{"id":13438,"date":"2025-08-27T11:57:58","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T15:57:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/?page_id=13438"},"modified":"2025-09-30T12:09:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T16:09:28","slug":"honors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/about\/honors\/","title":{"rendered":"The NC&#160;State Honors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-table-of-contents\"><p class=\"eyebrow\">On This Page<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"#Watauga-Medal\">Watauga Medal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Menscer-Cup\">Menscer Cup<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Godwin-Awards\">Godwin Award<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Distinguished-Alumni-Awards\">Distinguished Alumni Award<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>The Watauga Medal, Menscer Cup Award, Godwin Red Torch Award and Distinguished Alumni Award honor significant contributions to NC State\u2019s success, philanthropic leadership, exemplary board service and excellence in chosen career fields, respectively.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many distinguished alumni award recipients go on to become Godwin Award, Menscer Cup winners and Watauga Medalists. The Watauga Medal, now in its 50th year, represents the highest nonacademic honor the university bestows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Collectively, these awards are known as the NC State Honors.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"ncst-labeled-section wp-block-ncst-featured-content ncst-featured-content is-card-style layout-two-column\">\n  <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__background\">\n    <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__container\">\n               <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__header\">\n                      <h2 class=\"ncst-labeled-section__heading\">News<\/h2>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__content\">\n        \n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-featured-content\"><a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-content-card with-image\"\n    href=\"https:\/\/news.giving.ncsu.edu\/2025\/09\/2025-awards-ceremony-recognizes-nc-state-supporters-in-style\/\"\n  >\n  \n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"\n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-13670\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/MAH0569.jpg\"\n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/MAH0569.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/MAH0569-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/MAH0569-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/MAH0569-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                        <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">2025 Awards Ceremony Recognizes NC State Supporters in Style<\/h3>\n              \n\n              \n\t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\"><span class=\"text\">The newly combined NC State Honors event was the perfect way to honor Wolfpack members who have gone above and beyond in their service and generosity to the university.<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n\n\n<a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-content-card with-image\"\n    href=\"https:\/\/alumni.ncsu.edu\/news\/2025\/2025-alumni-achievement-award-winners\/\"\n  >\n  \n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"\n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-13671\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chancellor-Howell.png\"\n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chancellor-Howell.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chancellor-Howell-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chancellor-Howell-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chancellor-Howell-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                        <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">2025 Alumni Achievement Award Winners<\/h3>\n              \n\n              \n\t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\"><span class=\"text\">This year\u2019s alumni award recipients were honored for their exceptional achievements in their respective fields and extraordinary contributions to NC State and beyond.<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-photo-gallery has-custombg-ten-background-color\"\n        id=\"ncst-photo-gallery-0\">\n\n          <div class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__container\">\n    \n              <h2 class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__heading\">Recent Honorees<\/h2>\n                <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n        <div class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-reel\" style=\"transform: translateX(0px);\">\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"1\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13674\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Chancellor Kevin Howell, Wautaga Medalist Dean Bunce \u201986 and chair of the Board of Trustees Edwin J. \u201cEd\u201d Stack III \u201992.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"2\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13675\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Chancellor Howell, Watauga Medalist Genie Ussery and Ed Stack.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"3\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13676\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13676\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Bunce receiving his Watauga Medal.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"4\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"843\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13677\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Bentina Terry \u201992, chair of the NC State University Foundation Board, addressing the crowd.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"5\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13678\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Ussery holding her Watauga Medallist proclamation with her family.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"6\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13679\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13679\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Andy \u201986 and Jane Albright received the Menscer Cup.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"7\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13680\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Grant Johnston \u201995 was honored with the Godwin Red Torch Award.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"8\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13681\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13681\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Reshunda Mahone, associate vice chancellor for alumni engagement and annual giving, presented the Honorable Dena J. King \u201903 with the Alumni Association Award for Meritorious Service.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"9\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13682\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Mahone presented John Michael Scott \u201918 with the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"10\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13683\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Mahone presented Louis J. Boos with the Alumni Association Award of Merit.