One of the highlights of the November Alumni Council meeting is recognition of alumni who have made noteworthy accomplishments and served others. This year we were able to honor five deserving individuals for living into the Berry motto "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister."
2026 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
Distinguished Achievement Award:
Jason Sweatt (88C)
Distinguished Service Award:
Kristine Werner Ozug (99C)
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award:
Dr. Michelle Jackson Little (12C)
Outstanding Young Alumni Award:
Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman (08C) and Shelby Smith King (16C)
Nomination Process
The recognition process begins with a nomination, which can be done anytime during the year, but the deadline is March 1. Those nominated will be asked to complete questions specific to the area in which they are being considered: Outstanding Achievement, Outstanding Service, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Outstanding Young Alumni. The Ouida Word Dickey Award is awarded is not always awarded annually but recognizes individuals who have continued her legacy of preserving Berry's history and telling its story.
Completed applications and letters of reference are then evaluated and scored during April and May by the Awards Committee. Nominations are valid for a three-year period, so those who are not selected the first year may still be recognized.
Once the committee members have completed their work, the applications are reviewed by community members who have no connection to the applicants, and winners are selected.
WE NEED YOU!
Awards Committee members are not eligible to nominate, so we rely on council members and other Berry alumni to help us. So many individuals have contributed greatly to living out Martha Berry's mission. Please consider taking a few moments to share their efforts with us so that they might honor their work.
