The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Alumni Association provides a variety of awards to recognize exceptional members within the St. Mary’s College community. These include the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Society of Distinguished Alumni Award, and Honorary Alumni Award.
The Alumni Council Scholarship and Recognition Committee selects all successful candidates. Past winners have displayed outstanding service in their communities and exemplary work throughout their school and professional careers.
All requested materials for the Outstanding Young Alumni, Honorary Alumni and Society of Distinguished Alumni Awards must be submitted through the online nomination form by midnight on November 15.
Nominate an Alumni by November 15, 2024
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Description
Established in 2006 by the St. Mary’s College Alumni Association, this award recognizes young alumni who have attained prominence through exceptional career achievements and dedication to public service.
Selection Criteria
In order to qualify for this award, a nominee must:
- be a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland within the last ten years
- have attained prominence through their professional achievements
- show leadership and dedication to public welfare in the form of community, public, or humanitarian service
- have demonstrated exceptional initiative or innovation in their professional or service work
Instructions
Nominations must be submitted by November 15. Nominators must submit the nomination form and a letter of nomination (no more than 2 pages) outlining the accomplishments of the nominee.
Presentation of Award
Winners will be announced by March 1. Awardees will be invited to a presentation ceremony at Alumni Weekend and a nameplate will be added to the plaque in the Alumni House.
Society of Distinguished Alumni Award
Description
Established in 1995 by the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Alumni Association and the Office of Student Development, this award recognizes alumni who have gained distinction through significant accomplishments in their chosen profession.
Selection Criteria
In order to qualify for this award, a nominee must:
- be a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland or its predecessor institutions
- have attained prominence among his or her peers for contributions made in his or her profession or community
- demonstrate such integrity and ability that alumni, students, faculty, and staff of the College will take pride in, and be inspired by,
- their recognition reflect in deed or action the importance of their education at St. Mary’s and demonstrate pride in his or her alma mater
Instructions
Nominations must be submitted by November 15. Nominators must submit the nomination form and a letter of nomination (no more than 2 pages) outlining the accomplishments of the nominee.
Presentation of Award
Winners will be announced by March 1. Awardees will be invited to a presentation ceremony at Alumni Weekend and a nameplate will be added to the plaque in the Alumni House.
Honorary Alumni Award
Description
Established in 1932, this award recognizes friends of the College whose untiring efforts on its behalf have been significant and noteworthy.
Selection Criteria
In order to qualify for this award, a nominee must:
- have a connection to St. Mary’s College as a staff member, professor, administrator, or friend of the College
- have a connection to St. Mary’s College for at least five (5) years
- have distinguished themselves, and/or have received recognition in public or private life,
- for at least two of the following:
- fostering meaningful connections with students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators as a mentor, guest lecturer, volunteer, etc.
- playing a significant role in alumni and College events
- promoting the College
- supporting the Alumni Association in its mission, either through financial contributions, in-kind contributions, service, and/or
- providing significant financial contributions to programs that support scholarship, athletics, or special programs at St. Mary’s College
Instructions
Nominations must be submitted by November 15. Nominators must submit the nomination form and two letters of endorsement from individuals who know the nominee well and are aware of his or her achievements.
Presentation of Award
Winners will be announced by March 1. Awardees will be invited to a presentation ceremony at Alumni Weekend and a nameplate will be added to the plaque in the Alumni House.
Hall of Fame Award
Description
The Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to recognize outstanding athletes, coaches, and staff who have been associated with the College. This group represents the highest distinction in St. Mary’s sport.
Selection Criteria
In order to qualify for this award, a nominee must:
- be connected to the St. Mary’s College athletic program as either a player, coach, or staff member
- have been away from his or her role with St. Mary’s College for five (5) or more years
- have been either an all-conference, all-region, and/or all-American selection or record holder, or garnered national recognition
- be a positive role model for our student-athletes
The Athletic Hall of Fame also includes Legends. Most of the criteria to become a Legend is the same as being inducted as a Hall of Fame member. What differs is that while the nominee may not have achieved a level of recognition such as that of record holder or all-conference status, the nominee nonetheless was distinguished in their significant contribution, incentive or inspiration to the team(s) and/or has received recognition in public or private life for their accomplishments and achievements. In addition, nominees do not need to be away from their role with St. Mary’s College for five (5) or more years.
Instructions
Nominators must submit the nomination form and two letters of endorsement from individuals who know the nominee well and are aware of his or her achievements. In addition, a resume, newspaper or magazine clippings, or other appropriate information may be submitted for review. Self-nomination or nomination by a spouse is discouraged. For help with statistical information, please contact Nairem Moran at nmoran@smcm.edu.
Presentation of Award
Awardees will be invited to a banquet at Hawktoberfest and a nameplate will be added to the plaque in the MPOARC.