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"11\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13684\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Ben Broussard, senior associate athletic director and executive director of the Wolfpack Club, presented Robbie B. Fulford Jr. \u201992 with the Ronnie Shavlik Award.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"12\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13685\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Reggie Strickland \u201987 received the  College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Garey Fox.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"13\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13686\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Rodolphe Barrangou \u201900, \u201904, Todd R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Professor, received the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Garey Fox.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"14\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13687\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Katharine Peele \u201987, \u201988 received the College of Design Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Mark Hoversten.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"15\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13688\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13688\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Lawrence Rouse \u201998 received the  College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Paola Sztajn.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"16\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13689\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13689\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Rashida Hodge \u201902, \u201903 received the College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Jim Pfaendtner.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"17\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13690\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Jerry Collier \u201967 received the College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Jim Pfaendtner.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"18\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13691\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Robert Gibbs \u201992 received the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Deanna Dannels.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"19\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13692\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Leigh Wilkinson \u201982 received the  College of Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Lewis Owen.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"20\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13693\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Cheryl Stroud \u201984, \u201990 received the College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Kathryn Meurs.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"21\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13694\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                Matthew Hong \u201994 received the Poole College of Management Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Frank Buckless.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                                  <figure class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-item\" data-gallery-item=\"22\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"13695\" data-thumb-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick-300x169.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13695\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n              <figcaption class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__viewport-caption\">\n                W. Duke Kimbrell \u201949 was posthumously honored with the Wilson College of Textiles Distinguished Alumni Award. His daughter, Pam Warlick, accepted the award from Dean David Hinks.\n              <\/figcaption>\n            <\/figure>\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__container\">\n        <div class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__navigation\">\n          <div class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__controls\">\n            <button class=\"prev\" disabled=\"disabled\">\n              <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n                <path d=\"M448,216.66H205.64l103.87-97.57L256,64,64,256,256,448l53.51-53.51L205.64,295.34H448Z\">\n                <\/path>\n              <\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sr-only\">\n                Previous Image\n              <\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <span class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__progress\">\n              <span class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__current-index\">\n                1\n              <\/span>\n               of 22\n             <\/span>\n             <button class=\"next\">\n               <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n                 <path d=\"M64,295.34H306.36L202.49,392.92,256,448,448,256,256,64l-53.51,53.51,103.87,99.15H64Z\">\n                 <\/path>\n               <\/svg>\n               <span class=\"sr-only\">Next Image<\/span>\n             <\/button>\n           <\/div>\n           <ul class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumbnails\">\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"1\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 1 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13674\" data-caption=\"Chancellor Kevin Howell, Wautaga Medalist Dean Bunce \u201986 and chair of the Board of Trustees Edwin J. \u201cEd\u201d Stack III \u201992.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1-17278-howell-bunce-stack-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"2\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 2 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13675\" data-caption=\"Chancellor Howell, Watauga Medalist Genie Ussery and Ed Stack.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-17381-howell-ussery-stack-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"3\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 3 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13676\" data-caption=\"Bunce receiving his Watauga Medal.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3-17249-bunce-watauga-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"4\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 4 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"843\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13677\" data-caption=\"Bentina Terry \u201992, chair of the NC State University Foundation Board, addressing the crowd.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17099-terry-foundation-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"5\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 5 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13678\" data-caption=\"Ussery holding her Watauga Medallist proclamation with her family.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5-17432-ussery-family-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"6\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 6 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13679\" data-caption=\"Andy \u201986 and Jane Albright received the Menscer Cup.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6-17178-andy-jane-albright-menscer-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"7\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 7 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13680\" data-caption=\"Grant Johnston \u201995 was honored with the Godwin Red Torch Award.