Northwestern University Alumni Awards Program -- Categories of Awards

Alumni Medal
The Alumni Medal, the highest award granted by the NAA, is given to an alumnus/a who combines superior professional distinction and/or exemplary volunteer service to society with an outstanding record of service to the University.

Alumni Merit 
Alumni Merit Awards are presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves in their particular professions or fields of endeavor in such a way as to reflect credit on their alma mater. In an effort to recognize outstanding alumni in many professions, awards committees are appointed from the schools to evaluate nominees and select Merit Award recipients representative of each of the 11 schools and the Dental School.

Alumni Service 
The Alumni Service Awards are given in recognition of loyal service rendered voluntarily to the University. This service may be provided through the NAA directly, through an affiliated group, or through a particular school within the University. It must better the entire Northwestern community and advance the University’s objectives and ideals.

Service to Society 
The Service to Society Award recognizes the voluntary efforts of alumni in various arenas that contribute to the advancement of causes or the improvement of society, thereby reflecting favorably on the University.

Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award is presented to an alumnus/a who has made a significant impact in their profession and/or community at large since graduation. The nominee must be 35 years of age or younger at the time the award is presented.

Grant Goodrich Achievement Award
The Grant Goodrich Achievement Award recognizes one outstanding individual who, though not a graduate of Northwestern University, greatly enhances the University through their professional accomplishments, commitment and service.

Updated February 1, 2012.