Alumni Awards
UB GSE alumni are shaping the future through innovation, leadership and a commitment to making a difference. Our alumni awards honor graduates whose outstanding contributions reflect the values and excellence of the Graduate School of Education.
Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards
An annual tradition, now held during Homecoming and Family Weekend, the Alumni Achievement Awards are proudly presented by the UB Alumni Association to recognize outstanding alumni who demonstrate success in their careers, support the university and give back to their communities.
The Capen Award recognizes notable meritorious contributions from alumni to the university and its family, including those that influence the growth and improvement of UB and inspire others to give their active interest and material support to the university. It is one of the association’s most prestigious awards.
- 2023- Roberta A. Stevens, MLS ’74, BA ‘70
- 2022- Jean Alberti, PhD’70, EdM ‘62
The Walter P. Cooke Community Leadership Award is presented to an alumnus in recognition of outstanding accomplishments that make our university and/or their community a better place. Honorees influence the growth and improvement of the community and inspire others to show active interest and provide material support.
- 2025- LaVonne Ansari, PhD’03
These awards are given in recognition of exceptional career accomplishments, community or university service, and research and scholarly activity.
- 2026- Catalina Crespo-Sancho, PhD ‘09
- 2026- Carol Van Zile-Tamsen, EdM ‘91, PhD ‘96
- 2025- Julie Gorlewski, PhD’00, EdM’92
- 2024- Adiam Tsegai, PhD’08, EdM’00, BA’88
- 2023- Francisco Vasquez, PhD’03
- 2022- Karen Clinton Jones, PhD’05
- 2021- Hilliard Jason, EDD, '61, MD, '58
GSE Distinguished Alumni Awards
Awarded by the Graduate School of Education's Office of the Dean, this honor celebrates a GSE graduate who has achieved distinction in their profession and made significant contributions to education, research, leadership and/or community service. This award is presented to the recipient during a reception prior to commencement.
