Every year during the annual NCSSM Alumni Association meeting, the Alumni Association celebrates NCSSM graduates who live out the spirit and service the school was founded on through our NCSSM Alumni Awards. This year, the committee received a robust number of entries and selected six winners from outstanding nominated alumni.

The Virginia Wilson Outstanding Alumni Volunteer Award

Scott Ogle ’93
Ogle has poured heart and energy into NCSSM for decades. He helped lead NCSSM’s largest campaign to date, raising $86 million, organized his class’s 30-year reunion, established an entrepreneurship endowment, and served on the Foundation Board. Ogle brings joy and dedication to everything he touches, and the Alumni Association are grateful for his leadership.

The Henry Kuo Service Award

Michael Jerch ’02
Jerch has been a tireless force for community and connection as an Alumni Association Board of Directors member and Alumni Weekend chair. From coordinating special events to showing up with positivity and encouragement every time, he epitomizes what servant leadership looks like, especially as someone based far from campus.

Maius Opus Moveo Young Alumni Award

Abhi Kulgod ’15
Kulgod continues to rally his classmates long after serving as class president, helping plan both their 5- and 10-year reunions. During the Alumni Weekend leadup, emails from Kulgod generated a lot of attention and interest from his classmates.

Kali Smith ’15
Smith has given back through volunteer work, supporting prospective students, and staying connected through the Morganton campus opening. Smith is building community in meaningful ways.

Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Service

Kenro Kusumi ’85
Kusumi’s lifelong commitment to science, research, mentorship, and inclusion reaches around the globe. From volunteering at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences as a student to serving as a dean at Arizona State University, he continues to lift others and give back to the institutions that shaped him.

Sanskriti Deva ’20
Deva has already made a remarkable impact in global education and technology access. From serving as the youngest elected member on the UN Association’s National Council to founding InventSTEM, she is opening doors for thousands of students around the world.

Entries for next year’s awards will open in July 2026.