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Distinguished Alumni Awards

• Award of Distinction Honors an alumnus who has achieved national or international fame in their chosen field. First presented in 1952.
• Green Owl Honors an alumnus who has given years of service to the Alumni Association and the University. The recipient must have been an alumnus at least five years prior to receiving the award. Qualifying service activities include serving as an alumni club officer, class reunion chairperson or on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors; assisting with William Woods University events in the community; assisting University Advancement in their efforts to support the University and generally promoting the good of the University whenever possible. First presented in 1961.
• Honorary Alumnus Honors an individual who is not an alumnus of the University, but who is selected for membership in the National Alumni Association in recognition of their distinguished personal achievement and outstanding community service. First presented in 1967.
• Order of the Owl Honors spouses of alumni who have shown a special interest in promoting and supporting the University. Originally, referred to as the Woodsman Award (male spouse), changed to Order of the Owl in 1999 with admission of males. First presented in 1986.
• Outstanding Service Award Honors an alumnus for their many years of support in the multifaceted areas and outstanding service to the university. A recipient must have been an alumnus for ten years. Qualifying service activities include serving as an alumni club officer, class reunion chairperson or on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors; assisting with William Woods University events in the community; assisting University Advancement in their efforts to support the University and generally promoting the good of the University whenever possible. First presented in 1992.
• Graduate and Professional Alumni Award Honors an alumnus who holds a graduate or professional degree from WWU, and represents excellence in achievement in their field. First presented in 2011.

Nomination Schedule

Nominations may be submitted throughout the year. The annual nomination period closes December 31st of each year. Nominations submitted after this date will be considered for the next nomination period. Final selections will be made by January 31st of each year. Alumni awards are presented at the Annual Alumni Weekend Award Ceremony.

Submit your nomination today!

Previous Recipients