A tradition since 1932, the Northwestern Alumni Medal is the Northwestern Alumni Association’s (NAA) highest honor. The Medal celebrates alumni who have made a transformative impact on their fields, performed exemplary volunteer service to society, and 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.
Nominate an Alum
You are welcome to nominate—or write a letter of support for—any alum who meets our eligibility criteria for consideration as a future Alumni Medalist.
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 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 for the University
Preference will be given to candidates celebrating a Reunion
A strong nomination includes letters of support from fellow alumni—a minimum of two letters are required
