Purpose
The purpose of the Departmental Alumni Awards is to recognize and honor an alumnus/alumna from each academic department/school for his or her outstanding achievements in their field of study; demonstrate the value of life-long learning; and whose lives, in one way or another, reflect the values and diversity of a liberal arts education.
Eligibility
Any alumnus/alumna of Gardner-Webb University, undergraduate or graduate, who graduated from the University in that particular department/school may be nominated.
Criteria for Selection
Professional Attainment and Achievement: Nominee holds a record of significant career achievements and has made outstanding contributions to that field of study. His or her work has demonstrated impact and serves as a role model for current students.
Loyalty and Support: Nominee has demonstrated continued interest and involvement with his or her alma mater; has contributed time, talents, and resources to the University. His or her interest in the advancement of that particular field and the University is evident.
Integrity and Character: Nominee has the highest standard of personal integrity and character.
Nomination Process
Nominations can be made by any alumnus/alumna, staff, faculty, student, or friend of the University. Nominations can be submitted to the Office of Alumni Relations throughout the year. Nominations for the forthcoming academic year are submitted no later than April 1. Nominations are made by completing an Award Nomination Form available online at www.supportgwu.com or by calling the Office of Alumni Relations at 704.406.3862.
Nominations are accepted using the following guidelines:
1. The Office of Alumni Relations provides an Award Nomination Form upon request and makes it available online at www.supportgwu.com. Nomination forms are available at the department/school office as well.
2. In addition to the Award Nomination Form, nominators are encouraged to provide supporting items that further distinguish the nominee. Such items may include, but are not limited to:
-Current biography or resume
-Newspaper and magazine articles
-Personal stories
-Awards or certificates of achievement
3. Nomination Forms are held for each individual for a two year period. If an individual is not selected for the forthcoming academic year, the nominee is filed for review the following academic year.
4. No limitation is placed on the total number of nominations accepted for consideration.
Selection Process
Nominees are reviewed by a panel of current and emeritus faculty within that department/school. One graduate is selected per department/school for each academic year using the following guidelines:
By April 1 Nominations for the forthcoming academic year (July 1 through June 30) are submitted to the Office of Alumni Relations.
By May 1 Nominees are reviewed by panel of faculty from the department/school.
By June 1 One nominee per department/school is selected.
By August 1 Award packet is mailed by the Office of Alumni Relations.
The award packet to include:
-Letter signed by the University President and Dean/Chair of the department/school.
- Reply and Reservation Form
-Biographical Form
By August 15 Reply and Reservation Form is due to the Office of Alumni Relations.
By September 1 Confirmation packet is mailed by the Office of Alumni Relations.
Confirmation packet to include:
-Letter from Office of Alumni Relations
-Itinerary for Homecoming events
-Reservation Form for Homecoming events.
By September 15 Reservation Form is due.
Announcement and Recognition
Recipients of the Departmental Alumni Awards are recognized and honored in several specific ways throughout the year:
1. Portraits and biographies displayed in a prominent place either in the Dover Campus Center or in the academic building in which the recipient represents.
2. Photos and biographies and appear in The Magazine, on the supportgwu.com website, and in the hometown newspapers of the inductees.
3. Recipients and their families are invited to a reception and banquet in their honor during the Homecoming weekend.
4. During the banquet, biographies are shared and recipients are presented a plaque by the University President and/or chair/dean of the department/school.
5. Award recipients are recognized out on the field during the half-time festivities of the Homecoming football game.