SAN DIEGO–Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 San Diego Mesa College Distinguished Alumni Award.

The award program recognizes former students who have made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers have honored the legacy of academic excellence at San Diego Mesa College.

“We are proud of the tens of thousands of students who have attended Mesa College, and of the contributions they have made to the city and people of San Diego and beyond,” said Dr. Pamela T. Luster, President of Mesa College. “I encourage the community to respond, and help us to select our 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.”

Notable Mesa College graduates include recently named Los Angeles Angel’s general manager Billy Eppler, award-winning film and stage actress, Annette Bening, Olympic track and field Gold Medalists Felix Sanchez and Arnie Robinson, astrophysicist and science fiction novelist David Brin, San Diego County treasurer-tax collector Dan McAllister, and numerous major league athletes including Tony Banks, Mike Martz, Matt Kofler and Brent Storm.

Former award recipients include Robinson, community advocates Linda and Carlos LeGerrette, artist Miya Hannan, filmmaker Raul Celaya, and most recently, District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia, Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.

“Mesa gave me the opportunity to study, challenged me intellectually, prepared me academically, and taught me the great power of education,” Battaglia told Mesa’s 2015 graduating class. “Mesa made my dream of becoming a lawyer a practical reality, and opened up a world and other opportunities that lead me to where I am today.”

The 2016 award recipient will be announced in mid-February and conferred at the college commencement ceremony scheduled for May 17. Anyone in the greater community is encouraged to submit a nomination.

Nominations are due no later than Feb.12. For an application and more information see www.sdmesa.edu/alumni, or call (619) 388-2759.