Wisconsin Alumni Association Awards Nomination Form

In the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea, the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) annually recognizes degreed living alumni who demonstrate the ideals of progress, discovery, service, and leadership in extending the positive influence of the university. If you know of any UW alumni who have made a significant impact on their professions, the nation, the world, or the university, please nominate them, or yourself, for one of the following Wisconsin Alumni Association awards. Please note that current UW–Madison faculty and staff are not eligible for the alumni awards, but they can be nominated for a faculty and staff award. Please see the following Faculty, Academic Staff, and University Staff award pages to find more information.

The deadline to nominate an individual for a WAA award is January 5, 2025. Award selections will be announced in summer 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a UW–Madison graduate to nominate someone for a Wisconsin Alumni Association alumni award?

Can I nominate someone over the phone or in-person?

Can I nominate more than one graduate?

What qualifies individuals to be considered alumni of UW–Madison?

What year would someone have had to graduate in order to be considered for the Forward Award?

What supporting documents are accepted?

What is the nomination deadline?

When will award winners be announced for 2025?

Who do I contact with additional questions?

Nomination Form

Please choose one of the following award categories for you nomination.*
Choose an award to see a description.
- Forward Award
- Luminary Award
- Distinguished Alumni Award
The Luminary Award recognizes significant professional achievement, leadership, service, and/or philanthropy. Alumni at least 15 years from graduation who inspire others through their accomplishments in the areas of leadership, discovery, progress, and service qualify for this honor.
The Forward Award acknowledges rising stars in various fields who demonstrate the Wisconsin Idea through an emphasis on service, discovery, and progress. Young alumni within 15 years of graduation qualify for this recognition of early-career achievements and positive impact on their professions.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is WAA’s highest and most prestigious honor. It recognizes professional achievements and impact, leadership, and contributions to the UW or to society over the course of a UW graduate’s career or lifetime.
Submitter name*
Submitter email*
Submitter phone
Are you nominating yourself?*
- Yes
- No
Nominee name*
Nominee email*
Nominee phone
Please complete the following information for the person you are nominating or for yourself if self-nominating:
Current location
City
State / Province
Country
UW degree and year (if known)
Nominee occupation or title
As you consider the Wisconsin Idea and the ideals of UW–Madison, how has this person shown a positive impact on their profession or community?*
The Wisconsin Idea signifies a general principle: that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
Again considering the Wisconsin Idea, how would you describe the nominee’s contributions/positive impact on UW–Madison?*
Please attach supporting information here (URLs for web pages or articles; letters of recommendation from colleagues or the nominee’s UW–Madison school, college, or department; résumé; etc.)
Website
Website
File
Accepted file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png
Max. file size: 2MB
Do you have an additional file to submit?
- Yes
- No
File
Accepted file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png
Max. file size: 2MB
Do you have an additional file to submit?
- Yes
- No
File
Accepted file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png
Max. file size: 2MB
If you are having problems submitting the form, please contact Chris Braun.

Please complete all required (*) fields and correct any error(s) above.