Northwestern University Alumni

About the Northwestern Alumni Medal

Since 1932, the Northwestern Alumni Medal has celebrated alumni who have had a transformative impact on their fields, who have performed exemplary volunteer service to society, or who have demonstrated an outstanding record of service and support to the University. Distinguished recipients—ranging from innovative entrepreneurs and Supreme Court justices to award-winning writers and a Nobel Prize recipient—truly exemplify the ideals of the University through their life, work, and service.

Eligibility Criteria

• Is an alum of Northwestern University
• Has not previously received a Northwestern Alumni Medal
• Is living and physically able to attend the awards celebration (no posthumous nominations)
• Is not currently a University trustee (life trustees are eligible to be nominated)
• Is not currently a member of the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) Board of Directors
• Candidates whose primary professional affiliation is with Northwestern University will not be considered (emeriti faculty and staff are eligible to be nominated)
• Couples/partners who will be honored for a shared achievement will be eligible for a single award
• Preference will be given to candidates who have shown support of the University
• Preference will be given to candidates celebrating a Reunion
• A strong nomination includes letters of support—a minimum of two letters are required