Awards and Scholarships

Ball State Alumni Association Awards

For more than 100 years, graduates of Ball State University have been accomplished trailblazers who leave their indelible mark on the world. To celebrate the many alumni who have demonstrated outstanding service and support to the university, excelled in their professions or served their communities with great distinction, the following awards are presented each year.

Nominations: Nominations are accepted throughout the year and will remain in consideration for three years. To be considered for the current year, nominations should be received by February 28.

Selecting body: The honorees are selected by the Alumni Awards Committee of the Ball State University Alumni Council.

TIPS FOR A STRONG NOMINATION

Your submission will provide the majority of information the awards committee receives for evaluation purposes so it’s important you provide a full picture of the nominee.

Every question on the nomination form is a key part of the evaluation process so please make sure to provide appropriate information and details for each section.

The strongest nominations don’t need to be long. However, they need to provide comprehensive information in a concise way, so that it stands out among others the awards committee will be reviewing. An ideal response for each section is 2–3 paragraphs, along with utilizing bullet points when listing a series of accomplishments.

Provide a passionate statement of support. Why is your nominee amazing, and why does the individual deserve to win the award?

You will be asked, when possible, to include links or attachments for supplemental information such as resumes, articles, websites or letters of support. You may submit up to 9 pages of various materials. These materials are incredibly helpful in providing a complete representation of the nominee. While it’s important to be comprehensive, please do not submit excessive or redundant materials. If you submit more than 9 pages, only the first 9 will be considered.

Thank you for making the effort to complete a nomination. It is because of your time and efforts that we are able to honor Ball State University’s best and brightest. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

Alumni Achievement Award

The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes the expanding achievements or leadership of alumni, whether professional or civic. This mid-career award honors alumni whose ongoing achievements have brought distinction to themselves as well as recognition to Ball State University.

CRITERIA

Ball State graduates who have received a bachelor's or advanced degree are eligible for consideration. Nominations must include the nominee's professional achievements and/or service to their respective communities. Current members of the Board of Trustees, Alumni Council, Foundation Board, Foundation Staff, and Ball State employees are ineligible during the terms of their service or employment.

Nomination Form

Benny Award

The Benny Award is the Alumni Association’s top award for service to Ball State University or the Alumni Association. The award gets its name from the statue of Beneficence, the University’s long-standing symbol of unselfish contribution of one’s talents, energy, and time.

CRITERIA

Eligible candidates are Ball State alumni, University employees, community members, and corporations or businesses that contribute outstanding service in support of the University or Alumni Association. Current members of the Board of Trustees, Alumni Council, Foundation Board and Foundation Staff are ineligible during the terms of their service or employment.

Nomination Form

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award that may be bestowed on an alumnus by the Ball State University Alumni Association. This award honors a lifetime of accomplishments including commitment to Ball State, professional achievements and service to respective communities.

CRITERIA

Ball State graduates who have received a bachelor’s or advanced degree are eligible for consideration. Nominations must include the nominee’s involvement with Ball State University, their professional achievements and service to their respective communities. Current members of the Board of Trustees, Alumni Council, Foundation Board, Foundation staff and Ball State employees are ineligible during the terms of their service or employment.

Nomination Form

Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Award

The Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Award annually recognizes the outstanding professional and personal accomplishments of recent Ball State University graduates.

CRITERIA

Recipients must have graduated with a bachelor’s degree within the last 10 years and be identifiable as an emerging leader through professional and/or community achievements. Nominations must include the nominee’s activities, achievements and contributions qualifying them for the G.O.L.D. Award. Current members of the Board of Trustees, Alumni Council, Foundation Board, Foundation staff and Ball State employees are ineligible during the terms of their service or employment. The awards committee may consider making exceptions if a nominee is part of any of the above referenced groups during their 10th (and final) year of potential eligibility for this award.

NOMINATION FORM

Honorary Alumni Award

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented by the Ball State University Alumni Association to honor people who are not graduates of the University but who have made significant contributions towards its welfare, reputation, or prestige.

CRITERIA

Individuals who are not graduates of the University but who have made significant contributions to Ball State’s welfare, reputation, and prestige are eligible for consideration. Nominations must include a description of the individual’s contribution and impact they have had on the mission of the Alumni Association, Foundation, and/or University.

NOMINATION FORM

See all of the 2023 BSUAA award winners here.