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Alumni Awards

The true measure of a university’s greatness is found in the achievements of its alumni. Empire State University is globally recognized for graduates who are leaders and innovators in their fields.

To honor our graduates, the Alumni Student Federation Board of Governors established the Alumni Awards Program in 2016. These awards recognize outstanding graduates who have made a positive impact through their military service, or professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments. The awards illustrate the value of our academic programs, showcase our pride in SUNY Empire, and raise the university’s public profile.

This year, we are pleased to announce a new category, the Professional Excellence Award.

We are accepting nominations for the 2025 awards from Wednesday, May 28, 2025 until Monday, July 28, 2025.  We invite anyone who is interested to nominate one of our alumni for an award. Alumni are also welcome to nominate themselves. 

An awards dinner to celebrate the recipients will be held October 16, 2025.

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.

For more information, contact alumni@sunyempire.edu.

 

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

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

Nomination form  

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, and other community leadership roles
  • Extraordinary commitment to volunteering

Nomination form

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

  • Philanthropy that has helped transform their community
  • Leadership and service to SUNY Empire
  • Leadership and participation in other organizations

Nomination form

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.

Must be: “A person 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.” 

Other criteria for consideration:

  • Support for SUNY Empire that could include volunteering, attending events, or financial support
  • Military accomplishments or contributions
  • Significant personal and/or professional achievements
  • Extraordinary commitment to volunteering
  • Exceptional service to the veteran community

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

Nomination form

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 and trademarks
  • Professional honors and awards
  • Mentorship

Nomination form