The NC State Honors
Each year, NC State recognizes alumni and friends whose commitment and dedication advance the university and embody our Think and Do mantra. These awardees give of their time, resources and passions to make NC State the premier institution in N.C.
The Watauga Medal, Menscer Cup Award, Godwin Red Torch Award and Distinguished Alumni Award honor significant contributions to NC State’s success, philanthropic leadership, exemplary board service and excellence in chosen career fields, respectively.
Many distinguished alumni award recipients go on to become Godwin Award, Menscer Cup winners and Watauga Medalists. The Watauga Medal, now in its 50th year, represents the highest nonacademic honor the university bestows.
Collectively, these awards are known as the NC State Honors.
Recent Honorees
137 Watauga Medalists
The university’s highest nonacademic honor is now in its 50th year.
Watauga Medal
History
The Watauga Medal was established in 1975 by the Board of Trustees to honor the people who made significant contributions to the advancement of the university. It is the highest nonacademic honor an alumnus or friend of NC State can receive — the pinnacle of achievement.
The name derives from the Watauga Club, a group founded in 1884 by young men under the age of 30. Watauga is a Native American word of debated origin. One reported meaning is “the land beyond,” though it has been historically associated with running water.
The club promoted the educational, agricultural and industrial development of the state. In 1885, the club encouraged the North Carolina General Assembly to establish an industrial school. The resulting legislation founded the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, which eventually became known as NC State, on March 7, 1887.
Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous and conducted by the Watauga Medal Selection Committee, with its recommendations advancing to the chancellor, who reviews them, and then finally to the Board of Trustees.
Nominations
Nominations for the 2026 Watauga Medal are underway. Nominations must be received by Friday, November 21, at 5:00 p.m. and should provide members of the committee a full understanding of the nominee’s achievements and contributions to NC State.
2025 Watauga Medalists
The 2025 Watauga Medalists are Eugenia “Genie” Jordan Ussery ’75 and William “Dean” Bunce II ’86.
Genie Ussery
Eugenia “Genie” Jordan Ussery is a cum laude graduate of NC State, having earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation and park administration from the College of Natural Resources in 1975. She was also an outstanding Wolfpack student-athlete and the inaugural captain of the varsity women’s basketball team.
As an alumna, Genie has continued to support the university by service on numerous boards and through her philanthropy. She is a member of the Jordan family, for whom Jordan Hall and the Jordan Hall Addition are named, and she was instrumental in creating the family’s named scholarships and distinguished professorship.
Dean Bunce
William “Dean” Bunce II graduated from NC State in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in zoology from what is now the College of Sciences. He credits his Wolfpack education with enabling him to develop life-changing medicines and become someone who seeks out opportunities to give back in his community, including as an assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle coordinator with the Boy Scouts of America.
Dean and his wife, Gail, are ardent supporters of the university. He has served on several university boards and acted as the College of Sciences’ lead representative during the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign.
Menscer Cup and Godwin Award
The NC State University Foundation Board awards the Menscer Cup and the Godwin Award each year in recognition of outstanding commitment to philanthropy and service.
The Darrell and Carolyn Menscer Cup
The Menscer Cup was created by Darrell Menscer, an alumnus of the College of Engineering, and his late wife, Carolyn in 1997. They were leading volunteers at NC State, with Darrell chairing the NC State Foundation Board and co-chairing the Campaign for NC State Students. HIs efforts helped transform fundraising at the university, and the award honors those who continue to exemplify this leadership and dedication through personal philanthropy or fundraising efforts.
Selection Process
Individuals who have demonstrated outstanding philanthropy or fundraising leadership at NC State may be nominated for the award, which is supported by an endowment. Nominations may come from anyone associated with the university and must include a detailed rationale for the selection.
2025 Menscer Cup Recipients
Andy and Jane Albright
Andy and Jane Albright are a passionate Wolfpack couple and parents to two NC State graduates. Andy, an alumnus of Wilson College of Textiles, has served on the Entrepreneurship Initiative Advisory Board, the Alumni Entrepreneurs Network, the Wolfpack Investment Network and the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign Cabinet.
Andy and Jane have established four academic endowments on campus: the Albright Endowment for Leadership, the Shelton-Albright Rural Entrepreneurship Leadership Program, the Albright Entrepreneurs Endowment and the Andy and Jane Albright Entrepreneurs Living and Learning Village. They are also enthusiastic and generous Wolfpack athletics donors, supporting programs and facilities.
The Jerry and Elizabeth Godwin Award
The Jerry and Elizabeth “Libby” Godwin Red Torch Award is named for Libby and Jerry Godwin, dedicated NC State supporters and volunteers who established an endowment for this award in 2007. The annual award recognizes extraordinary individuals or families who have volunteered with leadership, dedication and distinction to further the mission of NC State and the Foundation, sharing their expertise, counsel and resources. Members of volunteer boards across campus are eligible for nomination.
Selection Process
Taking the total impact of a former board member’s work under consideration, current (or former) board members may nominate that person by submitting a detailed rationale for the selection. The Foundation’s Awards and Grants Committee reviews the nominations and recommends an award winner.
2025 Godwin Award Recipient
Grant Johnston
Grant Johnston graduated in 1995 with bachelor’s degrees in business management and Spanish language and literature; he graduated from Poole College of Management again in 2003 after earning his master’s degree in accounting. While at NC State, Johnston was a part of the men’s swim team that won the 1992 ACC Championship.
Since graduating, Johnston has been a part of the Park Scholars Selection Committee, the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Volunteer Network. He has established a named endowment in the Poole College of Management, in addition to supporting other areas of NC State.
Distinguished Alumni Award
This award honors some of the Pack’s finest members, whose achievements reflect the strength and spirit of the Wolfpack. These award winners lead with purpose, give back with heart and inspire others through their accomplishments. Their success enhances the value of an NC State degree and strengthens our legacy of excellence, impact and service. Each honoree represents the very best of what it means to be part of the Pack.
These awardees are chosen to represent colleges. This group of annual honors also includes the Alumni Association’s awards and the Wolfpack Club award.
2025 Award Winners
- Distinguished Alumni Award
- Reggie Strickland ’87 – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Rodolphe Barrangou ’00 ’04 – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Katharine Peele ’87 ’88 – College of Design
- Lawrence Rouse ’98 – College of Education
- Rashida Hodge ’02 ’03 – College of Engineering
- Jerry Collier ’67 – College of Engineering
- Robert Gibbs ’92 – College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Kent Hudson ’75 – College of Natural Resources
- Leigh Wilkinson ’82 – College of Sciences
- Cheryl Stroud ’84 ’90 – College of Veterinary Medicine
- Matthew Hong ’94 – Poole College of Management
- W. Duke Kimbrell ’49 (posthumously) – Wilson College of Textiles
- Ronnie Shavlik Award
- Robbie Fulford ’92
- Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Achievement Awards
- John Michael Scott ’18 – Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
- Louis Boos – Award of Merit
- Dena King ’03 – Meritorious Service Award
