NMU Alumni Association Awards

Each year since 1964, the Northern Michigan University Alumni Association has presented accomplished alumni with the association's highest honor--the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award recognizes graduates who have achieved records of outstanding accomplishments of national note within their chosen professions. Ideally, these extraordinary alumni also have a strong connection to their campus and the mission of the NMU Alumni Association.

In addition to the Distinguished Alumni Award, four other categories recognize alumni who have been a positive influence on their professions or on their communities through public service or who have demonstrated exceptional performance that place them above the norm.

Alumni Association Awards are presented annually at Homecoming. They include: the Distinguished Alumni Award; Alumni Achievement Award; Outstanding Young Alumni Award and Alumni Service Award. An additional award, the Alumni Civic Leadership Award, can be presented at any time during the year as determined by the Alumni Association Awards committee.



Homecoming 2011 Alumni Association award winners are shown with NMU President Les Wong (third from left). They include: Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Brian Majewski '76, Alumni Achievement Award recipient Beverly Solomon '74, Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipients Kyle Ortiz '04 and Stacy Welling '00, '02, and Alumni Service Award recipient Garn Lewis '86.

Distinguished Alumni Award An NMU alumnus/alumna who is outstanding in his/her profession and has made significant contributions to society and/or profession. Other factors include demonstrated leadership and/or honors received that clearly sets them apart from their peers; a person who is distinguished by his/her achievements.

Alumni Achievement Award An NMU alumnus/alumna who has notable professional achievements on a regional or local level. Other factors include contributions to their community and documented leadership at the regional or local level. It was awarded for the first time in 2007.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award An NMU alumnus/alumna under 36 years of age who has shown endeavors in professional, civic, business, political or similar activities, that set the candidate clearly apart from his/her peers and has shown service and/or honor to NMU through their endeavors.

Alumni Service Award An NMU alumnus/alumna whose volunteerism, contributions and/or recruitment efforts on behalf or NMU are above the norm, evidence by loyal and outstanding service in areas, such as the NMU Alumni Association; the NMU Development Fund; service to school, departmental, or other NMU committees; establishment of a scholarship; serving as an alumni ambassador; and/or serving as a mentor.

Alumni Civic Leadership Award An NMU alumnus/alumna whose volunteer service to his/her community has been outstanding for a minimum of 10 years. The recipient shall have made significant contributions to the quality of life in his/her community. This award may be presented in the community in which the recipient resides, during Homecoming Weekend, or at another event determined by the Alumni Association Awards Committee. Do you know someone who should be nominated? The nomination process is quick and easy. Nominations can be submitted by friends, family, faculty and staff. NMU Alumni Association Award Nomination Form. Questions? Get in touch with us.