Distinguished Alumni of the Corps
Since 1872, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets has produced graduates of exemplary character in service to the nation. We have long recognized and celebrated our alumni in various ways, and now we are formally establishing an annual award for Distinguished Alumni of the Corps.
The guiding principles for this award are found on the Pylons: Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Brotherhood, Honor, Duty, Leadership, Loyalty, Service, and Sacrifice. Nominations for this award will serve as inspiring examples for our cadets.
We welcome your nominations for Distinguished Alumni of the Corps.
Nominees must have been enrolled in the Corps of Cadets for a minimum of two years (four semesters or six quarters). Nominees must be living.
The nomination package should be submitted by the deadline below and include the following:
- Nomination form
- Letter of nomination (from nominator)
- Nominee’s current biography or curriculum vitae.
- At least three letters of support
- List of any awards or achievements known
- Any other items that support the nomination
A committee made up of members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni Inc. board, a member of the commandant’s staff, and a member-at-large from the university will review nominations and select each year’s recipient. The honoree, along with family and friends, will be invited to a recognition reception and ceremony, generally held during the spring semester.
Nomination packages will be held for each individual for five years. If an individual is not selected for the award, his or her nomination package may be updated and renewed for consideration in a subsequent year. Nominators names will not be disclosed without their permission.
Deadlines
Nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni of the Corps award are due by Dec. 1, 2025.
Our Honorees
- 2026: J. Pearson '87 and Renae Pearson '90: J. Pearson '87 and Renae Pearson '90 met while in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in service and leadership. J. earned his degree in agricultural and applied economics, while Renae graduated in family and child development before earning a Master of Education from Brenau University. Together, they built Carry-On Trailer into an industry leader before founding private equity firm P&L Enterprises, alongside leadership roles with Durable Products and Toggler, Inc. The Pearsons are among Virginia Tech’s most transformational champions. J. serves on the Board of Visitors and as a professor of practice. Both have held major governance roles across the university, including the Virginia Tech Foundation Board and campaign leadership committees. Their philanthropy spans every corner of Hokie Nation—funding faculty fellowships, medical scholarships, 4-H youth development, and Virginia Tech Athletics. Within the Corps, their impact is permanently anchored by Pearson Hall, the Corps Leadership and Military Science building, and vital cadet endowments. In recognition of their extraordinary devotion to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), J. and Renae Pearson have been named the 2026 recipients of the Corps of Cadets Distinguished Alumni Award. We are grateful for J and Renae's many years of service to Virginia Tech. Ut Prosim!
- 2025: John G. Rocovich Jr. '66
- 2024: Homer Hickam Jr. ’64
- 2023: Nicolas D. Street ’53 and Col. Richard "Rock" Roszak ’71
- 2022: Kirk E. Spitzer ’67
- 2021: Reed Schweickert Jr. ’63 and Lt. Gen. Joseph R. Inge ’69
- 2020: Robert A. Archer ’69 and Donald D. Sowder ’59
- 2019: Richard T. Crowder ’60 and Maj. Gen. Thomas "Tommy" Thompson ’56
- 2018: David E. Lowe ’63 and Gen. Thomas C. Richards ’56
