Alumni Awards Program

Description: Presented to individual alums or a group of alums that develops, implements, and/or participates in a program, event, or special outreach effort that contributes to improving the lives of others. The awardee will embody the ideals of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life and as such will "share a commitment to actively engaging in their communities.

Eligibility: Alum

Number, frequency: One award annually at the discretion of the Awards Committee as long as an appropriate candidate or group exists within the nominated pool; selection will be made by the Tufts Alumni Council Awards Committee with representatives from the TAC Citizenship and Public Service Committee and from Tisch College.

Nominations: Rolling, November 1 deadline

Award ceremony: On- or off-campus constituency event or in the region where the recipient resides

Description: Presented to a deserving recipient who has demonstrated leadership capabilities in support of their respective Chapter and/or constituency or provided valuable input and assistance in allowing a Chapter to achieve its goals. Chapters include Regional, International, Active Citizen, and Shared Interest Groups.

Eligibility: Alums and non-alums. An example of eligible non-alums would be a law firm or business that donates or provides function space for an alum event, as well as a parent or friend of Tufts who opens their home for alum events. Each nominee must have served for the Chapter for a minimum of one year. Graduates of all schools of Tufts University and members of all chapters mentioned above are eligible.

Number, frequency: A maximum of one award per regional alliance, international chapter, or shared interest group per year; no minimum/maximum number of awards should be enforced. Instead, the quality of the nominee should take priority over the quantity of awards given.  Only those nominees most qualified and deserving should receive the award. Thus, during the award review process, the Awards committee will be encouraged to seek more information on nominees on an as-needed basis and, if necessary, decline nominations that they feel are not substantial/worthy/deserving of such an award.

Nominations: Submitted only by the Chapter’s steering committee; the general community of alums is not eligible to submit nominations. It is strongly suggested that each nominee have more than one nomination. If a second nomination is not submitted, a staff member who works with and/or knows the nominee will be asked to provide a written testimonial that will be included in the nomination packet that is reviewed by the Awards committee. Second nominations and/or staff testimonials on behalf of the nominee should provide sufficient evidence as to the nominee’s eligibility and worthiness of receiving the award; nominations vetted by the TUAA Awards committee. Not all alliances, chapters, or groups must bestow this award every year. It should only be given when they feel they have a deserving recipient.

Award ceremony: Presented throughout the year at existing on-campus meetings or activities or in the region where the recipient resides.

Description: Presented to a member of the Tufts Alumni Association who has helped to create or further career opportunities for Tufts students and/or Tufts alums in a sustained or significant way.

Eligibility: All alums

Number, frequency: Up to one award annually

Nominations: Award nominations may be submitted at any time throughout the year. A call for nominations will be issued in early autumn and must be submitted by the deadline stated in the call for nominations.

Award ceremony: On campus in late March/early April. Recipients are strongly encouraged to attend this ceremony in person in order to receive the award.

Description: Presented to an alum who has made significant achievements and contributions to their profession and/or community and is recognized for leadership in their field. The contributions do not need to be publicly renowned but should represent important creative efforts or accomplishments with professional, societal, or educational value. The achievements of the awardees should be inspirational to Tufts University students and bring honor and a source of pride to Tufts University.

Eligibility: Alums

Number, frequency: Up to a total of six (6) awards annually in the categories of Distinguished Service and Distinguished Achievement

Nominations: Rolling, November 1 deadline

Award ceremony: Spring or fall, attend in person

Description: Presented to an alum who has demonstrated significant service to the Tufts University Alumni Association and/or to Tufts University. Staff, faculty, and friends of Tufts may also be considered for this award provided they meet the above eligibility requirements.

Eligibility: Alums

Number, frequency: Up to a total of six (6) awards annually in the categories of Distinguished Service and Distinguished Achievement

Nominations: Rolling, November 1 deadline

Award ceremony: Spring or fall, attend in person

Description: Presented to an alum who has demonstrated a lifetime of service to Tufts University; recognizes longevity and consistency of service and breadth of service over a lifetime of dedication to the university. The candidate must meet the current Distinguished Service eligibility guidelines.

Eligibility: Alum, staff, faculty, and friends of Tufts

Number, frequency: Up to one award annually

Nominations: Rolling, November 1 deadline

Award ceremony: March/April, attend in person

Description: Presented for significant contribution and support to the president of the Tufts University Alumni Association.

Eligibility: All Alums

Number, frequency: At the discretion of the TUAA President as deemed appropriate

Nominations: The general alum community is not eligible to submit nominations.

Award ceremony: Presented to the recipient in a location selected by the TUAA President as deemed appropriate.

Description: Presented to graduating Arts, Sciences, and Engineering seniors for (a) outstanding student leadership, (b) significant academic achievement (3.0 GPA or higher), (c) extraordinary service to Tufts and the greater community, and (d) demonstrated potential to be an alum leader. Such a person serves as an example for their peers and all alums by demonstrating service, loyalty, commitment, and leadership to Tufts and/or their community.

Eligibility: Graduating Arts, Sciences & Engineering seniors

Number, frequency: 6-12 awards annually

Nominations: Early autumn, with the deadline occurring early in the spring semester. Recipients will be chosen by the Awards Committee within four weeks of the nomination deadline.

Award ceremony: On campus in late March/early April. Recipients are strongly encouraged to attend this ceremony in person in order to receive the award. As TUAA funding permits, each honoree will receive $1,000.

Description: Presented to those who have enhanced the reputation or furthered the mission of Tufts University as well as for exceptional contribution and service above and beyond what might be expected, but generally limited to one major sphere. A service is defined as one that is markedly superior to that rendered by the average individual in the same position and/or that represents a real voluntary contribution in time, resources, energy, and support.

Eligibility: Alums and students whose contributions were focused in one particular area; faculty, staff, or friends of Tufts. Graduating seniors may be nominated for a Service Citation for a contribution that doesn’t rise to the level of the criteria for a Senior Award.

Number, frequency: At the discretion of the Awards Committee.

Nominations: Rolling, November 1 deadline

Award ceremony: Presented throughout the year at existing on-campus meetings or activities or in the region where the recipient resides

Description: Presented to an alum who has graduated within the past 10 years, has made significant achievements and contributions to their profession and/or community, and is recognized for leadership in their field. The contributions do not need to be publicly renowned but should represent important creative efforts or accomplishments with societal or educational value. The achievements of the awardees should be inspirational to Tufts University students and bring honor and a source of pride to Tufts University.

Eligibility: Alum from past 10 years

Number, frequency: One award annually

Nominations: Rolling, November 1 deadline

Award ceremony: March/April, attend in person, travel stipend available

Description: The Young Alumni Service Award is presented to an alum who has graduated within the past 10 years, and demonstrated significant service to the Tufts University Alumni Association and/or to Tufts University.

Eligibility: Alum from past 10 years

Number, frequency: One award annually

Nominations: Rolling, November 1 deadline

Award ceremony: March/April, attend in person, travel stipend