Nomination Process
Nominations may be submitted by Western Washington University alumni, faculty, staff, students and members of the general public.
Please complete the nomination form below or email your nomination to forwestern@wwu.edu.
You may nominate your alum in any one of the following four categories:
Alumni Achievement Award
The Alumni Achievement Award is given to graduates of Western Washington University who have demonstrated outstanding achievement. Nominees must qualify under one of the following categories: outstanding professional achievement; creative achievement; worthy cumulative performance through the years; or recent acknowledgement by community or professional peers.
Alumni Humanitarian Award
The Alumni Humanitarian Award is given to graduates of Western Washington University who, through outstanding leadership, have significantly improved or enhanced the lives of others.
Alumni Distinguished Service Award
The Alumni Distinguished Service Award is given to graduates of Western Washington University who have demonstrated leadership in service to the university or their community. Meritorious service reflects a contribution of time, talent, or resources that have enhanced excellence within Western or the world.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is given to graduates of Western Washington University under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding achievement or have significantly improved or enhanced the lives of others through outstanding leadership or service.
WWU Family Recognition Award
The WWU Family Recognition Award goes to families with multigenerational alumni who are making an impact on their communities or on Western.
Alumni Awards Past Recipients
To see the list of past recipients, visit this page here.
The Engagement Committee of the Board of Directors for the Foundation for WWU & Alumni will determine the recipients and will notify all final award recipients.
If you have any questions, please contact the Foundation Office at 360.650.3027 or forwestern@wwu.edu.
Deadline for Nominations: Friday, January 31, 2026
Date of Event: Friday, May 15, 2026