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The 2027 Alumni Awards

We are accepting nominations for the 2027 awards through Monday, November 23, 2026, at 5 p.m. We invite friends, family, colleagues, mentors, faculty, and staff to nominate our alumni for an award. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

An awards dinner to celebrate the recipients will be held in March 2027 as part of the university's Annual Meeting.

Please keep in mind:

  • Candidates may be considered for only one award each year.
  • Past award recipients cannot be nominated for the same award.
  • In rare circumstances, a previous award recipient might receive an award in a different category at another time.
  • The awards committee is not obligated to select a recipient for each category every year if applicants do not adequately meet the requirements.
  • Nomination form is required; additional letters of recommendation are optional.
  • Nominations must include a current resume, CV, or bio as an attachment or link on the form.
  • Requirements will vary by award.

For more information, contact [email protected].

 

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a recent graduate (received degree within last five years) who has demonstrated leadership in their profession, community, and/or Empire State University. Criteria to consider:

  • National, regional, and local professional awards
  • Career advancement
  • Leadership roles within professional organizations and the community
  • Service to SUNY Empire after graduation
  • Civic involvement

The Community Impact Award recognizes a graduate who has provided exceptional service to their community and beyond. Criteria to consider:

  • Inspirational leadership
  • Teaching, coaching, and organizing initiatives
  • Service on boards and committees
  • Extraordinary commitment to volunteering 

The Distinguished Leader Award recognizes a graduate who has provided outstanding service to Empire State University and/or their community through philanthropic support. Criteria to consider:

  • Transformational philanthropy 
  • Leadership and service 
  • A combination of both

 

The Veteran Service Award recognizes a graduate and veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has made a positive impact on the local, national, international, university, and/or veteran communities.

The recipient shall be an individual who served in the active military, naval or air service, and who was honorably discharged or released. Active service means full-time service, and not active duty for training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Science Services Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Criteria to consider:

  • Distinguished service to the veteran community
  • Support for Empire State University that could include volunteering or philanthropy
  • Military accomplishments or contributions
  • Significant personal and/or professional achievements
  • Extraordinary commitment to community volunteering

*When submitting the nomination for this award, please provide the dates of service and rank of the nominee. 

 

The Professional Excellence Award recognizes a graduate who has performed with distinction in their profession or organization. Criteria to consider:

  • Advanced degrees
  • Job promotions
  • Publications and presentations of their work or research
  • Patents, copyrights, and trademarks
  • Professional honors and awards
  • Mentorship
  • Transformational impact on the mission of an organization or through public service