The
Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) program honors living U.S. Naval Academy graduates who have made a distinctive contribution to their field or community and have demonstrated sustained, active support for the Naval Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (USNA AA&F), or affiliate groups. Each year up to four graduates are chosen from a field of candidates nominated by their alumni peers for this, the highest honor the Alumni Association bestows on a living graduate and selected by the DGA Selection Panel. Recipients receive a medal awarded in Alumni Hall each spring.
UPDATE 9 April 2025: The USNA AA&F is pleased to announce the 2025 DGA ceremony and recognition events will be held on the following dates:
• 2025 DGA Medal Ceremony: Thursday, 4 September at 4:30 p.m. ET in Alumni Hall
• 2025 DGA Banquet Dinner (invitation only): Thursday, 4 September at the Fluegel Alumni Center
• 2025 On-field recognition Navy vs. UAB football game: Saturday, 6 September
* Dates of service are for DG Award years, not calendar years.