Each year the Central Washington University Alumni Association honors a small group of individuals who embrace CWU's spirit and mission. Nominate a deserving alum, and help us showcase our most exceptional Wildcats. View our award categories and nominate a deserving alum today!

Nominations for the 2021 awards are now closed. All entries submitted after November 2020 will be considered for the 2022 awards.

Trail Blazer Award

In an effort to honor the outstanding accomplishments of CWU alumni and help reconnect alumni with Central, we present the Trail Blazer Award. The Trail Blazer Award is to honor alumni who have committed over 25 years in an industry, causing a systemic change in the workplace, and who have paved the way for others to follow.

A nominee will have demonstrated one or more of the following characteristics:

• Their commitment to giving back to Central Washington University through service and mentorship.
• Being a pioneer in any field or endeavor.
• Was previously recognized for outstanding achievement and innovation/made their mark in an industry.

Award Process: The CWU Alumni Board’s Engagement and Awards Committee will receive nominations and vote to approve nominees to receive an engraved award with their name and the year they graduated. Awards will be distributed to the recipient at their discretion and at the discretion of the CWU Alumni Board. Nominations for this award are open year-round.

Submit a Trail Blazer nomination today!

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Distinguished Alumni Award honorees will be invited to campus and recognized at the Distinguished Alumni Awards and 50-Year Reunion banquet that takes place each spring. Read more about our alumni awards below.

Past Honorees

4 Under 40 Leadership Award

4 Under 40 honorees excel in their industries or communities through their leadership roles, share a commitment to personal growth and community involvement, and exemplify true Wildcat spirit.

Successful candidates are:

• Recognized leaders in their profession OR  in their volunteer service
• Engaged Wildcats through service, volunteerism, and/or resource investment
• Under 40 years of age at the time of nomination

Nominate an alum today.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The  Distinguished Alumni Award  recognizes CWU graduates who have distinguished themselves in their fields; have earned a high degree of respect among their colleagues and in the general community; and whose impact has been felt on a regional, national, and/or international level. 

Successful candidates have:

• An undergraduate degree or higher from CWU
• Outstanding achievement in his or her professional field

Nominate an alum today.

Legacy Award

The  Legacy Award  honors individuals whose contributions and achievements in the community embody CWU’s mission of fostering citizenship, being responsible stewards of the earth, and leading enlightened and productive lives. Through mentorship, their commitment supports the university’s vision of educating leaders through intellectual inquiry and excellence achieved through a diversity of ideas and people. The person selected will be recognized for contributions to the community-at-large, as well as unwavering dedication and commitment to the advancement of Central Washington University.

Nominate an alum today.

Alum of the Year Award

The Alum of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni of CWU. These individuals have a unique distinction of career and/or lifetime achievements; complemented by personal contributions made to support the mission and purpose of both the university and the alumni association; and the unselfish giving of time, talents, and resources to alumni-related activities and projects. 

Successful candidates are: 

• Recognized leaders in their profession OR in their volunteer service 
• Engaged Wildcats through service, volunteerism, and/or resource investment 
• Individuals that have obtained an undergraduate degree or higher from CWU 

Nominate an alum today.

Philanthropist of the Year Award  

The Philanthropist of the Year award recognizes an individual that has made a noteworthy, university-wide impact, or has supported fundraising for a specific major university priority project. This award’s purpose is to acknowledge those individuals inside and outside of CWU who demonstrate the power of giving for the sake of giving with no expectation of getting anything in return.  

Successful candidates are: 

• Recognized leaders in their profession OR in their volunteer service 
• Engaged Wildcats through resource investment and service  

Nominate an alum today.

Young Philanthropist of the Year Award

The Young Philanthropist of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has already made a noteworthy impact on our university or has supported or directed fundraising for a specific major university priority project. 

 
Successful candidates are: 

• Recognized leaders in their profession OR in their volunteer service 
• Engaged Wildcats through service, volunteerism, and/or resource investment 
• Under 45 years of age at the time of nomination or within 15 years of graduation 

Nominate an alum today.