Johnson Alumni Recognition Awards

Established to extol and thank our alumni for their extraordinary volunteer service on behalf of the Johnson community, for their exceptional leadership and vision, and for their deep commitment to advancing inclusion within the Johnson School and the broader business community. Consideration is given to the length and depth of the individual’s activities.

L. Joseph Thomas Leadership Award

A lifetime achievement award for exceptional demonstration of vision and leadership, sound business sense and commitment to community.

Samuel C. Johnson Distinguished Service Award

A lifetime achievement award for sustained and exemplary commitment to the Johnson School and its alumni.

Robert J. Swieringa Recent Alumni Service Award

Awarded for exemplary commitment to the Johnson School and its alumni and continued volunteer engagement.

Wilbur Parker Inclusion Award

Awarded for exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within Johnson and the business world.

Out in Business Award*

The Out in Business Distinguished Alumni Award, established in 2019, recognizes alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community in business and society, attained outstanding professional achievement, and made a significant impact on the Cornell MBA community.

Award criteria

The Out in Business Distinguished Alumni Award, established in 2019, recognized alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community in business and society, attained outstanding professional achievement, and made a significant impact on the Cornell MBA community.

*In 2025, this award was combined with the Wilbur Parker Inclusion Award. This award is now given annually to one alumnus/na who demonstrates the values that the award’s namesake, Wilbur Parker, MBA ’50, stood for.

Award recipients

2022 Michael Beck, MBA ’13
2020: Jason Tauber, MBA ’04
2019: Inaugural Recipient Larry Ruff, MBA ’82

Carlos R. Quintanilla Award

Awarded for exceptional achievements and significant contributions to their professions, community and society as a whole, demonstrated commitment to Johnson and promoting the advancement of Latinos in business.

Henry P. Renard ’54, MBA ’55 Regional Club of the Year Award

Awarded to the regional club leaders and members for innovation and diversity of their programs and activity engagement.