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
- 2025: John G. Rocovich Jr. '66: Mr. John Rocovich has been dedicated to Virginia Tech in numerous ways during his alumni years. He has served for more than 12 years on the university’s Board of Visitors, including two as rector. His leadership included his time as president of the Virginia Tech Foundation and as president of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. Additionally, his involvement with the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni Foundation has helped strengthen the university’s proud tradition of developing citizen-leaders. In 2001, he founded the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, where he continues to serve as chairman of its board of directors. His extensive involvement with the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Center has been a cornerstone of his service, as he served as president of its board for nearly 20 years and remained an active member for decades. We are grateful for John’s many years of service to Virginia Tech. Ut Prosim!
- 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
