CCCU Awards
Champion of Higher Education Award
The Champion of Higher Education Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated strategic vision and unparalleled dedication to the field of higher education.
| 2025 | Sarah Flanagan |
| 2024 | Tim Fuller & Dan Nelson |
| 2022 | Ted Mitchell |
| 2020 | Chant Thompson |
| 2019 | Michael Galligan-Stierle |
| 2019 | David L. Warren |
Champion of Vision Award
The Champion of Vision Award is presented to individuals who have championed partnerships to promote the flourishing of CCCU institutions and their surrounding communities.
| 2023 | Darren Campbell |
| 2019 | Karen Buchwald Wright |
John R. Dellenback Global Leadership Award
The John R. Dellenback Global Leadership Award is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Christian higher education through scholarship, writing, and public influence.
| 2024 | Andy Crouch |
| 2020 | Leith Anderson |
| 2018 | David S. Dockery |
| 2016 | Karen A. Longman |
| 2013 | Os Guinness |
| 2011 | Miroslav Volf |
| 2010 | Robert & Alice Evans |
| 2006 | Alister McGrath |
Mark O. Hatfield Leadership Award
The Mark O. Hatfield Leadership Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated uncommon leadership that reflects the values of Christian higher education. The award was established in 1997 in honor of Senator Hatfield, a longtime supporter of the Council.
| 2025 | Shirley Hoogstra |
| 2023 | David Brooks |
| 2020 | Senator Ben Sasse– Honored & Presented Award during 2022 International Forum |
| 2019 | Barry C. Black |
| 2017 | Michael Cromartie |
| 2015 | William P. Robinson |
| 2013 | Congressman Tim Walberg |
| 2012 | Nicholas Thomas Wright |
| 2011 | George Marsden |
| 2010 | John M. Perkins |
| 2009 | James I. Packer |
| 2008 | Vonette Bright |
| 2007 | Ambassador Tony Hall |
| 2006 | Rick and Kay Warren |
| 2005 | Ted W. Engstrom |
| 2004 | Benjamin S. Carson |
| 2003 | Harold L. Myra & Paul D. Robbins |
| 2002 | Gloria Gaither |
| 2001 | Charles Colson, Millard & Linda Fuller |
| 2000 | Carl F. H. Henry |
| 1999 | Billy Graham |
| 1998 | Arthur Holmes |
| 1997 | Mark O. Hatfield |
Philanthropy Award
The Philanthropy Award is presented to individuals who have made significant philanthropic contributions to the work of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities and its membership.
| 2023 | Rollie & Barb Anderson (*presented during 2024 Presidents Conference) |
| 2018 | America’s Christian Credit Union |
| 2016 | Bill & Judy Pollard |
| 2012 | The Green Family |
| 2010 | CIOS Foundation |
| 2007 | Walter & Darlene Hansen |
| 2006 | John Templeton Foundation |
| 2005 | The Mustard Seed Foundation |
| 2004 | Roberta Green Ahmanson |
| 2003 | Russell G. Mawby |
| 2002 | Ava Memmen |
| 2001 | John & Louise Bennett Memorial |
Young Alumni Award
The Young Alumni Award is presented to individuals who have graduated within the last 10 years and have achieved uncommon leadership or success in a way that reflects the values of Christian higher education. Nominations for the 2024 Young Alumni Award are now closed. Information for next year’s award will be updated here in the future.
2025 Cydney Bridges, Huntington University
2024 Lindy Cleveland, Samford University
2023 Wendy Gomez Matamoros, Dordt University
2022 Kelsi Deel Franco, Lee University
2021 Emmanuel McNeely, Palm Beach Atlantic University
2020 Graham Smith, Wheaton College
2019 Jacob Atem, Spring Arbor University
2018 Angie Thomas, Belhaven University
2017 Felipe Silva, Northwestern College
2016 Steven Grudda, Houghton College