Distinguished Alumni

Deadline date is June 1, 2026

Established in 2002, the Distinguished Alumni Award honors Austin High alum who have contributed to society in an exemplary manner; achieved outstanding success in business, a profession, the arts, humanitarian efforts or community service; and serve as positive role models for today’s AHS students. Each nominee must have attended Austin Public Schools for at least 10 years or graduated from Austin High School at least 10 years prior to receiving the award.

2025: Dr. Sharon Adams, Class of 1972; Thomas Herrera, Class of 2011

2024: Gertrude Ellis Skinner, Class of 1881; Jason Baskin, Class of 2002

2023: Patrick Bradley, Class of 1969; Baffour Agbey, Class of 1999

2022: Clarence Nybo, Class of 1937; Randy Bailey, Class of 1978

2021: Michael Ruzek, Class of 1964; Terry Placek, Class of 1964

2020: *** No recipients due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2019: Dr. Duane Napp, PhD, Class of 1951; Mier Wolf, Class of 1958; Dennis Bray, Class of 1973

2018: Bret Hesla, Class of 1975; Dr. Richard Nordin, Class of 1949

2017: Michael Morrison, Class of 1964; Dr. Kurt Potach, Class of 1972

2016: David Hodge, Class of 1966; Ardell Brede, Class of 1957

2015: Col. John Lund, Class of 1947; Dr. Dale Anderson, Class of 1952

2014: Marlou Garbisch Johnston, Class of 1960; Wendell King, Class of 1958

2013: Jocelyn (Joy) Morgan Dey, Class of 1963; Thomas Murphy, Class of 1976

2012: June Kjome, Class of 1938; Peggy McLaughlin Keener, Class of 1956

2011: Nancy Jordan Eitreim, Class of 1960; Timothy Hoopman, Class of 1963

2010: Earl Butler, Class of 1960; Phyllis Dankers Yes, Class of 1959

2009: Rhonda Voight Montgomery, Class of 1968; Paul Erickson, Class of 1974

2008: Mary Dunlap Wennes, Class of 1958; David Simonson, Class of 1970

2007: Jamey Weichert, Class of 1975; Tom Nelson, Class of 1963

2006: Jerry Anfinson, Class of 1955; David House, Class of 1968

2005: Cindy Howden, Class of 1977; Richard Knowlton, Class of 1950; Patty Thatcher Montgomery, Class of 1961

2004: Teri Hall, Class of 1969

2003: Charles Wilson, Class of 1939; Juanita Cockrum Hayes, Class of 1964; Mark Cady, Class of 1971

2002: James Huntting, Class of 1945; Marno McDermott, Class of 1956