Since 1942, and annually since 1947, the ANAK Society has given this award to a faculty member at Georgia Tech who has demonstrated outstanding service to the Institute and to the student body through teaching, research, advisement, and general involvement in campus life. Founded in 1908, ANAK's purpose is to recognize outstanding members of the Georgia Institute of Technology community for their strong character, leadership ability, and true love for Georgia Tech. ANAK strives to advance the Institute in its mission of progress and service.

Valle received her master’s and doctoral degrees from Georgia Tech in mechanical engineering. She also holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from French “Grande Ecole,” EPF, the first engineering school in France to admit only women.

Valle has taught at Georgia Tech since 2004 both in civil and environmental engineering and mechanical engineering. She has also been on the faculty of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Maine. She spent several years in private industry with the MetLife Group as a business analyst. While at Tech, Valle has received numerous awards including an Amelia Earhart Zonta Foundation Fellowship, the Sigma Xi Best Ph.D. Thesis Award, and the CETL Undergraduate Educator Award.