Awards Categories

Please use the descriptions below when considering awards nominations.

ANNUAL AWARD

The Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates who have made significant contributions to UNC Charlotte and its Alumni Association; dedicated service to the community, state or nation; and/or their career field through professional achievements. There are several criteria for selection: The extent to which the candidate embodies the values and core principals of the University, demonstrates extraordinary service to the University, their field, humanity, or society; provides community and national leadership in their profession, and has had a career that has garnered national and international recognition in ways that bring honor to their profession and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

OCCASIONAL AWARDS

The Outstanding Service Award (formerly Humanitarian Award) recognizes lifelong service to society and honors those who have provided extraordinary service to their community, demonstrating leadership through local or global service, and should be outside of the professional duties of the nominee. The award is only available to alumni.  The award honors alumni who exhibit Niner values and have fulfilled the obligations of their education through creative citizenship and exemplary service leadership in ways that benefit society and bring credit to the University.

The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes outstanding individuals who, while not graduates of UNC Charlotte, have made significant contributions to its educational mission. Honorees demonstrate support of education of all students; the desire to leave their own legacy at the university; and serve as models to alumni, students, colleagues and community members.

The Bonnie E. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award is presented on occasion to alumni for extraordinary leadership and accomplishments. It recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the university and community by giving generously of their time, energy and leadership. This award celebrates alumni whose outstanding accomplishments have brought honor and recognition to themselves and The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is preserved for those who’ve had a transforming influence for our university and/or for their community, over a lifetime. It is the highest honor the Alumni Association bestows. To preserve the specialness of this award it is only to be given on a select and very occasional basis.