Pulitzer Prize
The Pulitzer Prizes are given out every spring to writers and journalists by the Graduate School of Journalism.
They are named for Joseph Pulitzer, the J-School's founding donor. Often, Columbia will acclaim alums for having received them, although they're given out by the university itself. Specifically, the Pulitzer Board, which decides the winners, consists of a number of longtime editors and professors.
Clearly, they don't give out an award for ethics.
Columbia alumni winners
Notable alumni who have won the prize include Tony Kushner and John Berryman. A more comprehensive list will be posted here soon.