Alumni Association Awards Criteria

Alumni Recognition

Alumni Achievement Award

The Alumni Achievement Award is given to alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways:

The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to recipients at the Fall Commencement Ceremony.

If you would like to nominate an individual for the Alumni Achievement Award, download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (You may fill out/save and print your form if your computer has Adobe Acrobat Professional, not Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed on an alumnus/alumna by the WIU Alumni Association. This award is given to alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their career and have brought credit to themselves and Western Illinois University through distinguished accomplishments in ALL of the following areas:

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to recipients at the Spring Commencement Ceremonies.

If you would like to nominate an individual for the Distinguished Alumni Award, download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (You may fill out/save and print your form if your computer has Adobe Acrobat Professional, not Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Honorary Doctorate

Western Illinois University will award an honorary doctorate of letters to recognize individuals who have attained achievements of extraordinary and lasting distinction. Awards shall be based on an individual's record of scholarship, creativity, leadership, humanitarian service, or public service. Individuals may have an existing association with the state and/or the University. Individuals also may have no existing association with the University and may establish that connection with acceptance of the honorary degree.

For more information, click here.

Young Alumni Excellence Award

The Young Alumni Excellence Award is given to alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways and are under the age of 35:

The Young Alumni Excellence Award is presented to the recipient at the Spring Commencement Ceremony.

If you would like to nominate an individual for the Young Alumni Award, download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (You may fill out/save and print your form if your computer has Adobe Acrobat Professional, not Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

International Alumni Achievement Award

The International Alumni Achievement Award is given to alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways and are international alumni:

The International Alumni Achievement Award is presented to the recipient at the Fall Commencement Ceremony.

If you would like to nominate an individual for the Young Alumni Award, download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (You may fill out/save and print your form if your computer has Adobe Acrobat Professional, not Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Honorary Alumni Award

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a WIU graduate but who has provided exceptional service to the WIU community. The Award is presented at the annual Town & Gown Event every spring.

If you would like to nominate an individual for the Town & Gown Award, download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (You may fill out/save and print your form if your computer has Adobe Acrobat Professional, not Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Town & Gown Award

The Town & Gown Award is presented to an individual who has provided exceptional service to WIU and the community. The Award is presented at the annual Town & Gown Event every spring.

If you would like to nominate an individual for the Town & Gown Award, download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (You may fill out/save and print your form if your computer has Adobe Acrobat Professional, not Adobe Acrobat Reader.)