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7-17124-johnson-godwin-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"8\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 8 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13681\" data-caption=\"Reshunda Mahone, associate vice chancellor for alumni engagement and annual giving, presented the Honorable Dena J. King \u201903 with the Alumni Association Award for Meritorious Service.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8-17092-mahone-king-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"9\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 9 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13682\" data-caption=\"Mahone presented John Michael Scott \u201918 with the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9-17065-mahone-scott-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"10\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 10 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13683\" data-caption=\"Mahone presented Louis J. Boos with the Alumni Association Award of Merit.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10-17077-mahone-boos-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"11\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 11 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13684\" data-caption=\"Ben Broussard, senior associate athletic director and executive director of the Wolfpack Club, presented Robbie B. Fulford Jr. \u201992 with the Ronnie Shavlik Award.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/11-17056-broussard-fulford-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"12\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 12 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13685\" data-caption=\"Reggie Strickland \u201987 received the  College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Garey Fox.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/12-16937-strickland-fox-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"13\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 13 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13686\" data-caption=\"Rodolphe Barrangou \u201900, \u201904, Todd R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Professor, received the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Garey Fox.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-16948-barrangou-fox-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"14\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 14 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13687\" data-caption=\"Katharine Peele \u201987, \u201988 received the College of Design Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Mark Hoversten.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/14-16961-peele-hoversten-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"15\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 15 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13688\" data-caption=\"Lawrence Rouse \u201998 received the  College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Paola Sztajn.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/15-16965-rouse-sztajn-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"16\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 16 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13689\" data-caption=\"Rashida Hodge \u201902, \u201903 received the College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Jim Pfaendtner.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/16-16978-hodge-pfaendtner-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"17\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 17 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13690\" data-caption=\"Jerry Collier \u201967 received the College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Jim Pfaendtner.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/17-16985-collier-pfaendtner-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"18\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 18 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13691\" data-caption=\"Robert Gibbs \u201992 received the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Deanna Dannels.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18-17001-gibbs-dannels-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"19\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 19 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13692\" data-caption=\"Leigh Wilkinson \u201982 received the  College of Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Lewis Owen.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19-17010-wilkinson-owen-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"20\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 20 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13693\" data-caption=\"Cheryl Stroud \u201984, \u201990 received the College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Kathryn Meurs.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20-17023-stroud-meurs-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"21\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 21 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13694\" data-caption=\"Matthew Hong \u201994 received the Poole College of Management Distinguished Alumni Award from Dean Frank Buckless.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21-17034-hong-buckless-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                                           <li class=\"ncst-photo-gallery-thumb\" data-gallery-item=\"22\" style=\"transform: translateX(0%);\">\n                 <button class=\"ncst-photo-gallery__thumb-btn\" aria-label=\"(Image 22 of 22)\">\n                   <img width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13695\" data-caption=\"W. Duke Kimbrell \u201949 was posthumously honored with the Wilson College of Textiles Distinguished Alumni Award. His daughter, Pam Warlick, accepted the award from Dean David Hinks.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22-17044-kimbrell-warlick-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n                 <\/button>\n               <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n         <\/div>\n       <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n \n\n<div class=\"has-custombg-ten-background-color wp-block-ncst-big-fact\">\n  <div class=\"big-fact__container\">\n    <h2 class=\"big-fact__heading\">137 Watauga Medalists<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"big-fact__support\">The university&#8217;s highest nonacademic honor is now in its 50th year.<\/p>\n    \n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/leadership.ncsu.edu\/watauga\/\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Learn more<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Watauga-Medal\">Watauga Medal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>History<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Watauga Medal was established in 1975 by the Board of Trustees to honor the people who made significant contributions to the advancement of the university. It is the highest nonacademic honor an alumnus or friend of NC State can receive \u2014 the pinnacle of achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The name derives from the Watauga Club, a group founded in 1884 by young men under the age of 30. Watauga is a Native American word of debated origin. One reported meaning is &#8220;the land beyond,\u201d though it has been historically associated with running water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The club promoted the educational, agricultural and industrial development of the state. In 1885, the club encouraged the North Carolina General Assembly to establish an industrial school. The resulting legislation founded the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, which eventually became known as NC State, on March 7, 1887.