Purpose
The purpose of the Honorary Alumnus Award is to recognize and honor friends of Gardner-Webb who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary commitment, dedication, leadership, and service to the advancement of the University.
Eligibility
Any non-alumnus/alumna of Gardner-Webb University, excluding current staff and faculty, is eligible for this award.
Criteria for Selection
-Has served, promoted, and loved the University in the tradition of a loyal alumnus.
-Personifies the University’s tradition of excellence, as shown through years of service and achievements.
-Has exhibited consistent interest in and support of Gardner-Webb University for a significant period of time.
Nomination Process
Nominations are submitted to the Office of Alumni Relations throughout the year. Nominations can be made by any alumnus/alumna, staff, faculty, student, or friend of the University. Nominations for the forthcoming academic year are submitted no later than June 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.
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
The Office of Development/Alumni Relations, in conjunction with members of the Alumni Association Recognitions and Awards Team, select one recipient for the academic year using the following guidelines:
By June 1 Nominations for the forthcoming academic year (July 1 through June 30) are submitted.
By July 1 Nominees are reviewed.
By July 15 Nominee are selected.
By August 1 Award packet is mailed by the Office of Alumni Relations.
Award packet to include:
-Award letter is signed by the University President and/or President of the Alumni Association
-Reply and Reservation Form
-Biographical Form
By August 15 Reply and Reservation Form due.
By September 1 Confirmation packet is mailed by the Office of Alumni Relations.
Confirmation packet to include:
-Cover 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
The recipient of the Honorary Alumnus/Alumna Award is recognized and honored in several specific ways throughout the year:
1. Portrait and biography is displayed in the Dover Campus Center on a rotating basis.
2. Portrait and biography appears in the publication of The Magazine, on the supportgwu.com website, and in the hometown newspapers of the recipient.
3. The recipient and his or her family are invited to a reception and banquet during the Homecoming weekend.
4. During the banquet, his or her biography is shared and the recipient is presented a plaque by the University President and/or Alumni Association President.
5. Recipient is recognized out on the field during the half-time festivities of the Homecoming football game.