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Sue Robash Carr Distinguished Alumni Award

Every biennium, the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association presents the Sue Robash Carr Distinguished Alumni Award to an outstanding formerly active or associate member of the Sorority.  Nominations are due by June 1st preceding each national convention of the TBSAA and the winner is announced at the convention banquet.  See below for details about the award selection process.

About Sue Robash Carr

Few individuals exemplify alumni dedication and lifetime service like Sue Robash Carr.  Sue was an active member of the Delta Delta chapter at the University of Massachusetts.  Since becoming an alumna of the Sorority, Sue has continued her service to Tau Beta Sigma as a district counselor, Trustee, and is a former Chairperson of the TBSAA Executive Council.  Sue is a recipient of numerous Sorority awards for her dedicated service, and for the example she sets for all TBSAA members, the Executive Council named the Distinguished Alumni Award in her honor in 2015.

To learn more about Sue Carr and her experiences in the Sorority, read her autobiographical article from The Podium here.

Application Process

The purpose of the Sue Robash Carr Distinguished Alumni Award is to recognize an alumnus/a who is making, or has made, an outstanding contribution to Tau Beta Sigma, its Alumni Association and/or society.

For the purpose of judging nominations, an outstanding contribution should include evidence of one or more of the following:

  • Service and Support to Tau Beta Sigma: The recipient’s deeds and actions reflect the importance of his or her educational training, pride in sisterhood and loyalty to Tau Beta Sigma, as demonstrated through their interest in and support of Tau Beta Sigma, the Alumni Association and their programs.
  • Professional Achievement and Career or Military Service Distinction: The recipient attained prominence through his or her efforts in commerce, the professions, agriculture, the arts, education, government, military or other worthy endeavors that form a record of accomplishment impressive to the members of Tau Beta Sigma and the nation.
  • Service to Society: The recipient exhibits integrity and a demonstrated commitment to service through an interest in bettering the lives of others through volunteer efforts.

Only living alumni of Tau Beta Sigma in good standing with the national headquarters are eligible. For purposes of definition, an alumnus/a is any formerly active or associate member, or who received at least one degree from a college or university that has a chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.

The award shall consist of an award/plaque presented to the recipient.

The award will be presented biennially at the Tau Beta Sigma National Convention reception/banquet, though the recipient is not required to be in attendance.

  1. Nominations may be submitted by 1) members of any Active Chapter or District Council of Tau Beta Sigma or 2) anyone who is a current member of the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association. Letters of support (see below) may be written by any individual familiar with the work of the nominee.
  2. All nominations must include the following:
    1. A nomination statement from the person placing the name in nomination, which details the nominee’s qualifications as a Distinguished Alumnus/alumna.
    2. A biographical statement (or résumé), providing basic information such as: name, address, employment history, and educational background.
    3. Letters of support by individuals who are in favor of the nomination (no more than 3). Letters must include the name and email address of the individual submitting the letter. These individuals do not need to meet the qualifications of the person placing the name in nomination.
  3. Nominations should be sent by e-mail to: tbsaa@tbsigma.org. Complete nomination packets may also be sent to:
    Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association
    TBSAA Distinguished Alumni Award Nomination
    PO Box 849
    Stillwater, OK  74076-0849
  4. All paperwork must be postmarked, or electronically transmitted, by midnight on June 1 prior to the national convention.
  5. All nominations for the award shall continue in force for the following two years. After that time, they may be resubmitted.  Resubmissions will supersede previous submissions.
  6. If, in the opinion of either the Selection Committee or the TBSAA Executive Council, no worthy candidate is nominated in a given biennium, the Award will not be presented that year.
  1. The selection committee shall be composed of six (6) members: five (5) of whom shall be active members of TBSAA, and the sixth member shall be the member of the TBSAA Executive Council overseeing the SRCDAA for that biennium. The appointed membership of the committee shall remain anonymous. An award will only be presented if the committee’s decision is by 2/3 majority.
  2. The Executive Council representative shall serve as an ex-officio member and shall offer assistance in coordinating nomination review.
  3. It shall be the duty of the selection committee to submit their recommendation of the award recipient to the TBSAA Executive Council. The Executive Council will then vote to approve or reject the Committee’s recommendation. Approval by the Executive Council must be by 2/3 of the Council Members present.
  4. The TBSAA representative will coordinate notification and certificate/plaque preparation once a recipient has been selected.

Past Recipients

2023
Terri White
Eta Delta

Terri White was named the 2023 recipient of the Sue Robash Carr Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement in recognition of her dynamic leadership in the cultural and nonprofit sectors. 