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Selection Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The selection process is rigorous and conducted by the Watauga Medal Selection Committee, with its recommendations advancing to the chancellor, who reviews them, and then finally to the Board of Trustees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nominations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nominations for the 2026 Watauga Medal are underway. Nominations must be received <strong>by Friday, November 21, at 5:00 p.m.<\/strong> and should provide members of the committee a full understanding of the nominee&#8217;s achievements and contributions to NC State.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeCMbd_AQeMD9zpAse6-DEgs1Sm_HTPwx9zVObPvySAJGnVpg\/viewform\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Submit a nomination<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2025 Watauga Medalists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2025 Watauga Medalists are Eugenia \u201cGenie\u201d Jordan Ussery \u201975 and William \u201cDean\u201d Bunce II \u201986.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Genie Ussery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eugenia \u201cGenie\u201d Jordan Ussery is a cum laude graduate of NC State, having earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in recreation and park administration from the College of Natural Resources in 1975. She was also an outstanding Wolfpack student-athlete and the inaugural captain of the varsity women\u2019s basketball team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an alumna, Genie has continued to support the university by service on numerous boards and through her philanthropy. She is a member of the Jordan family, for whom Jordan Hall and the Jordan Hall Addition are named, and she was instrumental in creating the family\u2019s named scholarships and distinguished professorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Watauga Medal - Genie Ussery\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1113553892?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dean Bunce<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>William \u201cDean\u201d Bunce II graduated from NC State in 1986 with a bachelor\u2019s degree in zoology from what is now the College of Sciences. He credits his Wolfpack education with enabling him to develop life-changing medicines and become someone who seeks out opportunities to give back in his community, including as an assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle coordinator with the Boy Scouts of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dean and his wife, Gail, are ardent supporters of the university. He has served on several university boards and acted as the College of Sciences\u2019 lead representative during the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Watauga Medal - Dean Bunce\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1113555207?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/leadership.ncsu.edu\/watauga\/#past-recipients\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Past Watauga Medalists<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Menscer-Cup-and-Godwin-Awards\">Menscer Cup and Godwin Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The NC State University Foundation Board awards the Menscer Cup and the Godwin Award each year in recognition of outstanding commitment to philanthropy and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Menscer-Cup\">The Darrell and Carolyn Menscer Cup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Menscer Cup was created by Darrell Menscer, an alumnus of the College of Engineering, and his late wife, Carolyn in 1997. They were leading volunteers at NC State, with Darrell chairing the NC State Foundation Board and co-chairing the Campaign for NC State Students. HIs efforts helped transform fundraising at the university, and the award honors those who continue to exemplify this leadership and dedication through personal philanthropy or fundraising efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Selection Process<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Individuals who have demonstrated outstanding philanthropy or fundraising leadership at NC State may be nominated for the award, which is supported by an endowment. Nominations may come from anyone associated with the university and must include a detailed rationale for the selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2025 Menscer Cup Recipients<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Andy and Jane Albright<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Andy and Jane Albright are a passionate Wolfpack couple and parents to two NC State graduates. Andy, an alumnus of Wilson College of Textiles, has served on the Entrepreneurship Initiative Advisory Board, the Alumni Entrepreneurs Network, the Wolfpack Investment Network and the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign Cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Andy and Jane have established four academic endowments on campus: the Albright Endowment for Leadership, the Shelton-Albright Rural Entrepreneurship Leadership Program, the Albright Entrepreneurs Endowment and the Andy and Jane Albright Entrepreneurs Living and Learning Village. They are also enthusiastic and generous Wolfpack athletics donors, supporting programs and facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Menscer Cup - Andy Albright\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1115881939?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"500\" height=\"264\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/giving.ncsu.edu\/foundation\/previous-menscer-cup-award-recipients\/\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Past award winners<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Godwin-Awards\">The Jerry and Elizabeth Godwin Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Jerry and Elizabeth \u201cLibby\u201d Godwin Red Torch Award is named for Libby and Jerry Godwin, dedicated NC State supporters and volunteers who established an endowment for this award in 2007. The annual award recognizes extraordinary individuals or families who have volunteered with leadership, dedication and distinction to further the mission of NC State and the Foundation, sharing their expertise, counsel and resources. Members of volunteer boards across campus are eligible for nomination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Selection Process<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking the total impact of a former board member\u2019s work under consideration, current (or former) board members may nominate that person by submitting a detailed rationale for the selection. The Foundation\u2019s Awards and Grants Committee reviews the nominations and recommends an award winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2025 Godwin Award Recipient<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grant Johnston<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grant Johnston graduated in 1995 with bachelor\u2019s degrees in business management and Spanish language and literature; he graduated from Poole College of Management again in 2003 after earning his master\u2019s degree in accounting. While at NC State, Johnston was a part of the men\u2019s swim team that won the 1992 ACC Championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since graduating, Johnston has been a part of the Park Scholars Selection Committee, the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Volunteer Network. He has established a named endowment in the Poole College of Management, in addition to supporting other areas of NC State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Godwin Award - Grant Johnson\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1110368133?