Alumni Society Awards

Alumni Excellence Award (formerly the Excellence in Education Award-revised 2014)

The Alumni Excellence Award is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni of the College of Education. It recognizes career-long, sustained excellence of contributions and achievement in the nominee's chosen profession.

Specific criteria:

1. Nominees will be evaluated for significant contributions to their chosen profession (in or out of the field of education) over the span of their career, for a period of 15 years or more;
2. The nomination should include clear, compelling, and documented evidence of excellence through contributions to the nominees chosen field as exemplified in leadership, innovation, commitment, and/or service;
3. Nominee must be a graduate of the College of Education (certification, baccalaureate, or advanced degree).

This award recognizes alumni who showcase exemplary insight and fortitude in the area of workplace and/or community diversity. Selection is made on the basis of: fostering an environment in which diversity is understood, valued, and promoted; meeting the needs of employees and/or community members of traditionally underrepresented groups and/or diverse populations; collaborating with others who have shared goals around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; and creating diversity programs and/or initiatives that positively affect the nominee’s organization and/or community.

Specific criteria:

1. Nominee has been a catalyst for change regarding workplace diversity and inclusion and/or has impacted change within an industry, organization, and/or local community.

2. Nominee must be a graduate of the College of Education (certification, baccalaureate, or advanced degree).

The Leadership and Service Award recognizes those alumni who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession, in or out of the field of education. Selection is made on the basis of leadership and service within a career, a community or to society in general.

Specific criteria:

1. Achievement in a chosen field, in a community, or in society;
2. Nominee must be a graduate of the College of Education (certification, baccalaureate, or advanced degree).

The Outstanding New Graduate Award recognizes recent graduates who have distinguished themselves in their new careers. Selection is made on the basis of the individual's advancement and excellence in a new job, in or out of the field of education.

Specific criteria:

1. Outstanding contributions to and achievements in a new job;
2. Nominees must be graduates from any program and of any degree level within the College of Education within five years of the date of nomination.

This award recognizes up to four outstanding student teachers every academic year. (Note: Nominations for this award are solicited through the College of Education’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction Field Experiences.)

This award recognizes up to four Outstanding Field Experience Students every academic year. (Note: Nominations for this award are solicited through coordinators in the College of Educations Office of Curriculum, Education and Public Policy, and Rehabilitation and Human Services.

Specific criteria:

1. Nominee must be employed full-time in the teaching profession (traditional or non-traditional setting);
2. Nominee must be a graduate of the College of Education (certification, baccalaureate, or advanced degree).

The Service to Penn State Award (new in 2014), recognizes those alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of time and talent to the College and/or the University.

Specific Criteria:

1. Nominee will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated commitment and dedication to enhancing the objectives of the College and/or the University.

Past Award Winners

• Alumni Excellence and Excellence in Education Award recipients
• Leadership and Service Award recipients
• Outstanding New Graduate Award honorees
• Outstanding Field Experience Award recipients
• Service to Penn State Award honorees