The Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) program honors living U.S. Naval Academy graduates who have made a distinctive contribution to their field or community and have demonstrated sustained, active support for the Naval Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (USNA AA&F), or affiliate groups. Each year up to four graduates are chosen from a field of candidates nominated by their alumni peers for this, the highest honor the Alumni Association bestows on a living graduate and selected by the DGA Selection Panel. Recipients receive a medal awarded in Alumni Hall each spring.

UPDATE 9 April 2025: The USNA AA&F is pleased to announce the 2025 DGA ceremony and recognition events will be held on the following dates:

• 2025 DGA Medal Ceremony: Thursday, 4 September at 4:30 p.m. ET in Alumni Hall
• 2025 DGA Banquet Dinner (invitation only): Thursday, 4 September at the Fluegel Alumni Center
• 2025 On-field recognition Navy vs. UAB football game: Saturday, 6 September

ADM Jonathan W. Greenert '75, USN (Ret.)

VADM Anthony L. Winns '78, USN (Ret.)

CAPT Sunita L. Williams '87, USN (Ret.)

Ms. JoAnna L. Sohovich '93

Learn More


SEE the full list of DGA recipients by ceremony year

DGA PROGRAM Guidelines

The window for nominating graduates for the 2026 award cycle opens on 1 July 2025 and closes on 15 October 2025.
Graduates must be nominated by their fellow alumni to be eligible for the award.
Nominators should use the DGA Package Guidelines available at the link below to format and submit their nominations.

DGA PACKAGE Guidelines for NOMINATORS

MEET THE DGA Selection Panel

Class
Name
Desig
Years*
Note
1982
ADM John Richardson, USN (Ret.)
Chair/Subs
2026-2028
Panel Chair
1978
ADM Mark Ferguson, USN (Ret.)
SWO (N)
2022-
AA BOT Chair (non-voting)
1989
VADM Yvette Davids, USN
SWO
2025-
USNA Superintendent
1995
Mr. Jeff Webb
SEAL
2023-
AA&F CEO
1976
CAPT Kevin Stone, USNR (Ret.)
Subs
2024-2026
AA Trustee
1988
Mr. Darryl Smith
USMC/Bus
2024-2026
AA Trustee
1988
Mr. Dave Dawson
SWO/Bus
2026-2028
BOD Director
1980
Mrs. Sharon Disher
EDO
2026-2028
A&SP Trustee
1981
VADM Chip Miller, USN (Ret.)
Aviation
2026-2028
BOT Chair Appointee
1970
Mr. Steve Reinemund
USMC/Bus
2024-2026
BOT Chair Appointee
1996
Dr. Jill Rough
Intel

Alternate

* Dates of service are for DG Award years, not calendar years.