Chancellor John Fraser Distinguished Military Graduate Award
About the Award
Established by the KU Veterans Alumni Network in 2013, the Chancellor John Fraser Distinguished Military Graduate Award recognizes one outstanding ROTC cadet or midshipman each year who best exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Rather than duplicating unit-level honors, the award selects a single individual across all three ROTC branches, highlighting the most distinguished military graduate of the year. The award includes formal recognition, a commemorative plaque, and a $1,000 cash award.
About Chancellor John Fraser
Chancellor John Fraser, the University of Kansas’s second chancellor, led a life defined by education, military service, and public leadership. A native of Scotland and a graduate of Aberdeen University, Fraser began his career as an educator before serving as a Union officer during the Civil War, including participation in major engagements and enduring captivity as a prisoner of war. After the war, he returned to academic leadership. In 1868, Fraser became KU's second chancellor and helped guide the young university through a critical period of growth. During his tenure, he expanded the faculty, strengthened academic programs, and laid an important foundation for the institution's future success.
Today, the Chancellor John Fraser Distinguished Military Graduate Award serves as a tribute to Fraser's enduring legacy and to the University of Kansas students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, academic excellence, and a commitment to serving both their communities and the nation.
Award Recipients
2026 – Officer Candidate Kyle L. McCracken (Navy)
2025 – Midshipman Lillian F. Puntney (Navy, Marine Corps option)
2024 – Cadet Oliver Gonzalez (Air Force)
2023 – Midshipman Dylan G. Robertson (Navy)
2022 – Cadet Peter S. Weber (Air Force)
2021 – Cadet Joseph W. Kovack (Army)
2020 – Cadet Tyler N. Lamport (Air Force)
2019 – Cadet Logan Albers (Air Force)
2018 – Cadet Joseph Schroer (Army)
2017 – Cadet Steven Galuzzi (Army)
2016 – Officer Candidate Anthony M. Reid (Navy)
2015 – Cadet Blake T. Denniston (Air Force)
2014 – Cadet Julian McCafferty (Air Force)
2013 – Cadet Tyler Beck (Army)