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     Walters State Community College is seeking nominations for the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award. The deadline to submit a nomination is Feb. 28, with the winners announced in May.

     Nomination forms can be found on the college’s website at www.ws.edu/foundation. Click on the link to foundation. More information can be obtained by contacting Wanda Harrell, coordinator of alumni services at Walters State.

     “Last year was the first year that we honored an alumnus in 10 years. Nominations were submitted by Walters State faculty and others in the community. We have alumni located in all 50 states and several foreign countries. Walters State alumni also serve in a wide range of professions,” Harrell said.

     “I am looking forward to receiving the nominations and learning where alumni are living and working.”

     Only three alumni have been honored with the award.

     In 2000, in connection with the college’s 30^th anniversary, Arthur Bohanan of New Market was named the Walters State Distinguished Alumnus. Bohanan’s accomplishments include inventing the super glue process by which fingerprints are recovered from bodies. He is an internationally recognized fingerprint expert. At the same ceremony, Meritorious Achievement awards were given to three other alumni who had been nominated: Louise C. Dyer, a nurse and business woman from Morristown; Judge Joyce Mills Ward, also of Morristown; and long-time law enforcement office Steve Oscar Watson of Sevier County. All were nominated by Alumni Chapter Organizations.

    Last year was the first year the college solicited nominations for an annual award. Honorees were Dr. Chris Baker, professor of sociology at Walters State, and Victoria H. Elsbernd, deputy director of the heliophysics division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA. Baker is one of the nation’s leading experts on economic and social development in Appalachia. Elsbernd has supervised the design, construction and launch of 26 spacecraft and six separate science missions.     

     This year, an alumna and an alumnus will be honored. Any student who has completed 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours for students who attended prior to the college’s switch to semesters) is eligible.

    The selection criteria includes noteworthy contributions to one’s profession, professional awards or recognition; contributions to the vision and values of Walters State Community College; and an enduring commitment for the betterment of mankind through volunteerism or professional service. The final selection will be made by the WSCC Alumni Recognition Committee.

    “I encourage everyone to consider nominating a worthy alumnus. Walters State students have gone on to do so much and this is one way of celebrating that legacy,” Harrell said.

    For more information, contact Harrell at (423) 585-6976 or Wanda.Harrell@ws.edu. Alumni are also encouraged to visit the Walters State National Alumni Association’s facebook page. Just click on the alumni logo on ws.edu.