The awards and selection committee will be comprised of at least six (6) members of the board. This committee is responsible for the awards selections including, but not limited to, the Distinguished Alumni Award for Career Achievement, the Volunteer Excellence Award, the Young Alumni Leadership Award, the Saluki Spirit Award, the Diversity and Inclusion Award, and the Innovative in Entrepreneurship Program of the Year Award. Their duties include reviewing the awards criteria, reviewing nominee information, and selecting award recipients.

SELECTION CRITERIA

While the Association considers all people who completed 12 credit hours or more at SIU alumni, the Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients must have graduated from the university. Only in special cases as determined by the selection committee will someone outside of these parameters be consider.

General criteria for a suitable nominee:

Selections are to reflect the diverse composition of the worldwide SIUC alumni body and will include alumni who have foremost, brought honor to Southern Illinois University while meeting the criteria of the individual award. These individuals will have displayed character and utmost dignity in pursuit of their aspirations, and in turn, have earned the respect of their peers. This includes alumni with local, national, and international accomplishments. Self-nominations are not accepted for these awards.

Nominees must meet specific criteria for the award for which they are nominated:

• Distinguished Alumni Award — The Distinguished Alumni Award will recognize the accomplishments of Southern Illinois University alumni whose exceptional achievements in their profession, vocation, or community have had a profound and lasting impact.
• Volunteer Excellence Award — The Volunteer Excellence Award will recognize an alumnus who has enriched Southern Illinois University-Carbondale through their volunteer efforts.
• Diversity and Inclusion Award — The Diversity and Inclusion Award will recognize an individual who has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to causes of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion and who exemplifies and enriches SIU’s values of community, diversity, respect, and social responsibility in their broader community and/or organization.
• Young Alumni Leadership Award — The Young Alumni Leadership Award will recognize the accomplishments of recent graduates.
• Saluki Spirit Award — The Saluki Spirit Award will recognize individuals for their outstanding enthusiasm, loyalty, pride and spirit in support of Southern Illinois University.
• Innovation in Entrepreneurship Award — The Innovation in Entrepreneurship Award honors an idea or entrepreneurial initiative derived from the experience of attending SIU. It should demonstrate a positive impact on an industry or community and include principles that are rooted in a person's time on campus and lessons learned as a Saluki. Preference may be given to endeavors that have also contributed to the support of SIU and/or current students.

The following will assist in the preparation of the nomination:

1. Nominee information: Provide the complete name of the candidate. Provide employment and home address information as accurately as possible, particularly an email address.
2. Other professional accomplishments: Include service to the University, professional honors and awards, public service (local, national, and worldwide), and volunteer activities.
3. Significant contributions and achievements: Describe the candidate’s outstanding contributions and achievements in detail, within the space provided. The nominator must include information about the contributions/achievements in the areas considered for each award.

For more information or questions, please contact Cathie Mieldezis at cathiem@alumni.siu.edu or (618) 453-2408.