RELATED LINKSAlumni Awards - Now Accepting Nominations
Nearly 4,000 Nelson Institute alumni work in government, business and non-profit organizations, applying their knowledge and skills to make the world a better and more sustainable place. Many also volunteer with environmental or humanitarian causes, extending the community-based philosophy that is cultivated within the Nelson Institute. Each year, the Nelson Institute shines a spotlight on alumni who are making a difference in the world.
Rising Star Alumni Award
This award recognizes the accomplishments of alumni who are making a significant difference in the world soon after graduation.
Distinguished Alumni Award
This award honors alumni who have demonstrated considerable professional achievement and/or community service.
Nomination Process
Applications for Nelson Institute Alumni Awards are solicited each spring and awardees are notified of their selection in mid-June. Applicants may either self-nominate or be nominated by a Nelson Institute Faculty, Staff, or Alum. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, May 31, 2018.
Selection Process
Award winners are selected by members of the Nelson Institute Student and Alumni Life Committee and approved by the Nelson Institute Senior Leadership Team. Decisions for the 2018 Alumni Award competition will be made no later than June 15, 2018.
Award Process
Awards are presented at the Nelson Institute’s annual a href="https://nelson.wisc.edu/alumni/alumni-gatherings.php">Rendezvous on the Terrace gathering for alumni and friends. The 2018 Rendezvous on the Terrace will be held on Friday, September 7, 2018 in Tripp Commons of the Memorial Union from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Rising Star Alumni Award
The Nelson Institute Rising Star Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of alumni who are making a significant difference in the world soon after graduation and who have attained a notable degree of success or impact through their professional accomplishments and/or community service. It is expected that the recipient of this award will be present to accept the award during the Nelson Institute’s Rendezvous on the Terrace event on Friday, September 7, 2018.
- Nominees must have earned an undergraduate major or certificate or a graduate degree or certificate from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.
- Nominees must be under 35 years of age OR have received their degree/certificate less than 10 years ago.
- Special consideration will be given to those who have demonstrated significant initiative by starting innovative service or research projects, businesses, or other original enterprises.
- All candidates will be considered regardless of race, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or religion.
- Nominations may be made by any students, alumni, friends, and current or emeritus faculty or staff of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Self-nominations are accepted, but require a letter of recommendation in addition to the nomination form.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Nelson Institute Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have attained a notable degree of long-term success or impact through their professional accomplishments and/or community service. It is expected that the recipient of this award will be present to accept the award during the Nelson Institute’s Rendezvous on the Terrace event on Friday, September 7, 2018.
- Nominees must have earned an undergraduate major or certificate or graduate degree or certificate from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
- Nominees must be over the age of 35 OR have received their degree/certificate more than 10 years ago.
- Special consideration will be given to those who have demonstrated significant initiative by starting innovative service or research projects, businesses, or other original enterprises.
- All candidates will be considered regardless of race, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or religion.
- Nominations may be made by any students, alumni, friends, and current or emeritus faculty or staff of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Self-nominations are accepted, but require a letter of recommendation in addition to the nomination form.
Previous Award Recipients
Past Alumni Award recipients represent a variety of sectors and hail from local and global locales. Learn more about our past winners.
- 2017: Lea Shanley (PhD ER) and Lynn Price (MS LR ’82)
- 2016: Amy Kesling (ES Certificate '09), Ron Meissen (PhD LR and EAP Certificate '06) and Roberto Lindig-Cisneros (PhD LR '00)
- 2015: Jami Morton (MS ER '11) and Neva Hassanein (PhD LR '97), and honorary award winners Claus Moberg and Matt Luedke
- 2014: Matt Dannenberg (ES Certificate '10) and Lynn Hobbie (MS LR '84)
Questions
Please email Emily Reynolds, Assistant Director for Community Engagement and Alumni Relations, with questions.