The award recognizes the contributions of individuals who have excelled in their respective fields before the age of 40. This year’s recipients work in a wide array of environments from municipalities to universities to federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies. The list includes company founders, executives, state representatives, doctors and lawyers. See link of all recipients: 40 under SSU recipients 2024

“We’re overjoyed to share with the world what these young alumni have accomplished in just a few short years since graduating from this beloved institution,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Alexander. “These alumni are the best and brightest and truly reflect the values we hope to instill in all SSU graduates.”

By highlighting the achievements of these alumni, SSU aims to inspire its current and future students to aspire to greatness and to emphasize the university’s role in shaping future leaders across various fields. Each of this year’s honorees attended SSU and seeks to uphold their core values of collaboration, academic excellence, discovery and innovation, integrity, openness and inclusion and sustainability. 

“As SSU continues to grow and make strides in academic and professional spheres, the 40 Under 40 Awards reflect the continuous impact of SSU on the lives of its graduates and the broader community,” Alexander said. “As we honor these remarkable alumni, we celebrate not only their achievements but also reaffirm the value of an SSU education.”