Awards and Recognition Program Nomination Process for Individuals

Each year since 1943, the University of Arizona Alumni Association has presented accomplished alumni and friends with distinguished awards. Our goal is to recognize alumni, friends of the institution, community leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni clubs, and college alumni councils for outstanding achievement and/or service to the University of Arizona, the Alumni Association, their communities, and/or their professions.

The Board will present the awards at our annual Homecoming Awards and Recognition Ceremony held the Friday of Homecoming or, at a special event to be determined by the nominator and the Alumni Association. Please note that our Alumni Achievement Award is given only at Commencement Ceremonies. We invite you to nominate an individual for outstanding achievement.

PLEASE NOTE: The University of Arizona Alumni Association reserves the right to suggest alternative venues for presentation of the awards.

Nominations for Homecoming awards must be submitted by May 1.

Nominations to be presented at other events can be submitted at anytime; provided the nomination is submitted at least two months prior to the event.

Nomination must include completed application form and supporting documents required for the individual awards.

ELIGIBILITY

Individual awardees fall into several categories. For the alumni-only awards, the nominee must have completed 30 units of credit at the University of Arizona.

AWARD CATEGORIES FOR INDIVIDUALS	Alumni Status
Advocacy Award	Alumni-optional
Alumni Achievement Award	Alumni
Alumni Association Recognition Award	Alumni
Bear Down Award	Alumni
Distinguished Citizen Award	Alumni-optional
Extraordinary Faculty Award	Faculty-only
Global Achievement Award	Alumni
Honorary Alumnus Award	Non-alumni
Leo B. Hart Humanitarian Award	Alumni
Marvin D. “Swede” Johnson Award for Volunteer Service to Students	Alumni-optional
Outstanding Young Alumni Volunteer Award	Alumni
Professional Achievement Award	Alumni
Public Service Award	Alumni-optional
Sidney S. Woods Alumni Service Award	Alumni
Slonaker Award	Alumni
Student Volunteer Award	Student-only
Young Professional Achievement Award	Alumni

JUDGING

Judging will be done by the Awards and Recognition Committee of the UA Alumni Association National Board of Directors.

The UA Alumni Association reserves the right to suggest alternate awards based on the nominee’s qualifications and experience.

NOTIFICATION

Upon approval, award recipients are notified via a congratulatory letter from the President and Executive Director of the UA Alumni Association. The college, individual, or organization is sent a copy of the letter.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Penny Davis, Administrative Associate
The University of Arizona Alumni Association
1111 North Cherry Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85721
520-626-3835
800-232-8278
davis@al.arizona.edu

Nancy Yaeli, Vice President
College and Community Relations
The University of Arizona Alumni Association
1111 North Cherry Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85721
520-621-9034
800-232-8278
yaeli@al.arizona.edu

Award Categories for Individuals

UA ADVOCACY AWARD – est. 2010

The UA Advocacy Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary efforts in promoting education and the needs of the University of Arizona. Preference is given to an alumnus or alumna of the University of Arizona but is not a requirement.

Eligibility: Alumni-optional
Form of award: Plaque
Time of award: UA Alumni Association Homecoming Awards and Recognition ceremony or other special event
Number of awards: Determined by the UA Alumni Association’s Alumni Council

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD—est. 1943

The Alumni Achievement Award is given to an alumnus or alumna who has attained prominence nationally in his or her field of endeavor and demonstrated outstanding service to the University of Arizona. This award is the highest honor the UA Alumni Association can bestow upon alumni, and is presented during Commencement ceremonies. It is endorsed by the Arizona Board of Regents, the University of Arizona, and the UA Alumni Association and carries the signatures of the Chair of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors, the President of the University of Arizona, and the President of the Arizona Board of Regents.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Crystal award with a silver plate
Time of award: May and December Commencement
Number of awards: One at each Commencement
Deadline: Please contact our office

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION AWARD—est. 1964

The Alumni Recognition Award honors individuals for a particular accomplishment.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Letter
Time of award: Mailed to recipient
Number of awards: Unlimited

BEAR DOWN AWARD—est. 1986 (Replaced Alumni Appreciation Award)

The Bear Down Award is given to an individual who has performed noteworthy or meritorious service on behalf of the University of Arizona.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Plaque
Time of award: UA Alumni Association Homecoming Awards and Recognition ceremony or other special event
Number of awards: Determined by the UA Alumni Association National Board of Directors

DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD—est. 1962

The Distinguished Citizen Award is given to a person in recognition of distinguished service in nonprofit organizations or other outstanding volunteer service. Special consideration is given to an individual who has attended the University of Arizona, but it is not a requirement.

