Purpose and Philosophy

Seton Hill University established the Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award in 1987. The purpose of the annual Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award is to recognize outstanding alumni for their individual achievements, contributions to their industries or professions, service to their community and demonstrated loyalty to Seton Hill University. There are four unique Distinguished Alumni Leadership Awards.

1. Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award
2. Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award for Service
3. Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award for Military Service
4. Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award for Young Alumni Achievement

The Distinguished Alumni Leadership Awards are presented annually at Alumni Weekend, held the first full weekend in June. The recipient must be able to accept the award in person.

1. Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award

This award acknowledges outstanding alumni who have attained extraordinary distinction and success in their chosen profession and accomplishment in any field of human endeavour that brings honor to the recipient and to Seton Hill University.   

To be considered for this award, the individual is:

• A Seton Hill University graduate at least 15 years from nominating year.
• Distinguished in his or her chosen business, profession or life work, and the recipient of some previous recognition (publications, presentations,  awards, honors, research, continued advancement – academically and/or professionally).
• Active in professional organizations.
• A person of such integrity and stature that the University will take pride in bestowing this recognition.     
• A leader both professionally and within the community and demonstrates a commitment to community relations and philanthropy.
• Demonstrates the importance of a Seton Hill education and is loyal to the University by alumni involvement or philanthropic support.

An individual can only receive this award once.

2. Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award for Service

This award acknowledges individuals who have a history of service to others through outstanding leadership in public service, the church or other community endeavours as well as Seton Hill University.

 To be considered for this award, the individual is:

• A Seton Hill University graduate at least 15 years from nominating year.
• Distinguished in his or her life work through dedicated service in any public or community endeavour that advances the welfare of those involved.
• A person of such integrity and stature that the University will take pride in bestowing this recognition.     
• A leader exemplifying a commitment to community relations and philanthropy.
• Demonstrates the importance of a Seton Hill education and is loyal to the University by alumni involvement or philanthropic support.

 An individual can only receive this award once.

3. Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award for Military Service

This award acknowledges individuals who have a history of military service to the United States military and have demonstrated significant leadership in all endeavours, including church, as well as service and commitment to the University.

To be considered for this award, the individual is:

• A Seton Hill University graduate.
• Distinguished in his or her work through dedicated military service.
• A person of such integrity and stature that the University will take pride in bestowing this recognition.     
• A leader exemplifying a commitment to community relations and philanthropy.
• Demonstrates the importance of a Seton Hill education and is loyal to the University by alumni involvement or philanthropic support.

An individual can only receive this award once.

4. Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award for Young Alumni Achievement

This award acknowledges individuals who have achieved exceptional accomplishment in their chosen profession during the first 15 years following graduation as well as service to their community and demonstrated loyalty to Seton Hill University. The number of Young Alumni Achievement Awards presented in one year is unlimited.

 To be considered for this award, the individual is:

• A Seton Hill University graduate within the last 15 years from nomination date.
• Distinguished in his or her chosen profession, public or private, and the recipient of some previous recognition - academic or professional.
• A person of such integrity and stature that the University will take pride in bestowing this recognition.     
• A leader exemplifying a commitment to community relations and philanthropy.
• Demonstrates the importance of a Seton Hill education and is loyal to the University by alumni involvement or philanthropic support.

An individual can only receive this award once.

A Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award for Young Alumni Achievement recipient may, upon nomination in another year, receive one other of the Distinguished Alumni Leadership Awards. 

Ineligibility for Distinguished Alumni Leadership Awards

Current full-time University faculty and staff members are not eligible. An individual who currently holds an elected public office will not be selected in a year in which he/she might be elected or re-elected.   

Method of Nomination

The University will provide an award nomination form. Nomination forms may also be found here.

• Any member of the Seton Hill University community as well any administration, faculty or staff member of the University may make nominations.
• Any friend, family member or former student of Seton Hill University may make nominations.
• Self-nominations are accepted.
• There is no limit placed on the number of nominations.
• One nomination per individual will be considered per year.
• An individual can be nominated for the award regardless of how many times he/she has been nominated in the past.
• The name of the nominator will not be disclosed.
• In the event that a candidate is not selected as an honoree, his/her nomination may be updated and resubmitted for future consideration. 
• Nominators must submit a completed nomination form, letter of recommendation and supporting documentation as available (see details that follow).
• Recipients must be able to accept the award in person at Seton Hill University.

Nomination

Nomination for qualified candidates for the Distinguished Alumni Awards should include:

• Completed Nomination Form
• Letter of recommendation
• Biography and supporting documentation as available

Nominations must be kept confidential between the nominator and the Distinguished Alumni Award Selection Committee. No approach should be made to any nominee until the selection process has been completed. Once the selection process has been completed, the President of the University will notify the successful nominee. Applications in breach of the above guidelines will not be considered. Nomination deadline is September 30.

Presentation of Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented annually by the President of the University at Alumni Weekend.