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Distinguished Alumni

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The Virginia Tech Mining and Minerals Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have achieved exceptional professional success while making lasting contributions to the mining and minerals industry, their communities, and the department. Honorees typically demonstrate leadership, technical expertise, and a sustained commitment to advancing the profession through innovation, service, and mentorship. Many recipients remain actively engaged with the Mining and Minerals Engineering Department, supporting student development, industry partnerships, and educational initiatives that strengthen the future of mining engineering.

2025

  • Travis Chewning, Class of 1999

2024

  • John Schroder, Class of 2000

2023

  • Carey Causey, Class of 2000
  • Jaisen Kohmuench, Class of 1995
  • Hans Naumann, Class of 1968

2020

  • Matt Schiefer, Class of 1985
  • Mark Bartkoski, Class of 1981
  • Philip Saunders, Class of 1994

2019

  • Charlie Stone, Class of 1981
  • Kevin Whipkey, Class of 1983

2018

  • Steve Richards, Class of 1975

2017

  • Asa Weber, Class of 1984

2016

  • Rodeny Hobbs, Class of 1982
  • Rick Honaker, Class of 1986
  • Charlie Lilly, Class of 1979

2015

  • Bryan Smith, Class of 1979
  • Sam Sutherland, Class of 1986

2014

  • Mike Brown, Class of 1983
  • Tony Dirico, Class of 1979

2013

  • Randy Albert, Class of 1980
  • John Breedlove, Class of 1979

2012

  • Mike Onifer, Class of 1978
  • Kevin Wall, Class of 1978

2011

  • G.T. Lineberry, Class of 1977
  • Don Vickers, Class of 1979

2010

  • Charles Snavely, Class of 1978
  • Gary Skaggs, Class of 1968

2009

  • Bev Watford, Class of 1981
  • Harry Childress, Class of 1974

2008

  • Mike Mankosa, Class of 1984

2007

  • C.K. Lane, Class of 1982

2006

  • Jerry Luttrell, Class of 1980

2005

  • Danny Perkins, Class of 1982

2004

  • Steve Abbatello, Class of 1980

2003

  • Dennis Hatfield, Class of 1979

2002

  • Kevin Crutchfield, Class of 1994

2001

  • Stephen Capelli, Class of 1973
  • James Gilley, Class of 1958
  • Paul Goad, Class of 1968

2000

  • Christopher Bise, Class of 1972
  • Donald Hunter, Class of 1953
  • Ronnie Marcum, Class of 1970

1999

  • Bennett Hatfield, Class of 1979
  • Larry Hull, Class of 1972
  • Kenneth Nicewonder, Class of 1981

1998

  • William Skews, Class of 1949
  • Ronald Smith, Class of 1972
  • John Dickinson, Class of 1971

1997

  • John Grubb, Class of 1968
  • Richard Bolen, Class of 1970

1996

  • Andrew Fox, Class of 1972
  • Stanley Suboleski, Class of 1967

1995

  • Richard Shockley, Class of 1952
  • James Brown, Jr., Class of 1965

1994

  • Donald K. Blankenship, Class of 1954
  • Hugh Lucas, Class of 1959

1992

  • Robert Frantz, Class of 1947
  • Joseph Cook, Class of 1952
  • Samuel Shrader, Class of 1963

1991

  • William Kilgore, Class of 1957
  • Robert Ennis, Class of 1958

1990

  • William Sutherland, Class of 1950
  • Paul Barbery, Class of 1959
  • O.B. Bucklen, Class of 1959

1989

  • Eustace Frederick, Class of 1952
  • George Billings, Class of 1953
  • H.C. Van Meter, Class of 1959

1988

  • Frank Gaddy, Class of 1944
  • Ernest Bowman, Class of 1948
  • Roy L. (Pete) Dulaney, Class of 1953

1987

  • E.H. Tobers, Class of 1950
  • F.D. Robertson, Class of 1956
  • E.H. Lester, Class of 1957

1986

  • A.P. Boxley, Jr., Class of 1931
  • E. Minor Pace, Class of 1943

1985

  • Stonie Barker, Class of 1951

1984

  • Nicholas Camicia, Class of 1938