Saint Meinrad's Distinguished Alumnus Award is awarded using these criteria:

• The recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award should be one who has attended Saint Meinrad the minimum of the equivalent of one academic year and left in good standing.
• The recipient should exemplify the Gospel values in his or her life and work.
• The recipient should be an alumnus or alumna who is an actively practicing Catholic in good standing with the Roman Catholic Church.
• The recipient should be one who has provided exemplary service in his or her life and/or profession that reflects the core values of Saint Meinrad.
• The award can be given posthumously.

A committee of the Alumni Board of Directors reviews the nominations and makes recommendations. The final determination will be made by the full Board of Directors, typically at its March meeting.

The award, which is presented at the Alumni Reunion Banquet in August, is not necessarily given each year. More than one individual can be honored. The award is open to any alumnus or alumna, both clerical and lay.

Award Recipients
Previous recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award are:

1990: †Rev. Msgr. Alfred Horrigan (O'40)
1992: Rev. Theodore Heck, OSB (O'29)
1994: Most Rev. William D. Borders, DD (O'40)
1995: †Rev. James J. Sweeney (O'58)
1998: Rev. Boniface Hardin, OSB (O'59)
2000: Rev. John J. ("Jack") Bendik (O'67)