Honoring exceptional work of our alumni

Our college-level awards recognize members of the design community, our alumni and friends, who have gone above and beyond in demonstrating excellence in student engagement and impact, volunteer and community service, or outstanding design performance.

Established in 1980 to recognize alumni, staff and friends of the university for contributions to the advancement of design through personal aesthetic achievement, exceptional support or extraordinary encouragement and service.

This prestigious award — the highest honor bestowed by the Iowa State University College of Design — is presented each fall semester as part of the ISU Alumni Association’s annual Homecoming Honors and Awards Ceremony.

Until 2009, honorees received a framed certificate and a bronze bust of Christian Petersen, the noted artist who served as Iowa State’s sculptor-in-residence from 1934 to 1955. In 2009, the bust was replaced by a new bronze medallion designed by Joe Muench, ISU associate professor of integrated studio arts.

Each year a new page featuring the most recent honoree’s photo and award citation also is added to the Christian Petersen Design Award portfolio.

Established in 1988 to recognize outstanding creative and professional achievements of alumni in all of the college’s disciplines.

The Design Achievement Award is presented each fall semester as part of the ISU Alumni Association’s annual Homecoming Honors and Awards Ceremony. Honorees receive an etched glass award, and their photos and award citations are published in the ceremony program.

Established in 2023 to recognize individuals who are not graduates of the Iowa State University College of Design who both embody the values of the College of Design and have made a significant impact on the college’s welfare, reputation, prestige and pursuit of excellence.

Established in 2020 to recognize College of Design alumni who received their most recent degree from Iowa State University within the past 10 years and have excelled in their professions early in their careers.

The Outstanding Young Professional Award is presented each fall semester as part of the ISU Alumni Association’s annual Homecoming Honors and Awards Ceremony. Honorees receive an etched glass award, and their photos and award citations will be published in the ceremony program.