In 2024 the Black Alumni Council begin presenting the Idella Glenn ’84 Black Alumni Award. The award “honors exceptional individuals who have demonstrated remarkable achievements and exemplary leadership while making significant contributions to their fields and communities,” said Adrienne Johnson ’10, an attorney, educator and advocate in Decatur, Georgia, and vice president of Furman's Black Alumni Council. Johnson praised her former mentor Glenn, a 1984 graduate of Furman who worked at the school for 18 years as director of multicultural affairs, assistant vice president for student development and director of diversity and inclusion, as “a true champion of campus belonging.”

• 2024, Erica Ramsey, class of 2007
• 2025, Jackie Carson, Class of 2000

First presented in 2000, the Richard Furman Baptist Heritage Award recognizes a Furman graduate who reflects Baptist ideals by thinking critically, living compassionately and making life-changing commitments. In the tradition of the university’s namesake, the recipient combines collaborative activity, visionary leadership and creative initiatives that result in opportunities for individuals and institutions alike to strengthen, expand and translate the relationship between faith and learning. 

• 2000, Cecil P. Staton, Jr., ‘80
• 2001, Charles Frank "T" Thomas, 71
• 2002, Lillian Brock Flemming, ‘71
• 2003, David L. Odom, ‘81
• 2004, Daniel McGee, ‘56
• 2005, Peggy Haymes, ‘82
• 2006, Kyle Matthews, ‘86
• 2007, Anthony Wilton McDade ’79
• 2008, William H. Bellinger, Jr., ‘72
• 2009, Kirby R. Mitchell, ’90
• 2010, M.B. “Bobby” Morrow Jr., ‘51
• 2011, Glen Cleveland Adkins ‘77
• 2012, Harold C. Warlick, Jr. ‘68
• 2013, Joseph Stanley Wilson '86
• 2014, April Baker '85
• 2015, James Russell Dean II, '86
• 2016, LeDayne McLeese Polaski, '89
• 2017, Nancy R. Powers, M.D. '77