EXTRAORDINARY FACULTY AWARD—est. 2001

The Extraordinary Faculty Award is presented by the Alumni Association to a faculty member who brings honor or distinction to the University of Arizona.

Eligibility: Faculty-only
Form of award: Plaque
Time of award:UA Alumni Association Homecoming Awards and Recognition ceremony or other special event
Number of awards: Determined by UA Alumni Association National Board of Directors

GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – est. 2010

The Global Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have brought honor and credit to the University of Arizona and their profession in the global arena through professional achievement or humanitarian service.

HONORARY ALUMNUS AWARD—est. 1947

The Honorary Alumnus Award is given to nonalumni of the University of Arizona who have demonstrated continued interest in and exceptional loyalty and service to the university for 10 years or longer. Particular consideration is given to individuals who have responded to requests for service from the university.

Eligibility: Nonalumni
Form of award: Plaque
Time of award: UA Alumni Association Homecoming Awards and Recognition ceremony or other special event
Number of awards: Determined by UA Alumni Association National Board of Directors

LEO B. HART HUMANITARIAN AWARD—est. 1986

A University of Arizona alumnus, Leo Brown Hart recognized the plight of children who had migrated west during the Great Depression. Immortalized in Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, these children were ostracized as “dumb Okies” and turned away from California schools … until Hart stepped forward. He and 50 Okie children built their own school — referred to as the School at Weedpatch Camp — in a nearby field. Hart then recruited teachers who shared his concern for outcast children. Together, they turned the school from a place for outcasts into an overwhelming success. Many children went on to become judges, professors, and businesspersons.

The Leo B. Hart Humanitarian Award is given for outstanding contributions to social justice and welfare.

MARVIN D. “SWEDE” JOHNSON AWARD FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE TO STUDENTS – est. 2010

The Marvin D. “Swede” Johnson Award for Volunteer Service to Students is given to an individual whose personal involvement with University of Arizona students has enhanced the quality of student life at the UA. Preference is given to an alumnus or alumna of the University of Arizona but is not a requirement.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI VOLUNTEER AWARD—est. 1999

The Outstanding Young Alumni Volunteer Award is given to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated continued interest in and loyalty to the University of Arizona for a minimum of two years. The award will be given to an individual who has been out of school less than 10 years. Particular consideration is given to alumni who have taken the initiative to serve effectively on behalf of the university and who have responded to requests for service from the university.

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD—est. 2000

The Professional Achievement Award is given to a person who has attained prominence in his or her field. Preference is given to an alumnus or alumna of the University of Arizona. Service to the university is not a requirement.

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD —est. 1963

The Public Service Award recognizes individuals who are past holders of public office. Recipients have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the public. Preference is given to an alumnus or alumna of the University of Arizona. Service to the university is not a requirement.

SIDNEY S. WOODS ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD—est. 1941

Sidney S. Woods, a long-time loyal alumnus of the University of Arizona, graduated in 1939. After a military career as a much decorated ace pilot in World War II, he became prominent in the field of agriculture and also was a member of the Arizona Board of Regents.
The Sidney S. Woods Alumni Service Award is given to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated unwavering interest in and loyalty to the University of Arizona for a minimum of FIVE years. The award is given to an individual who has been out of school for more than 15 years. Particular consideration is given to alumni who have taken the initiative to serve effectively on behalf of the university and who have responded to requests for service from the university. Special consideration is given to an individual who has received a degree from the university, but it is not a requirement.

