Alumni Relations

Alumni Awards

A River Falls alumnus can receive two prestigious awards, the Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Outstanding Service Award.

Distinguished Alumnus Award 

Many colleges and universities across the nation have had a long tradition of honoring those of its graduates who have distinguished themselves in various ways throughout their careers. The University of Wisconsin - River Falls Distinguished Alumnus Award was established in 1959. The first recipient was Dean Smith, a physician from La Crosse, WI. It was presented at the commencement ceremonies in June 1959. 

The Distinguished Alumnus Award continues to be the most prestigious acknowledgment of the accomplishments of our alumni. The criteria for being considered for the Distinguished Alumnus award are: 

1. Personal accomplishments in their field. 
2. Civic responsibility and contributions to their community. 
3. Continuing interest in the university. 
4. Highest integrity in professional, public, and personal relations. 

Once an individual has been nominated for this award, they remain in contention, basically forever. Each year nominations are sought by the External Relations Committee from alumni, and from faculty and staff who may know of a deserving alumnus. Alumni are encouraged to nominate anyone they feel meets the criteria for selection, even themselves. 

The External Relations Committee asks that you submit your nominations to the Alumni Office, 310 South Hall, River Falls, WI. If you have any specific questions, please contact Dan McGinty in the Alumni Office at (715) 425-3505.

Past Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipients

Outstanding Service Award 

This award was established in 1983 with the approval of the Faculty Senate and the administration. The award parallels the Distinguished Alumnus Award in the manner in which it is presented and the exposure and publicity it receives. The award is presented at the fall commencement. 

The award was established to recognize those individuals outside of the University community that have made exemplary contributions to the University of Wisconsin - River Falls through their support of our goals and their volunteer efforts on our behalf. 

We realize that there are individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the university of personal time and energy, leadership, support, and/or monetary donations. It is for these reasons that we are pleased to make this award available. 

The following criteria are to be followed by the committee in the selection process, realizing that there may be exceptions from time to time that would necessitate a suspension of one or more of the criteria in a given year. 

1. Demonstrated contributions of time,talent, and/or financial support to UW-River Falls over a period of at least five years. Length of service will be a major factor in determining the recipient. 
2. Letters of recommendation in support of the candidate are strongly encouraged. 
3. The Deans of each of the four colleges will be asked to nominate one or more people for this award. In addition, other areas of the University are encouraged to nominate candidates as they see fit. The nominations will be due to the committee before the end of the spring semester. 
4. At no time will more than three (3) awards be given in a single year. 
5. University employees are not eligible for this award. 
6. This award may also be presented to a company, organization, or other institution that has made a significant contribution to the goals and objectives of the University over a period of years.

Past Outstanding Service Award Recipients