Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards

Each year, the University of Pikeville Alumni Association is proud to recognize alumni and friends of the university by presenting five prestigious awards, including, Distinguished Alumni, Rising Young Alumni, Honorary Alumni, Gary Thrash Outstanding Ambassador, and Volunteer of the Year.

Criteria for the awards are as follows:

Distinguished Alumni Award: The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to an alumnus/alumna of the University. He/she must have graduated at least seven years prior to the nomination year. Nomination information should include specific activities, awards and promotions that demonstrate 1) professional achievement and 2) contributions made for the betterment of society, both of which bring honor and distinction to the University of Pikeville.

Rising Young Alumni Award: The Rising Young Alumni Award is presented annually to an alumnus/alumna who is 40-years-old or younger. Basis for selection includes 1) career advancement, 2) service to others, 3) commitment to the University, 4) strong personal character, and 5) proven leadership in his or her profession.

Gary Thrash Outstanding Ambassador Award: The Gary Thrash Outstanding Ambassador Award is presented annually in named recognition of alumnus and longtime Alumni Association Board of Directors member Gary Thrash, for his commitment and dedication to the University and its students. The award is presented to an alumnus/alumna whose service to the University and the alumni association exemplifies Thrash’s dedication to the mission of the University of Pikeville.

Honorary Alumni Award: The Honorary Alumni Award is presented only when there is clearly a deserving candidate and is normally limited to one recipient each year. Individual(s) must be a non-alumnus/alumna of UPIKE and exhibit and demonstrate, 1) deep engagement with the university and, 2) service in the spirit of the University that are above and beyond the normal responsibilities of the individual. Honorary alumni have all the rights and privileges of traditional alumni of the University and become honorary members of the class graduating in the spring of the academic year in which the award is given.

Volunteer of the Year award: The Volunteer of the Year award is presented in recognition of servant leadership, outstanding volunteerism and selfless commitment to the University of Pikeville.

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Nominations for the Alumni Awards

Nomination Form

Each year, the University of Pikeville Alumni Association is proud to recognize alumni and friends of the university by presenting five prestigious awards, including, Distinguished Alumni, Rising Young Alumni, Honorary Alumni, Gary Thrash Outstanding Ambassador, and Volunteer of the Year.

To make a nomination for any or all of the awards, please note the criteria listed for each and submit the form by September 1.