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"500\" height=\"264\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/giving.ncsu.edu\/foundation\/awards\/previous-godwin-award-recipients\/\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Past award winners<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Distinguished-Alumni-Awards\">Distinguished Alumni Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This award honors some of the Pack\u2019s finest members, whose achievements reflect the strength and spirit of the Wolfpack. These award winners lead with purpose, give back with heart and inspire others through their accomplishments. Their success enhances the value of an NC State degree and strengthens our legacy of excellence, impact and service. Each honoree represents the very best of what it means to be part of the Pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These awardees are chosen to represent colleges. This group of annual honors also includes the Alumni Association\u2019s awards and the Wolfpack Club award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2025 Award Winners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Distinguished Alumni Award<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reggie Strickland \u201987 \u2013 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rodolphe Barrangou \u201900 \u201904 \u2013 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Katharine Peele \u201987 \u201988 \u2013 College of Design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lawrence Rouse \u201998 \u2013 College of Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rashida Hodge \u201902 \u201903 \u2013 College of Engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jerry Collier \u201967 \u2013 College of Engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Robert Gibbs \u201992 \u2013 College of Humanities and Social Sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kent Hudson \u201975 \u2013 College of Natural Resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leigh Wilkinson \u201982 \u2013 College of Sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheryl Stroud \u201984 \u201990 \u2013 College of Veterinary Medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Matthew Hong \u201994 \u2013 Poole College of Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>W. Duke Kimbrell \u201949 (posthumously) \u2013 Wilson College of Textiles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ronnie Shavlik Award<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Robbie Fulford \u201992<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Achievement Awards<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>John Michael Scott \u201918 \u2013 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Louis Boos \u2013 Award of Merit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dena King \u201903 \u2013 Meritorious Service Award<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/alumni.ncsu.edu\/about\/awards\/past-alumni-achievement-award-winners\/\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Past award winners<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ncst-labeled-section wp-block-ncst-featured-content ncst-featured-content is-card-style layout-two-column\">\n  <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__background\">\n    <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__container\">\n               <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__header\">\n                      <h2 class=\"ncst-labeled-section__heading\">More to Celebrate<\/h2>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__content\">\n        \n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-featured-content\"><a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-content-card with-image\"\n    href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/rankings\/\"\n  >\n  \n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"\n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-3363\"\n            alt=\"The Memorial Belltower on NC State&#039;s campus.\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/belltower-campus.jpeg\"\n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/belltower-campus.jpeg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/belltower-campus-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/belltower-campus-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/belltower-campus-768x432.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                        <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Rankings and Facts<\/h3>\n              \n\n              \n\t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\"><span class=\"text\">We Think and Do \u2014 and the world takes notice. See how we stack up in academics, research, economic impact and more.<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n\n\n<a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-content-card with-image\"\n    href=\"https:\/\/news.giving.ncsu.edu\/category\/impact\/\"\n  >\n  \n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"\n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-13470\"\n            alt=\"The silhouette of a howling wolf statue.\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/howling-wolf-silhouette.jpg\"\n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/howling-wolf-silhouette.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/howling-wolf-silhouette-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/howling-wolf-silhouette-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/howling-wolf-silhouette-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                        <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Stories of Impact<\/h3>\n              \n\n              \n\t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\"><span class=\"text\">Across campus, the power of partnerships and philanthropy make a difference for students, faculty, staff and beyond.<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Watauga Medal, Menscer Cup Award, Godwin Red Torch Award and Distinguished Alumni Award honor significant contributions to NC State\u2019s success, philanthropic leadership, exemplary board service and excellence in chosen career fields, respectively.&nbsp; Many distinguished alumni award recipients go on to become Godwin Award, Menscer Cup winners and Watauga Medalists. The Watauga Medal, now in&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":10,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/split-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"custombg_ten\",\"imageID\":13457,\"imageURL\":\"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/watauga-medal-closeup-1.jpg\",\"pageIntro\":\"Each year, NC State recognizes alumni and friends whose commitment and dedication advance the university and embody our Think and Do mantra. These awardees give of their time, resources and passions to make NC State the premier institution in N.C.\",\"useCTA\":false,\"boxPosition\":\"left\",\"ctaNum\":\"one\",\"imageAlt\":\"A closeup view of the Watauga Medal.\",\"mirrorLayout\":true}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"yearly","ncst_content_audit_date":"8\/27\/2025","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"on","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13438","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13438","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13438"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13438\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13697,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13438\/revisions\/13697"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}