Individual Awards

 

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. Awards will be presented at a venue to be determined by the nominator and the Alumni Association. Please note that the Alumni Achievement Award is given only at Commencement Ceremonies.

Nominations for awards can be submitted at any time; provided the nomination is submitted at least two months prior to the event where the award is to be presented.  If the event date is not yet determined, we need at least three weeks' notice to fabricate the award, once the award has been approved.

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

PLEASE NOTE: The University of Arizona Alumni Association reserves the right to determine the number of awards to be given and to suggest alternative venues for presentation of the awards.  The UA Alumni Association Awards and Recognition staff members are eager to work with the nominating individual or entity to facilitate an appropriate venue to present the award, including the participation of the Association in the award ceremony.  We also will assist in disseminating publicity related to the award.

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.

JUDGING
Judging is done by the Awards and Recognition Committee of the University of Arizona Alumni Association’s Alumni Council. 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 nominating individual or organization is sent a copy of the letter, along with the college affiliated with the award winner.

AWARD CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR INDIVIDUALS

 

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

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ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – est. 1943

The Alumni Achievement Award is given to an alumnus or alumna who has attained prominence 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 UA Alumni Association, the President of the University of Arizona, and the Chair 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 ceremony
Deadline: Please contact our office

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION AWARD – est. 1964

The Alumni Recognition Award honors individuals for a particular accomplishment.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Letter or Plaque

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BEAR DOWN AWARD – est. 1986

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

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DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD – est. 1962

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

Eligibility: Alumni-optional
Form of award: Plaque

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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

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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.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Plaque

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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: Non-alumni
Form of award: Plaque

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LEO B. HART HUMANITARIAN AWARD – est. 1986

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

The award is named after the late Leo Brown Hart, a UA alumnus who 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 migrant 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.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Plaque

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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.

The award is named in honor of Marvin D. “Swede” Johnson, a long-time loyal alumnus who arrived at the University of Arizona in 1946 from Willcox, Arizona. “Swede” became very involved on campus as president of the State Future Farmers of America, AZ Assoc., Sigma Chi Fraternity and Bobcats, Senior Honorary. He also was on the Livestock Judging Team, a member of Alpha Zeta, national agricultural honorary, Chain Gang, junior honorary and the ASUA Board of Control, overseeing the finances for the University Student Body and their organizations. Graduating with a major in Animal Science in 1950, “Swede” never left the University until 1977, serving as a graduate assistant in the Athletic Department, director of the Student Union, president of the Alumni Association and UA Vice President of University Relations. “Swede” personified the spirit of volunteerism and youth through his service to the University as a student, employee and an alumnus. The Alumni Building is named in his honor.

Eligibility: Alumni-optional
Form of award: Plaque

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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.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Plaque

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PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – est. 2000

The Professional Achievement Award is given to a person who has attained prominence in his or her field. Service to the university is not a requirement.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Plaque

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PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD – est. 1963

The Public Service Award recognizes individuals who are present or 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 but is not a requirement. Service to the university is not a requirement.

Eligibility: Alumni-optional
Form of award: Plaque

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SIDNEY S. WOODS ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD – est. 1941

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.

The award honors the late Sidney S. Woods, a long-time loyal alumnus of the University of Arizona, who 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.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Plaque

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SLONAKER AWARD – est. 1961

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. The award recognizes the late Alter Louis Slonaker, 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.

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Plaque

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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – est. 2010

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

Eligibility: Alumni
Form of award: Plaque

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