The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the significant achievements of a talented and committed group of individuals. Recipients of this award are design professionals representing each of the curricular patterns of the College. They are individuals who have made significant contributions to new insights, fostering original ideas and searching for added knowledge.

In the spring of 2000 an alumni medallion was produced for presentation to the Distinguished Alumni recipient. This medallion is inspired by the early influence of the Bauhaus on design education at NC State University. It is influenced by the continuing emphasis within the College on the capability to craft by hand as parts of the necklace were fabricated in the College of Design shop. The medallion represents the application of principles into product, just what the College of Design has held as an important virtue.