Sandeep Nandy wrote, "Please join me in extending congratulations to RCNJ Vice President John Cloninger '96, who was a recipient of the 2005 RAA Alumni Key Award. John will receive his award at a formal dinner on Friday June 10. I am planning to attend and hope some of you will be able to as well to honor John's accomplishment."

According to information on the Rensselaer Alumni Association website:

The Alumni Key was created in 1965 by the RAA Board of Trustees to recognize outstanding service, supporting the advancement of Rensselaer (such as chapters, classes, fundraising and special events), by either alumni or friends.

Nominations may be made by any member of the Rensselaer Community and should contain a justification for the award. Recipients will be chosen by a committee of the RAA and approved by the RAA Executive Committee.

The Alumni Key Award is a certificate and medal. They are presented by the President of the Institute, assisted by the President of the RAA, at the Annual Meeting of the RAA, or at a function determined by the RAA Board of Trustees. A maximum of nine awards may be presented each year.