Alumni Awards
The LJCDS Alumni Awards recognize members of our community who have distinguished themselves through professional achievement, service to our school, or contributions to the greater community. Recipients are nominated by the community and selected by the LJCDS Alumni Council.
We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Alumni Award recipients: Will Erickson (Honorary Alum), Noah Heldman ’90 (Distinguished Alum), and Diane Cushman Neal ’86 (Outstanding Alum).
We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Alumni Award recipients: Will Erickson (Honorary Alum), Noah Heldman ’90 (Distinguished Alum), and Diane Cushman Neal ’86 (Outstanding Alum).
Nominate an Alum
We are now accepting nominations for our 2027 Alumni Awards!
Do you know of an alum who embodies any of the awards below? We invite you to nominate them for future award consideration.
Do you know of an alum who embodies any of the awards below? We invite you to nominate them for future award consideration.
The 2026 Alumni Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026— the kickoff event of Centennial Alumni Weekend.
2026 Alumni Award Recipients
Honorary Alum Award
The Honorary Alum Award is presented to a longstanding member of the LJCDS community who is not a graduate of the school. The award recognizes length of service, exceptional contributions to LJCDS and advocacy of its mission and values. The award is given out only in years when the school and the LJCDS Alumni Council determines a worthy candidate.
2026 Recipient— Will Erickson
LJCDS English Teacher and Dean of Students, 1972-2007.
Distinguished Alum Award
The Distinguished Alum Award is presented annually and recognizes an alum who has demonstrated a personal commitment to the advancement of the school’s mission through service and/or contributions to the school.
2026 Recipient— Noah Heldman ’90
LJCDS lifer, trustee, technology consultant, entrepreneur, musician, and devoted champion of the LJCDS community.
LJCDS lifer, trustee, technology consultant, entrepreneur, musician, and devoted champion of the LJCDS community.
Outstanding Alum Award
The Outstanding Alum Award is presented annually and recognizes an alum who has excelled in their professional field or made significant contributions to society at large.
2026 Recipient— Diane Cushman Neal ’86
Founder and president of Justice Necessary, a Colorado-based nonprofit leading the fight against period poverty, diaper need, and hygiene poverty.
2026 Recipient— Diane Cushman Neal ’86
Founder and president of Justice Necessary, a Colorado-based nonprofit leading the fight against period poverty, diaper need, and hygiene poverty.
