In 1995, Mr. G.A. Sywassink, Chairman and CEO of Standard Holding Corporation, funded an annual Day of Excellence to recognize faculty for their outstanding teaching, research and service. A long-time supporter of Appalachian, Mr. Sywassink is a former member and chair of the Business Advisory Council for the Walker College. He is past chair of Appalachian's Board of Trustees and a past member of the UNC System Board of Governors. A non-tenure track award was added in 2002; a staff excellence award was added in 2012, and two Sprit of Walker awards (one for faculty and another for staff) were added in 2018.
