Alumni Award Nominations

Alumni award with a glass bowl on wooden platform.

Aurora University and George Williams College have a longstanding tradition of honoring distinguished and committed alumni who have shaped the world and strengthened our community. Through the Alumni Awards, we celebrate Spartans whose achievements, leadership, and service reflect the values of our institution and continue to inspire others.

Submitting Your Nomination:

Nominations are reviewed on an annual basis as part of the Alumni Awards selection process. Nominations submitted during this cycle are for the 2026 Alumni Awards. Nominations are open May 4–31, 2026.

Alumni Award nominations are only accepted during the stated submission period. Any nominations received after the submission period has closed will be considered for the following awards cycle.

Nominees who are not selected for the 2026 Alumni Awards will remain eligible for selection the following two years (2027 and 2028).

Guidelines for Alumni Award Nominations:

  • Complete all questions on the nomination form. All questions must be completed for the nomination to be considered.
  • You may contact other alumni or individuals who support your nominee and ask them to email a written letter of support to alumni@aurora.edu.
  • To maintain confidentiality, please do not inform candidates that they are under consideration.

Nomination and Supplementary Materials:

  • Please submit no more than two letters of support.
  • Letters of support should be emailed to alumni@aurora.edu.
  • Please describe and interpret your candidate’s accomplishments in terms that a lay reader can understand.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for an Alumni Award nomination, a candidate must meet the following requirements:

  • Have attended Aurora University, Aurora College, or George Williams College, and earned credit toward a degree (for alumni), or be a current or former emeritus/tenured faculty member.
  • Not be a voting member of the Board of Trustees.
  • Not be in a position of elected or appointed government office or known to be launching a campaign for office.
  • Be living (no posthumous nominations).

How Recipients are Selected:

Award recipients are chosen by selection committees formed by the Alumni Advisory Committee and campus leaders. After the committee makes their selections, award recipients must be approved by the university president or designee.

Awards Criteria:

The Aurora University Emerging Alumni Award honors graduates of Aurora University or George Williams College who are recent graduates (10 or fewer years since graduation). The award recognizes alumni whose achievements in their fields have brought distinction to themselves, credit to the university, and real benefit to their communities.

Emerging Alumni Award recipients typically demonstrate:

  • Ten (10) or fewer years from graduation (can be a graduate degree).
  • Recognizes professional achievement or creative leadership in any field by alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years.
  • Continued engagement with AU through alumni participation, mentoring, or contributions of time, talent, or resources that support the university’s mission and strengthen connections with students and fellow alumni.

Nominations for the Emerging Alumni Award should answer the following questions:

  • What are the unique professional achievements that brought distinction to the candidate and to Aurora University?
  • How did the candidate achieve an exceptional level of distinction while balancing the demands of being a recent graduate?
  • Why is this alumnus/a deserving of the award now? For example, is there significant relevance to an initiative on campus or world events?

Nominate

The Aurora University Outstanding Alumni Award honors graduates of Aurora College, Aurora University, or George Williams College who are in the established stage of their careers — typically 10 or more years post‑graduation — and who have demonstrated notable achievement, growing leadership, and meaningful service to their communities and to AU. Recipients are alumni who are advancing professionally, contributing to their communities, and showing a strong, ongoing commitment to AU’s mission. Their accomplishments reflect continued growth and expanding impact.

Outstanding Alumni Award recipients typically demonstrate:

  • Significant professional achievement, reflected in career progression, emerging or established leadership roles, peer or industry recognition, or contributions that demonstrate excellence within their field.
  • Meaningful community involvement and service, contributing to AU’s mission of transforming lives through volunteerism, leadership, advocacy, or civic engagement.
  • Active, ongoing engagement with AU, including participation in alumni initiatives, mentoring, student or program support, or contributions of time, talent, or resources that help strengthen the university community.

Nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award should answer the following questions:

  • How has the nominee demonstrated notable professional growth, leadership, or accomplishment since graduating from AU?
  • In what ways has the nominee contributed to their community through service or leadership that reflects AU’s mission of transforming lives?
  • How has the nominee remained engaged with AU through involvement, mentorship, or support that strengthens the university and its students?
  • Why is this alumnus/a deserving of the award now? Is there significant relevance to an initiative on campus, the strategic plan, world events, etc.?

Nominate

The Aurora University Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given to graduates of Aurora University, Aurora College, or George Williams College. It recognizes alumni whose exceptional, enduring achievements have transformed their professions, strengthened their communities, and advanced AU’s mission. Recipients have widely recognized career-defining accomplishments that reflect decades of leadership and integrity, serving as a lasting model of excellence for the AU community.

Distinguished Alumni Award recipients typically demonstrate:

  • Exceptional professional achievements with significant, far-reaching, or innovative impact in their field, including national/global recognition, pioneering work, or transformational leadership.
  • Sustained and influential community leadership that has created long-term, measurable improvements and reflects AU’s mission of transforming lives.
  • Enduring commitment to Aurora University shown through leadership, mentorship, philanthropy, or advocacy that has strengthened AU over time.

Nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Award should answer the following questions:

  • How has the nominee’s work transformed, advanced, or significantly influenced their profession or field on a broad scale (regional, national, or global)?
  • In what ways has the nominee demonstrated sustained, high-level leadership and service that has created lasting, positive change in their community or society?
  • How has the nominee shown enduring dedication to AU through service, leadership, or support that has strengthened the institution’s mission and impact?
  • Why is this alumnus/a deserving of the award now? For example, is there significant relevance to a current initiative on campus or world events?

Nominate

The Aurora University Spirit Award is presented to individuals or organizations who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, loyalty, and service to Aurora University. This honor recognizes those who embody the university’s ideals through their consistent support, engagement, and positive impact on the AU community. Recipients may be members of the broader university family and are not required to be alumni.

Spirit Award recipients typically demonstrate:

  • Steadfast loyalty to Aurora University and its mission.
  • Meaningful contributions that positively influence AU students, alumni, or the campus community, and that embody AU’s mission and ideals such as integrity, service, and commitment to education.
  • Sustained support of the university through volunteerism, mentorship, philanthropy, or community engagement.

Nominations for the Spirit Award should answer the following questions:

  • In what ways has the nominee made meaningful contributions that positively impact AU students, alumni, or the broader campus community?
  • How has the nominee provided sustained support or partnership to AU through volunteerism, mentorship, philanthropy, or community engagement?
  • Why is this person or organization deserving of the award now? For example, is there significant relevance to a current initiative on campus, the strategic plan, or world events?

Nominate

To honor an individual or family whose philanthropic contributions have significantly advanced the mission, vision, and impact of Aurora University through sustained generosity, leadership, and transformative influence.

Outside nominations are not accepted at this time.