A Gold Star Member of the TBSAA, Terri has held various national roles including Chapter Visitation Assistant and National Committee member. Professionally, she is the President & CEO of The Charlotte Museum of History, bringing together her expertise in museum leadership, corporate project management, and community engagement. Her career has included leadership positions at institutions such as the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the Carnegie Science Center. Terri is also a dedicated civic leader, serving as Executive Vice President of the Junior League of Charlotte and an advisory board member for Teach for America North Carolina. With advanced degrees in arts management, business, and ongoing doctoral research in workplace equity, Terri exemplifies the Sorority’s commitment to excellence, service, and diversity.

2021
Dr. Kathryn Kelly
Eta Delta

Dr. Kathryn Garrett-Kelly, former National President of Tau Beta Sigma (2015–2017), was honored with the 2021 Sue Robash Carr Distinguished Alumni Award for her outstanding professional achievement and service to society. 

As the first National President from an HBCU chapter, Dr. Kelly led with vision and purpose—launching initiatives like the Chapter Visitation Assistant program and recruitment video campaigns that strengthened chapter support and growth. In her professional life, she is the founder of Kelly Collaborative Medicine, where she provides compassionate, inclusive healthcare and serves as a primary care provider for the homeless in Montgomery County, MD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kelly was an essential resource to the Sorority, offering medical guidance aligned with national health protocols. She also served as President of the Howard University Medical Alumni Association, leading efforts to raise a $5 million endowment. A mother, mentor, and trailblazer, Dr. Kelly embodies the values of Tau Beta Sigma in all facets of her life.

2019
Lisa Croston
Alpha

Lisa Croston was named the 2019 recipient of the Sue Robash Carr Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her decades-long commitment to Tau Beta Sigma and her extraordinary service at every level of the organization. 

Since her initiation into the Alpha chapter at Oklahoma State University, Lisa has embodied the Sorority’s ideals of leadership, loyalty, and generosity. Over more than thirty years of service, Lisa has held numerous key roles within Tau Beta Sigma. She has served as a National Officer, member of the Board of Trustees, and National Historian.  Her tireless efforts to preserve and promote the Sorority’s history include the coordination of historical publications and presentations that bring Tau Beta Sigma’s legacy to life for new generations of Sisters. As Sponsor of the Alpha Chapter, she continues to mentor students and foster excellence at the chapter level. Lisa Croston has demonstrated the kind of unwavering service, heart, and leadership that this award seeks to honor.

2017
Wendy McCann
Tau

Wendy McCann was named the 2017 recipient of the Sue Robash Carr Distinguished Alumni Award for her decades of outstanding alumni service to Tau Beta Sigma. 

Initiated into the Tau Chapter, Wendy has remained continuously active since her graduation, exemplifying lifelong commitment to the Sorority. She served as Southwest District Alumni Chairperson (1993–1995), helped establish the National Alumni Association, and represented the SWD on the NAA Board from 1997 to 2003. After moving to Colorado, Wendy was Midwest District Counselor from 2003 to 2010 and returned as interim counselor in 2015. She also served on the National CFR Task Force and has been a member of the TBSAA since its founding. Wendy has stayed closely connected to the Tau chapter, supporting rituals, mentoring members, and attending conventions nationwide. Her consistent engagement, positive leadership, and support for both Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi embody the spirit of alumni excellence.

2015
Marcus Wyche
Beta Eta

Marcus Wyche was named the 2015 recipient of the Sue Robash Carr Distinguished Alumni Award for his unwavering dedication to Tau Beta Sigma at the chapter, district, and national levels. 

A proud alumnus of the Beta Eta chapter, Marcus has exemplified the ideals of service, sisterhood, and leadership. He has served as President of the Northeast District Alumni Association, worked closely with the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association (TBSAA), supporting key initiatives such as the For Greater Bands 5K and Grant programs. Marcus consistently uplifts and connects chapters to alumni programming. His support for Beta Eta has been steadfast, regularly attending events, mentoring officers, and helping promote national engagement. Outside of Tau Beta Sigma, Marcus contributes to the arts by composing original works for community bands, continuing to live out the organization’s mission through music. His passion and service truly set the standard for alumni involvement.

2013
Bev Cohen
Zeta Delta

Bev Cohen was honored in 2013 with the Distinguished Alumni Award, later named after Sue Robash Carr, in recognition of her enduring dedication to the mission and values of Tau Beta Sigma. 

Initiated into the Zeta Delta chapter at the University of Kansas, Bev has been a tireless advocate, leader, and mentor throughout her extensive involvement with the Sorority. She is a charter member of the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association (TBSAA) and a long-standing member of the Midwest District Alumni Association (MWDAA), where she has helped foster strong alumni connections and programming. Bev’s commitment extends beyond attendance at district and national conventions; she has served on numerous national committees for both Tau Beta Sigma and the TBSAA, contributing her expertise and passion to the ongoing growth and vitality of the organization. Her influence continues to inspire generations of Sisters and alumni alike.

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