The Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, through the AeroBuffs Alumni Club, has created awards to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding alumni. Honorees are inducted into the University of Colorado Boulder AeroBuffs Club Alumni Academy. Up to nine awards in three categories of excellence will be bestowed at the AeroBuffs Club Alumni Banquet on Friday, April 19, 2024, in Boulder, CO. 

The CU Boulder AeroBuffs Club Outstanding Alumni Awards highlight superior professional achievement and service to the engineering profession in the following categories. Up to three awards are be given in each category. One honoree may be under the age of 40 and two may be over the age of 40. 

  • Outstanding Alumni for Excellence in Commercial Enterprise
    Alumni bestowed with this award have demonstrated outstanding contributions in industry.  Awardee contributions can be in any size company from start-up companies to large corporations. 
  • Outstanding Alumni for Excellence in Public Service
    Alumni bestowed with this award have demonstrated excellence in civil service, to include contributions in NASA (HQ or Center leadership), the US Military, the Intelligence Community, and/or other government agencies.
  • Outstanding Alumni for Excellence in Research
    Alumni bestowed with this award have demonstrated technical and/or research excellence in academia and/or a wide range of research labs including Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, universities, NASA Centers, AFRL, NRL, ARL, etc.

All nominees must have earned a degree (BS, BS/MS, BAM, MS, or PhD) from the Aerospace Department at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Self-nominations are welcome.

The Call for Nominations for the 2024 award cycle closed on November 15, 2023.

Alumni Awards Nomination Form