most lived up to the high standards set by the award's namesake. Approved in 1980 by CSU's alumni board, it is considered the most prestigious award given annually to an alumnus. No award will be given if the CSU Alumni Association board decides that no nominee is of sufficient high caliber.

Criteria for Whitley Award nomination

• The nominee must hold a degree (associate, baccalaureate, master's or specialist) from Columbus College or Columbus State University.
• The nominee must have distinguished himself or herself in his or her professional and personal life and through community involvement and service, and thereby have brought recognition to CSU.
• The nominee must have exemplified high moral character and integrity and be held in high esteem by his/her fellow alumni.

Nomination, presentation process

• Nominations may be submitted by the March 18, 2009 deadline by anyone interested in CSU.
• Nomination forms will be available on request from the Alumni Office. Nominations are to be submitted to:
  Chairman, Whitley Award Selection Committee
  Alumni Office
  4225 University Avenue
  Columbus, Georgia 31907-5645
• If a suitable recipient is found, the award will be presented at the President's Recognition Banquet, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 23, 2009 in the Cunningham Center.
• A permanent plaque listing all award recipients will be on display on campus.A plaque will be presented to the recipient.

Selection committee

The Selection Committee for the Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award will be composed of:

• The CSU president.
• Chairman of CSU Foundation Board of Trustees.
• Executive officer of the Faculty Senate.
• Immediate past recipient of the award.