Alabama State University is an institution that is proud of its heritage and honors those visionaries who helped to lay the foundation for the decades of regional, national and international growth that ASU has experienced. In keeping with our celebration of tradition, Alabama State University has established awards to recognize those alumni and alumni-led organizations that embrace the qualities of the University’s founders. 

 

The Spirit of Marion Award

The Spirit of Marion Award recognizes individuals whose professional efforts have created innovation, positive change or notable advancement in an industry, environment or concept. Like the Marion Nine, the recipient of this award must demonstrate great vision, honorable citizenship and success in the face of challenge. 

2009 - Mary Kate Stovall-Tapley

2010 - Joseph Caver 

2011 - Tessie Bradford 

2012 - Rosie Lee Tubbs-Kynard 

2013 - Vaughn Little 

2014 - Annette Brooks 

2015 - James Catledge 

2016 - Gloria Battle 

2017 – Howard Watkins 

2018 - Thomas “Tommie” Stewart

2019 - Senator Bobby Singleton

2020 - W. Rayford Johnson

2021 - Doris Youngblood

2022 - Yolanda Sayles Robinson

2023 - Kioshana LaCount Burrell

2024 - Joan Rainey Hopkins

2025 -Oris Jean Bryant-Jackson 

2026 - Cubie Gilmer–Hayes

 

The Spirit of Tullibody Award 

The Spirit of Tullibody Award is given in honor of Dr. William Burns Paterson, ASU’s longest-serving president who is revered as a brave and forward-thinking pioneer. The Tullibody Award honors alumni who exemplify Dr. Paterson’s estimable qualities by making notable contributions to their communities and to Alabama State University.

2009 - James and Juliette McNeil 

2010 - Danny and Bennie Crenshaw 

2011 - Herman Harris 

2012 - Larry Thornton 

2013 - Beatrice “Bea” Forniss 

2014 - Vanessa Dickens 

2015 - Janet Sutton 

2016 - Joseph Bell 

2017 - Dr. Vivian DeShields

2018 - Dr. Alma Freeman 

2019 - Dr. Joel Jones

2020 - Juanita McClain Owes

2021 - Patricia L. Poole

2022 - Dr. Ozella D. Ford

2023 - Larry Mack

2024 - Vanda Lee Jones

2025 - Vicky Thomas

2026 - Dr. Joseph Henderson

 

Gold Standard Award 

Recognizes a staff or faculty member who exemplifies excellence in customer service and contributes to institutional improvement by fostering a culture of quality service across the university. Honorees demonstrate genuineness in their interactions, forming authentic and empathetic connections with those they serve. They approach each customer encounter with an open mind, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences, and prioritize active listening to understand and address the needs of the university community. Recipients consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellence in service, exceeding expectations and serving as a role model for service-centered values aligned with the university’s mission and commitment to continuous improvement.

2025- Dr. Howard Robinson

2026 - Antoinette Campbell

Community Stewardship Award 

Acknowledging a person or community partner/organization whose gifts support the pursuit of academic excellence and the university’s continued achievements, creating lasting opportunities for students at ASU OR Must have given a gift to the university in the last fiscal year in support of the ASU Cares Retention Scholarship.

2025 - 1st Baptist Greater Washington Park

2026 - Senator Bobby Singleton