The School of Science and Engineering established the Vanguard Awards to recognize exceptional alumni and friends of the school. The awards acknowledge professional accomplishments, service to the community and university and commitment to STEM education in the Kansas City region. Honorees are recognized at a reception and presented with their award.
Nominations are due on September 19 for consideration for the 2026 Vanguard Awards.
Vanguard Awards Nominations Form
Award Categories
Young Alumni
Presented to alumni under 40 years old who have demonstrated success in these ways.
- Professional accomplishments
- Service to society and/or community
- Service to the alumnus/a’s professional field
- Support of School of Science and Engineering
- Other distinguished activities
Company or Organization of the Year
Presented to a company or organization that has demonstrated exemplary support for the School of Science and Engineering in these ways.
- Direct support for scholarships and other fundraising priorities
- Hiring of interns or graduates from the School
- Engaged in professional development opportunities for current students
- Initiated and offered continuing education opportunities for their employees through partnership with the School
- Other areas of involvement including competition team sponsorship, student mentorship, etc.
Supporter
Presented to an individual who has demonstrate exemplary support for the School of Science and Engineering in these ways. Nominee does not have to be an alumnus.
- Direct support for scholarships and other fundraising priorities
- Hiring of interns or graduates from the school
- Mentoring or volunteering
- Engaged in professional development opportunities for current students
- Other areas of involvement including competition team sponsorship, student mentorship, etc.
STEM Outreach Partner of the Year
Presented to an individual, organization or company that has demonstrated exemplary support for K-12 STEM initiatives in these ways.
- Mentoring or volunteering
- Participation in or hosting events
- Program partnerships
- Direct support of fundraising priorities
Award Winners
2026
We are proud to honor the following individuals and organizations at this year's event.
- Young Alumni Award - Taya Cassens (B.S. ’12)
- Supporter Award - Bibie M. Chronwall, Ph.D.
- Company of the Year - Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects
- STEM Outreach Partner - North Kansas City School District
2025
- Young Alumni Award - Matthew Mohler and Anthony Luca
- Supporter Award - Janet Williams
- Company of the Year - Evergy
- STEM Outreach Partner - WeCode KC
2024
- Young Alumni Award - Dr. Gharib Gharibi
- Supporter Award - Katy Howard & Andy Cole
- Company of the Year - Capital Electric Construction Company
- STEM Outreach Partner - Linda Hall Library
2022
- Young Alumni Award - Lauren Koval
- Supporter Award - Tom McDonnell
- Company of the Year - TREKK Design Group LLC
- STEM Outreach Partner - Notre Dame de Sion and St. Teresa's Academy
2021
- Young Alumni Award - Riddhiman Das
- Supporter Award - The Sunderland Foundation
- Company of the Year - Black & Veatch
- STEM Outreach Partner - Kauffman Foundation
2020
- Young Alumni Award - George White Jr.
- Supporter Award - Sherry Lumpkins
- Organization of the Year - KC Water
- STEM Outreach Partner - PREP-KC
2019
- Young Alumni Award - Thomas Cliett
- Supporter Award - Steve Dunn
- Company of the Year - Burns & McDonnell
- STEM Outreach Partner - Robin Stubenhofer
2018
- Young Alumni Award - DeJ’on Slaughter
- Supporter Award - Debby Dilks
- Company of the Year - Olsson Associates
- STEM Outreach Partner - Google Fiber