TC3 Foundation
Contact
Tompkins Cortland Community College
170 North Street, P.O. Box 139
Dryden, NY 13053
Location
Hours
- MON 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- TUE 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- WED 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- THU 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- FRI 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- SAT Closed
- SUN Closed
One of the great joys of our work is seeing the many ways Tompkins Cortland Community College alumni go on to lead, serve, and make a difference in their communities and professions.
We are pleased to invite nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni whose lives and careers reflect the values of TC3 and the lasting impact of an accessible, high-quality education.
We encourage you to think about graduates whose stories inspire you — leaders, innovators, advocates, and community members whose accomplishments and service bring distinction to our College and to the communities they serve. Whether their impact is local or far-reaching, their journeys help tell the TC3 story.
Nominations are open through March 12, 2026, and we welcome submissions from alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the achievements and contributions of TC3 alumni. We look forward to honoring those whose work and service continue to reflect the promise of a TC3 education.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet one of the following:
- Have earned a degree or certificate from Tompkins Cortland Community College; or
- Have completed substantial coursework at the College that meaningfully contributed to their career or life trajectory.
Award Criteria
Nominees for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award are evaluated holistically based on:
- Career-related achievement
- Community engagement and service
- Positive or sustainable impact on society
- Demonstrated leadership
- Support of Tompkins Cortland Community College (if applicable)
Number of Awards
Up to three (3) 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards may be conferred annually. The College and Foundation reserve the right to confer fewer than three awards in any given year.
Nomination Requirements
Please submit:
- A nomination letter describing how the nominee meets the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award criteria
- Nominee’s name, class year(s), and contact information
- Nominator’s name and contact information
Strongly encouraged supporting materials:
- Résumé or professional biography
- Letters of recommendation
- Media coverage, awards, or recognitions
- Other evidence of achievement or impact
Selection Process
Nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award are reviewed by a Distinguished Alumni Selection Committee using an established scoring rubric. Final award recipients are selected in consultation with the College President.
The selection process is confidential. Nominators and recipients will be notified of outcomes.
Submission Instructions
Distinguished Alumni Award Nomination Form
Alternatively, you may email nominations and supporting materials to: alumni@tompkinscortland.edu
Or mail to:
Tompkins Cortland Community College Foundation
2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Program
PO Box 520
Dryden, NY 13053