Skip to main content

Alumni Awards

Each year, School of Business alumni are invited to submit nominations for our Alumni Awards and vote for the Horace Kelly Alumni Teaching Award and the Kienzle Alumni Teaching Award.

Click here to access the 2026 Alumni Awards nomination form. All nominations are due February 20.

The Judson D. DeRamus Distinguished Alumni Award

The Judson D. DeRamus Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1984 and recognizes Wake Forest University School of Business alumni for achievement in their profession, commitment to the School, and service to the community.

The award is named after the first recipient, Judson D. DeRamus Sr. DeRamus was a graduate of the University of Alabama and served as a lieutenant during World War I – for which he received the Purple Heart – and commander of an anti-aircraft battalion during World War II. Following the wars, he served as a commander of the Army Reserve Unit in Winston-Salem and retired as a colonel. DeRamus was also the chief attorney for the Veteran’s Administration Office in Charlotte, North Carolina. He came to Winston-Salem to set up the local Veteran’s Administration Office which, under his direction as manager, became the Regional Office of North Carolina. Upon his retirement in 1965, he received the Distinguished Career Award from the Veteran’s Administration. DeRamus joined the staff of the Babcock Graduate School of Management as a consulting associate where he remained active until his death. 

Previous winners:

1984 – Judson D. DeRamus; 1985 – R. Vaughn Hayes (MBA ’78); 1987 – Eugene C. Pridgen (MBA ’75, JD ’78, P ’01, P ’19; 1988 – Donald E. Flow (MBA ’83); 1993 – Gay Nell Hutchens (MBA ’88); 2002 – Catherine E. Green (’74, MBA ’82); 2005 – David W. Dupree (MBA ’78, P ’20, P ’22); 2023 – Emily Batista (MSBA ’18); 2024 – Adam Holtzschue (MBA ’92); 2025 – Marc Villegas (MBA ’05).
Note: The 2026 award recipient will be invited to the Spring Board of Visitors dinner (April 9) for a presentation of the award. 

Nomination criteria:

  • Nominees must have graduated from any Wake Forest University School of Business undergraduate or graduate program at least five years prior to the award year. For 2026, the nominees must have graduated in 2021 or earlier.
  • Nominees must have demonstrated progressive growth, achievement in, and contribution to their chosen field.
  • Nominees must be actively engaged with the Wake Forest School of Business. 
  • Nominees must show consistent demonstration of Pro Humanitate service.


The Center for Analytics Impact Alumni Award

This annual award recognizes a Wake Forest School of Business alumnus who has made an impact on an organization through the effective use of analytics.

Previous Winners

2023 – Sean Clune (MSBA ’18); 2024 – Jamey McDowell (MSBA ’18); 2025 – Sebastian “Sebi” Santamaria (’21, MSBA ’22).
Note: The 2026 award recipient will be invited to the Spring Board of Visitors dinner (April 9) for a presentation of the award. 

Nomination criteria:

  • Nominees (self-nominations welcome) must have graduated from a School of Business undergraduate or graduate program.
  • Nominations should be for completed projects that have produced significant, verifiable and preferably quantifiable impact for the organization using analytics.
  • The Center for Analytics Impact will identify finalists for a follow-up conversation to more specifically understand the value created from the analytics, the return on investment for the effort, and the difficulties (technical, managerial or political) faced in the effort.
  • Please note, analytics is a “team sport” so the nominated project can be a team project. If so, the nominee should have played a significant role and be able to discuss the project.


The Allegacy Center for Leadership & Character Excellence in Leadership Alumni Award

This annual award recognizes a School of Business alumnus who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within an organization or community and has a proven record of leading organizations to achieve results with integrity.

Previous Winners

2024 – Carol Spann Joyner (’90); 2025 – Kelly Smith (’86).
Note: The 2026 award recipient will be invited to the Spring Board of Visitors dinner (April 9) for a presentation of the award. 

Nomination criteria:

  • Nominees must have graduated from any Wake Forest University School of Business undergraduate or graduate program at least five years prior to the award year. For 2026, the nominees must have graduated in 2021 or earlier.
  • Nominees must present themselves as an excellent role model of Wake Forest’s values and exhibit integrity in their personal and professional life.
  • Nominees must show consistent demonstration of Pro Humanitate through leadership that is motivational, inclusive and fosters a respectful and supportive work environment.
  • Nominees must be actively involved in mentoring and the development of others.
  • Nominees must be actively engaged with the Wake Forest School of Business.


The Heart of Business Alumni Award

This award recognizes a graduate of the last five years who has effectively bridged the gap between the classroom and the community. Beyond their professional achievements, this individual is distinguished by their enduring tie to the School of Business – actively pouring back into the next generation of students – and their commitment to civic engagement. We celebrate the alumnus who carries the spirit of the School of Business into their workplace and community every day.

Previous Winners

2026 – inaugural year.
Note: The 2026 award recipient will be invited to the Spring Board of Visitors dinner (April 9) for a presentation of the award. 

Nomination criteria:

  • Nominee has graduated from a Wake Forest School of Business program within the last five years (2021 or later).
  • At least one of the following should apply:
    • Nominee exemplifies extraordinary professional momentum, evidenced by an acceleration in responsibility that outpaces typical career trajectories. We evaluate this success not merely as personal advancement, but as a commitment to leading with integrity and purpose, reflecting the belief that society benefits most when our most capable professionals act as ethical stewards in their fields.
    • Nominee exemplifies community stewardship and has applied their business acumen to civic engagement. This includes board service, volunteerism or social impact initiatives that reflect a commitment to Pro Humanitate values.
    • Nominee remains deeply connected to the School of Business, fostering its growth through student mentorship, professional advocacy for Wake Forest graduates and active participation in the life of the School.


Horace Kelly Alumni Teaching Award

Undergraduate alumni from 10 years ago vote on which faculty member contributed to their education and personal development. Recipients must be a current faculty member and must have taught during the tenure of polled alums. Alumni who are eligible to vote will receive an email with additional voting information.

Previous winners:

2004 – Dale Martin; 2011 – Sheri Bridges & Clay Hipp; 2012 – Arun Dewasthal; 2013 – Bill Marcum; 2014 – James Cotter; 2015 – Dale Martin; 2018 – George Aldhizer; 2019 – George Aldhizer; 2022 – Bren Varner; 2023 – Cynthia Tessien; 2024 – Bill Marcum; 2025 – Deon Strickland.


Kienzle Alumni Teaching Award

MBA, MSA and MSM alumni from three years ago vote on which faculty member contributed to their education and personal development. Recipients must be a current faculty member and must have taught during the tenure of polled alums. Alumni who are eligible to vote will receive an email with additional voting information.

Previous winners:

2000 – Ram Baliga; 2012 – Sherry Moss & Jon Pinder; 2013 – Derrick Boone; 2014 – Ram Baliga & Jon Pinder; 2018 – Tim Janke; 2019 – Jim Willis; 2022 – Roger Beahm & Tim Janke; 2023 – Kenny Herbst; 2024 – Pat Dickson; 2025 – Tonya Balan.