Alumni

Alumni Association Awards Criteria

Alumni Achievement Award

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

  • Exceptional accomplishment in chosen field.
  • Exceptional service in local, state or national affairs.
  • Exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

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, complete this online form OR download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (If your browser does not allow you to type on the form, Adobe Reader may be needed to complete this form.) Applications must be received in the Alumni Office, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390, no later than August 1.

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:

  • Business or professional life.
  • Community affairs at local, state or national affairs levels.
  • Support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

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, complete this online form OR download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (If your browser does not allow you to type on the form, Adobe Reader may be needed to complete this form.) Applications must be received in the Alumni Office, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390, no later than December 1.

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:

  • Exceptional accomplishment in chosen field.
  • Exceptional service in local, state or national affairs.
  • Exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

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, complete this online form OR download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (If your browser does not allow you to type on the form, Adobe Reader may be needed to complete this form.) Applications must be received in the Alumni Office, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390, no later than December 1.

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:

  • Exceptional accomplishment in chosen field.
  • Exceptional service in local, state or national affairs.
  • Exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

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 International Alumni Achievement Award, complete this online form OR download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (If your browser does not allow you to type on the form, Adobe Reader may be needed to complete this form.) Applications must be received in the Alumni Office, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390, no later than August 1.

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 fall.

If you would like to nominate an individual for the Town & Gown Award, complete this online form OR download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (If your browser does not allow you to type on the form, Adobe Reader may be needed to complete this form.) Applications must be received in the Alumni Office, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390, no later than July 31.

Town & Gown Award

The Town & Gown Award is presented to an individual who has provided exceptional service in continuing the partnership between WIU and the Macomb Community. The Award is presented at the annual Town & Gown Event every fall.

If you would like to nominate an individual for the Town & Gown Award, complete this online form OR download and complete the Nomination Form (PDF), then submit it to the Alumni Association. (If your browser does not allow you to type on the form, Adobe Reader may be needed to complete this form.) Applications must be received in the Alumni Office, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390, no later than July 31.