Alumni Awards

Honoring Our Alumni

Kappa Epsilon is proud to support the personal and professional growth of our members—advancing pharmacy practice, championing women’s health, and promoting education and research. 

As our members continue to make meaningful contributions to the profession and their communities, we believe in celebrating their impact. Through our alumni awards, we honor the achievements and dedication of those who exemplify the spirit of Kappa Epsilon. 

Let’s recognize excellence, together. 

Award nomination forms open 90 days prior to the close date.  

Award Descriptions

Key of Excellence

The Key of Excellence is Kappa Epsilon’s highest honor, established in 1959 to recognize an alumni member who has made exceptional contributions to both the profession of pharmacy and to Kappa Epsilon. 

This prestigious award—a yellow gold key engraved with the KE coat of arms—is presented during Convention following review by Grand Council and a vote by Grand Chapter. 

Award Criteria:
Nominees must be members in good standing who have demonstrated outstanding, long-term service to Kappa Epsilon and have made a notable impact within the broader pharmacy community. 

The nomination form can be found here.

Due date: April 1 

Career Achievement Award

Established in 1965, the Career Achievement Award honors a Kappa Epsilon member for outstanding professional accomplishments in the field of pharmacy. This award recognizes alumni who have built impactful careers and inspired others through their dedication and leadership. 

The recipient becomes Kappa Epsilon’s nominee for the prestigious PFA Career Achievement Award and is presented with a commemorative plaque. Nominations are reviewed by the Awards Committee, with final selection by Grand Council. 

Award Criteria: 

  • Member in good standing 
  • At least 15 years of pharmacy career experience 
  • Recognized nationally or internationally for professional contributions 

Help us recognize the leaders shaping the future of pharmacy. 

The nomination form can be found here.

Due date: April 1 

KE/Merck Vanguard Leadership Award

The KE/Merck Vanguard Leadership Award, established in 1989 and supported by Merck & Co., Inc., honors outstanding Kappa Epsilon alumni who have demonstrated visionary leadership in pharmacy practice, education, or professional service. 

Presented annually at the KE National Convention or a KE event at a national pharmacy meeting, the award includes a commemorative plaque—and recipients may be invited to speak at a future KE Convention. 

Award Criteria: 

  • Member in good standing 
  • Sustained, exemplary contributions to pharmacy practice, education, or professional organizations 

Final selection is made by the Kappa Epsilon Foundation. 

Submit your nomination HERE.

Due date: November 1 

Metta Lou Henderson Award for Excellence in Academia

Established in 2021, the Metta Lou Henderson Award honors Kappa Epsilon members who have made a lasting impact on pharmacy education. This award celebrates individuals with at least 8 years of contributions through teaching, scholarship, leadership, service, and dedication to advancing the profession. 

Award Criteria: 

  • Member in good standing 
  • Holds or has held a faculty appointment at a college or school of pharmacy 
  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to Kappa Epsilon’s mission and values 

Presented biennially in odd-numbered years. 

Due date: March 1 

Linda T. Rodgers Memorial Award

Established in 1985, the Linda T. Rodgers Memorial Award honors Kappa Epsilon members who embody the spirit of past Grand President Linda Rodgers—an inspiring leader known for her dedication, diplomacy, and uplifting presence. Linda served as Grand Council President from 1981 until stepping down due to illness. Her motto, “Do it till they tell you you can’t,” continues to inspire generations of KE members. 

A $200 award is presented annually: 

  • Even years – Collegiate member 
  • Odd years – Alumni member 

Award Criteria: The nominee exemplifies Linda’s qualities of leadership, commitment, friendship, and the ability to inspire others to reach their full potential. 

Submit your Collegiate nomination HERE. 

Due date: November 1 

The PIKE (Positive Impact on Kappa Epsilon) Award

Established in 2023, the PIKE Award recognizes alumni members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to Kappa Epsilon early in their careers. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the pharmacy profession and are committed to the Fraternity’s mission. 

Award Criteria: The nominee is a member in good standing, an ambitious professional with 10 or fewer years of pharmacy career experience and has shown a commitment to Kappa Epsilon’s mission. The recipient should be making a mark in their career, service, and camaraderie within the Fraternity. 

The nomination form can be found here.

Due date: April 1 

Unicorn Award

Established in 1985, the Unicorn Award recognizes alumni members who are leaders, workers, contributors, and creators who have helped make Kappa Epsilon a stronger and more vibrant organization. Recipients of this award are selected by the Grand Council and are honored at Kappa Epsilon’s biennial National Convention. 

Award Criteria: The nominee must have at least five years of post-collegiate service to Kappa Epsilon. Examples of service include advising a collegiate chapter, participating in an alumni chapter, serving as a KE National Liaison, contributing to a national committee, or serving on the Grand Council.