COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has won this year's Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award at North Idaho College.

AP

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Sept. 15, 2008.

Palin attended the two-year school for two semesters in 1983. She graduated from the University of Idaho in 1987 in journalism.

Prior to her selection as John McCain's running mate, Palin was elected governor of Alaska in 2006.

Palin was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, but grew up in Alaska.

Palin has also been invited to be the May 2009 commencement speaker.