SLONAKER AWARD—est. 1961

Alter Louis Slonaker was a versatile University of Arizona athlete who lettered four times each in football, basketball, and baseball. He was the graduate manager of athletics from 1922 through 1947 and the dean of men from 1947 through 1963.
The Slonaker Award is given to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated continued interest in and loyalty to the University of Arizona for a minimum of FIVE years. The award is given to an individual who has been out of school less than 15 years. Particular consideration is given to alumni who have taken the initiative to serve effectively on behalf of the university and who also have responded to requests for service from the university. Special consideration will be given to an individual who has received a degree from the university.

STUDENT VOLUNTEER AWARD—est. 1995

The Student Volunteer Award is given to students who have contributed valuable service to the University of Arizona and the Alumni Association.

Eligibility:Student-only
Form of award: Plaque
Time of award: Determined by the Alumni Association President
Number of awards: Discretionary

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – est. 2010

The Young Professional Achievement Award recognizes alumni age 40 and under who have attained prominence in their field.

Awards and Recognition Program Nomination Packet for Colleges

Each year, since 1943, the University of Arizona Alumni Association has presented accomplished alumni and friends with distinguished awards. Our goal is to recognize college alumni councils and advisory boards for outstanding achievement and/or service to the University of Arizona, the UA Alumni Association, and their communities.

PLEASE NOTE: The University of Arizona Alumni Association reserves the right to suggest alternative venues for presentation of the awards.

Nominations for Homecoming awards must be submitted by May 1.

Nominations to be presented at other events can be submitted at anytime; provided the nomination is submitted at least two months prior to the event.

Nomination must include completed application form and supporting documents required for the individual awards.

JUDGING PERIOD
Judging is done by the Awards and Recognition Committee of the University of Arizona Alumni Association and National Board of Directors. The committee will review and make determinations on the nominations for all of the awards. The judging period will be July 1 to June 30 of the fiscal year for which the award is being sought.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Penny Davis, Administrative Associate
The University of Arizona Alumni Association
1111 North Cherry Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85721
520-626-3835
800-232-8278
davis@al.arizona.edu

Nancy Yaeli, Vice President
College and Community Relations
The University of Arizona Alumni Association
1111 North Cherry Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85721
520-621-9034
800-232-8278
yaeli@al.arizona.edu

Award Categories for Colleges

COLLEGE ALUMNI COUNCIL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
COLLEGE ADVISORY BOARD AWARD OF EXCELLENCE—est. 2000

The College Alumni Council Award of Excellence or College Advisory Board Award of Excellence is given to all college alumni councils or college advisory boards represented on the University of Arizona Alumni Association Board of Directors Alumni Council that have distinguished themselves in the following ways:

Have on file with the University of Arizona Alumni Association a written mission statement or bylaws
Have current elected officers and board, and during the previous academic year:
- Hold a minimum of two board meetings
- Hold a minimum of two college alumni/outreach events
- Maintain communication links with its college's dean or dean's designee
- Maintain communication with the University of Arizona Alumni Association.

Form of Award: Certificate to the college alumni council or college advisory board
Time of Award: Special event to be determined between nominator and UA Alumni Association
Number of Awards: Unlimited

COLLEGE ALUMNI COUNCIL RED AND BLUE AWARD
COLLEGE ADVISORY BOARD RED AND BLUE AWARD—est. 2000

The College Alumni Council Red and Blue Award or College Advisory Board Red and Blue Award is given by the president of the Arizona Alumni Association to the one chartered college alumni council or college advisory board represented on the Arizona Alumni Board of Directors or Alumni Council that has provided the most distinguished service to its college and the university during the previous academic year. The college alumni council or advisory board must have a written mission statement or bylaws on file with the University of Arizona Alumni Association, have current elected officers and board members, and hold a minimum of two board meetings. Selection will be based on the following:

Number and quality of written communications to college alumni
Number and quality of alumni programs, projects and events
Involvement of local alumni in activities
Sponsor or actively participate in its college's Homecoming activities
Maintain active communication links with its college's dean or dean's designee
Maintain a two-way communication link between the college and the University of Arizona Alumni Association.

Form of Award: Plaque to the college alumni council or college advisory board
Time of Award: Homecoming or other special event to be determined between nominator and UA Alumni Association
Number of Awards: Maximum of one per academic year