Classes have an important role in the nomination and ultimate selection of those individuals worthy of the West Point Sylvanus Thayer Award and the Distinguished Graduate Award. Class Leaders are enjoined to make these two awards a matter of discussion at their business meetings and to the extent determined, to solicit input from the class at large to assure nominations are made annually for these two prestigious awards.

» THE WEST POINT SYLVANUS THAYER AWARD

¤ Criteria

Established in 1958, the West Point Sylvanus Thayer Award is presented yearly to a citizen of the United States, other than a West Point graduate, whose outstanding character, accomplishments, and stature in the civilian community embody characteristics in consonance with the West Point motto “Duty, Honor, Country.” The individual selected for the Thayer Award must agree to accept the Award at West Point.

¤ Nomination Process

In July of each year, the Association of Graduates will send nomination forms to each Class President/Chairman for the following year's nomination. The deadline for nominations is normally mid-November, and will be stated clearly in the nomination letter/memorandum. A strong written justification of why the candidate should receive the award must accompany the submission. The current criteria for the award and a list of recipients are printed on the reverse of the form. Only those candidates who qualify under the current criteria will be considered by the Committee. The name of the award recipient will be announced following the February meeting of the Board of Trustees, and the award will be presented at West Point in the fall.

» THE DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD

This award, first given in 1992, resulted from the strong sensing that the Association of Graduates should have the ability to recognize graduates of the United States Military Academy who meet the criteria already used in selecting the Thayer Award Nominees.

¤ Criteria

The Award is to be given to graduates of the United States Military Academy whose character, distinguished service, and stature are in keeping with West Point’s motto “Duty, Honor, Country.” In order to reaffirm to the public and the Corps of Cadets the broad national significance of West Point as one of America’s cherished institutions, candidates for the Distinguished Graduate Award will be graduates of the United States Military Academy who have demonstrated a strong interest in supporting West Point throughout their lifetimes.

The Award will not be given to individuals who occupy, or are candidates for, elective office, or who are still on active duty. The individual selected for the Distinguished Graduate Award must agree to accept the Award at West Point whenever possible.

¤ Nomination Process

In July of each year, the Association of Graduates will send nomination forms to each Class President/Chairman for the following year’s nomination. The deadline for nominations is normally mid-November and will be stated clearly in the nomination letter/memorandum.

Each nomination must be accompanied by a narrative description of the nominee's contributions and distinguished service that would justify selection as the recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award.

Classes may make more than one nomination. The name of the award recipient will be announced following the February meeting of the Board of Trustees, and the award will be presented at a review in conjunction with class reunions and alumni exercises in May.

For more information, see the section on AOG Awards on the AOG web site.