Sandy Williams was a Black, queer, civil right activist, founder of the Black Lens newspaper and champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. During her five years of working at EWU, Williams established two of the university’s longest-running diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. One of these, the annual Lavender Graduation, honors the academic achievements of LGBTQ+ students — along with the faculty, staff and students who support them — and has become a cherished annual tradition. Another, the Welcoming Project Advocate Training program, continues to advance equity and inclusion by educating faculty, staff and students about the unique experiences of EWU’s LGBTQ+ communities and how to be visible and active advocates. Williams also helped open the EWU Pride Center in 2010. The Sandy Williams Trailblazer Award honors alumni who are leaders in promoting diversity, social justice, inclusion, and accessibility, using their platform to foster understanding and dismantle barriers to equity. This award celebrates those alumni who break new ground in advancing equity and inspire others to contribute to a more inclusive and just world.

Benjamin P. Cheney was a director of the Northern Pacific Railroad and with a gift of $10,000, he founded what would eventually become Eastern Washington University. The Benjamin P. Cheney Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor given by the EWU Alumni Association to alumni who embody the core values and spirit of Eastern Washington University. This award celebrates a lifetime of excellence, commitment, and contributions from alumni who make EWU proud through their achievements and service.

The EWU Alumni Association is who we are, but an Eagle4Life is what we are. Being an #Eagle4Life is a lifelong journey. The Eagle4Life Spirit Award honors alumni who showcase exceptional pride and unwavering spirit for Eastern Washington University and the EWU Alumni Association. This award celebrates the alumni who keep the EWU spirit alive, fostering connection and pride among the entire Eagle community.

The Tawanka Organization was a women’s honorary service organization that was created in 1926. The name was derived from a Native American phrase meaning “to help.” The purpose of which was to extend hospitality to campus visitors, to foster college spirit, to promote interest in activities in which the student body participates, and to maintain campus traditions. The Tawanka Service Award honors EWU alumni who dedicate themselves to service, advancing the university's mission, and fostering a positive and inclusive culture. This award celebrates alumni who embody EWU’s values through service, advocacy, and fostering a more inclusive and connected community. Special recognition is given to alumni whose leadership and involvement in Greek or student organizations during their time at EWU have continued to shape their commitment to service and community building post-college.

Governor Clarence D. Martin, an EWU alumni, was instrumental in laying the foundation for our education department. He signed the degree bill which allowed us to offer a BA in Education in 1933, and EWU became the first college in the state to offer this degree. The Governor Clarence D. Martin Educator of the Year Award honors EWU alumni who make outstanding contributions in the field of education through their mentorship, service, and dedication. This award celebrates educators who go above and beyond in their dedication to students and who lead by example in promoting inclusion, equity, and excellence in education.

Lt. Col. Daniel M. Carter was the commander of the first ROTC class at EWU. The Lt. Col. Daniel M. Carter Military Service Award honors EWU alumni who demonstrate outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment through their military service.

The Rising Eagle Award honors emerging leaders among EWU's recent alumni who are making a notable impact early in their careers. Recipients are graduates of EWU within the past 10 years (2014-2024).