The Bradley University Alumni Association adopted the Distinguished Alumna/us Award program in 1952 to recognize those graduates who bring the highest distinction to themselves, their community and to Bradley University. Candidates must exemplify the qualities of irreproachable character and outstanding citizenship. Having these qualities, the selection committee will consider favorably those whose participation has resulted in a “change for the better” in significant situations, institutions, movements or fields of endeavor and whose achievements bring the greatest honor to Bradley University. Distinguished Alumna/us Award recipients will automatically be inducted into Bradley University’s Centurion Society, and due consideration of the stature of this honor will be considered by the selection committee.
Please read the eligibility and nomination guidelines below carefully before completing the form.
Eligibility
Nominators should be aware that several changes have been made to the criteria and nomination process. These changes were made because of the increasing number of entries and to ensure fairness and consistency as judges review the nominations:
- Candidates must have received a degree from Bradley University.
- Officers of the Alumni Association, members of the selection committee, trustees, faculty and employees of the university are not eligible for awards.
- Recipients must be available to accept their awards on campus at Founder’s Day. If, after notifying the recipient, s/he cannot be present at that time, his/her name will be resubmitted for the following year, and the committee’s first alternate choice will become the current year’s recipient.
- Posthumous awards may be granted if the candidate died within the year prior to the date of selection.
- The nomination deadline is April 15. Late entries will not be considered.
- Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred, and the nomination form must be completed in full. Narrative answers must be concise and must directly address the criteria and the question asked in the indicated format.
- A maximum of three (3) supporting documents will be considered (e.g. letters, publications, resumes, etc.).
Guidelines for Submitting Online Nominations for the Distinguished Alumna/us Award
- Nominations may be submitted at any time during the year, but only those received on or before April 15 will be considered for the current year’s award. Should April 15 fall on a Saturday or Sunday, entries must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. (Central) on the Friday preceding April 15. Late entries will not be accepted.
- All nominations must consist of a completed nomination form and complete responses to the criteria. All fields must be completed in full. Narratives should contain complete, clear, and concise answers to criteria.
- Select supporting documents carefully. A maximum of three (3) supporting documents will be considered (such as letters, articles, resumes, etc.). Any documentation exceeding the maximum of three (3) will be filed, but not distributed for consideration to the selection committee. Letters of recommendation for your nomination may not exceed one (1) 8 1/2" x 11" page each.
- Nominations will be kept on file for three (3) years. The nominator may request the same paperwork be used for two more years before a new nomination is required. However, candidates will not automatically be reconsidered. A nominator MUST request the resubmission, and may be asked to provide additional information about the candidate.
- Nominations will be reviewed by the selection committee on the basis of the data received and measured against the criteria noted for each award.
