Award of Appreciation

Established in 2000, the Award of Appreciation recognizes members whose service has made a meaningful contribution to the Carolina Mountain Club. One or more awards may be presented in a given year, with recipients nominated by fellow members, committee chairs, or Council members.

The award honors a wide range of contributions, from individual acts of kindness—such as assisting an injured hiker—to significant service, such as creating and leading a new hike series or completing a major Club project. Because many accomplishments result from teamwork, the award may also be presented to two or more members.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes members who have made sustained, significant contributions to the Carolina Mountain Club over an extended period, typically ten years or more.

While there is no limit to the number of recipients in a given year, the award’s high standard ensures that it is bestowed only on members whose long-term service is truly distinguished.

Honorary Life Membership

There are members whose dedication and service to the Carolina Mountain Club are so exceptional that they are recognized with the Club’s highest honor: Honorary Lifetime Achievement.

This is not an annual award. In some years, no member receives this recognition, while in others, multiple members may be honored.

The Club’s governing Council is responsible for selecting and conferring Honorary Lifetime Achievement.

Award Recipients

As an all-volunteer organization we depend on our members to carry out the business of the club. The recipients of all of these awards have gone above and beyond in their efforts to ensure the success of the Carolina Mountain Club. Recipients of these awards are our Club heroes.

  • 2025: Karen Schultz, Chris Werbylo
  • 2024: Joseph Bange
  • 2023: Adrianne Change, David Huff, Sallye Sanders, and the Centennial Team
  • 2022: Paul Curtain, Donna Bange
  • 2021: Mel Skiles, Brenda Worley
  • 2019: Madison Evans
  • 2018: Walt Weber, The Gang 
(Stu English, Bob Beach, Rick Evans, Les Love)
  • 2017: Dennis Bass
  • 2016: Steve Pierce
  • 2015: Asheville Friday Crew
  • 2014: Tish Desjardin, Ruth Hartzler
  • 2013: Jim Arial, Gale O’Neal
  • 2012: Ted Snyder, A. Pete Peteresen
  • 2011: Stuart English
  • 2010: Tim Carrigan
  • 2008: Charlie Ferguson
  • 2007: Ruth Hartzler
  • 2006: Bruce Bente
  • 2005: Tom Sanders
  • 2004: Howard McDonald
  • 2001: DonWalton
  • 2000: Walt Weber
  • 2025: George Bauernfeind, Paul Curtin
  • 2024: Susan Canale
  • 2023: Jim Spicer, John Whitehouse
  • 2022: Tim Carrington
  • 2021: Steve Pierce
  • 2020: Bobbie Powers, Conservation Committee: Michael Fisher – Chair, Herman Gucinski, Kakii Handley, Owen Bailey, Roy Davis, Ruth Hartzler, and Tish Desjardin
  • 2019: Jan Onan
  • 2018: Ann Hendrickson
  • 2017: Marcia Bromberg, Bob Lindsey
  • 2016: Richard (Pete) Petersen
  • 2016: Jack Fitzgerald
  • 2015: Danny Bernstein
  • 2014: Becky Smucker
  • 2013: Lenny Bernstein
  • 2012: Skip Sheldon
  • 2011: Howard MacDonald
  • 2010: Jorge Munoz
  • 2009: Piet Bodenhorst
  • 2006: Bill Newton
  • 2005: Ken Deal, Carol Deal
  • 2004: Elizabeth Feil, Don Walton
  • 2003: Les Love
  • 2002: Al Kohan
  • 2001: Bernard Elias
  • 2000: Ed Dunns
  • Bruce Bente
  • Danny Bernstein (2023)
  • Lenny Bernstein
  • Lewis Blodgett, Jane Blodgett
  • Piet Bodenhorst
  • Barth Brooker
  • Bernard Elias
  • Madison Evans (2023)
  • Dick Johnson
  • Les Love
  • Carroll Koepplinger
  • Howard McDonald
  • Gerry McNabb, Paula McNabb
  • George Oldham
  • Skip Sheldon
  • Sherman Stambaugh

Ready to Nominate Someone?

If you know of a member whom you believe should receive an award, share their name and the reason for your nomination!

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