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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.

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

Nomination Form

  • Choose an award to see a description.
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  • 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.

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  • Please complete the following information for the person you are nominating or for yourself if self-nominating:

  • The Wisconsin Idea signifies a general principle: that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
  • 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.)

  • Accepted file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png
    Max. file size: 2MB
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  • Accepted file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png
    Max. file size: 2MB
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  • Accepted file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png
    Max. file size: 2MB
  • If you are having problems submitting the form, please contact Chris Braun.