Honoree Nominations

Selection Criteria & Process


Four awards are given as part of the Northwestern Eagle Awards to recognize and celebrate exceptional leadership and service on the part of University of Northwestern alumni. See the list of our alumni awards along with selection criteria and processes. Awards will be presented at the Honoree Dinner as part of Homecoming & Family Weekend.

Submit a nomination LAST YEAR’S HONOREES
Eagle Awards Graphic

Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

The Distinguished Alumni of the Year is the highest honor given to an alumnus/alumna by the University of Northwestern. This award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated distinguished God-honoring leadership in ALL of the following areas: 

  • Achievement and impact in their profession. 
  • Leadership and service to their community and/or church. 
  • Initiative and influence in the home. 

Eagle On Mission Award 

The Eagle On Mission Award is given to alumni who have advanced the kingdom of God in one or more of the following ways: 

  • God-glorifying achievement and impact in their profession. 
  • God-honoring leadership and service to their community and/or church. 
  • Christ-centered initiative and influence in the home. 

Rising Eagle Award (Age 29 & Under) 

The Rising Eagle Award is given to alumni who have advanced the kingdom of God in one or more of the following ways and are under the age of 30: 

  • God-glorifying achievement and impact in their profession. 
  • God-honoring leadership and service to their community and/or church.
  • Christ-centered initiative and influence in the home. 

Buckles-Hanna Service Award (Service to the Northwestern Community) 

The Buckles-Hanna Service Award recognizes and honors an individual who was or is currently a member of the University of Northwestern campus community (i.e. faculty, staff, administration, and volunteers) and has given outstanding service to the Northwestern community, its mission and vision. 

Submit a nomination


  • While nominations are accepted at any time, they must be received by March 15 to be considered for this year’s awards. 

  • The members of the Alumni Council will select award recipients, with the president’s approval. 

  • Recognition is extended to the person who has served quietly and faithfully, as well as to those who are widely recognized for their accomplishments. 

  • Persons nominated but not selected will continue to be considered each succeeding year. 

  • Award recipients are honored each year at Homecoming & Family Weekend. 


Nominations

The Alumni Council invites all members of the Northwestern community to submit nominees to be considered for the awards; alumni, students, parents of students and/or alumni, past and present faculty, staff, administration and volunteers. 

Nominations should include as much supporting evidence as possible and may be submitted online, or mailed to: 

Alumni Engagement Team 
University of Northwestern 
3003 Snelling Avenue North 
St. Paul, MN 55113-1598 

Submit a nomination

2023 Honoree Dinner Photo Gallery