CAHNR Alumni Awards
At CAHNR, we take pride in acknowledging the exceptional work of our alum who consistently go above and beyond.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The CAHNR Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alumni of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, or alumni of schools/programs under the current organization of the college, that has demonstrated excellence in their industry or field of study.
The award recognizes the efforts of an alum who has stayed involved with the University of Connecticut and made contributions to programs and degrees offered by the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources or Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. Contributions to the University and CAHNR may include but are not limited to:
- Contributions to the Educational Experience of current UConn students (i.e. class speakers, clinical instructors, mentors, internship supervision, etc.)
- Volunteer service to UConn Extension
- Supporting research endeavors for current students and/or faculty
- Active participation in program advisory boards and committees at the University
- Participation in Alumni Engagement opportunities such as event host, panelist and/or volunteer
Additionally, this award recognizes an individual who has made contributions to their professional environment or served as an inspiration to others and has made an effort to give back to the community.
Criteria
Nominees must:
- have a degree from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources or Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture or alumni of schools/programs under the current organization of the college. All degrees (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and/or doctorate) received under the college are eligible
- have made a significant contribution to their profession and/or society in general
- have a record of outstanding personal and professional accomplishments
Current CAHNR or RHSA employees are not eligible for nomination.
Nomination Document
The nomination document should include the following biographical information about the nominee. The submission of a CV or Resume is acceptable when available.
- current or most recent position
- education (institution(s), graduation date(s), degree(s)), professional positions held/professional accomplishments/farm and business accomplishments if self-employed
- professional, civic, and service activities and contributions awards
- any other information relevant to the nomination
Support Statement
In no more than 750 words, describe why you feel this nominee merits the distinguished alumni award. Please include information about the nominee, such as:
- outstanding personal qualifications
- details about how the individual’s contributions have changed or are changing their chosen profession
- examples of professional, civic, and/or service accomplishments and contributions
GOLD Alumni Award
The CAHNR GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) Alumni Award is presented to a CAHNR or RHSA Alum who has graduated with their degree within the last decade. It recognizes exceptional achievement and significant contribution to the recipient’s profession, community, society or university. The recipient must exemplify outstanding professional and personal development either through traditional channels or innovative approaches. Nominees are also evaluated on:
- Professional Achievement: career movement and development, professional recognition, professional accomplishments, and significant contributions to nominee’s profession
- Personal and Professional Development: use of traditional or innovative approaches in enhancing personal and professional growth
- Personal Achievement: personal recognition received, the balance between personal and professional roles, the achievement of personal goals, the dedication to continual betterment of themselves
- Community (local, state, or national) Service: scope and breadth of service nominee has provided, the impact of their actions on the community, and involvement in service initiatives
Criteria
Nominees must:
- have a degree from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources or Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture or alumni of schools/programs under the current organization of the college. All degrees (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and/or doctorate) received under the college are eligible
- have made a significant contribution to their profession and/or society in general
- have a record of outstanding personal and professional accomplishments
Current CAHNR or RHSA employees are not eligible for nomination.
Nomination Document
The nomination document should include the following biographical information about the nominee. The submission of a CV or Resume is acceptable when available.
- current or most recent position
- education (institution(s), graduation date(s), degree(s)) professional positions held/professional accomplishments/farm and business accomplishments if self-employed
- professional, civic, and service activities and contributions awards
- any other information relevant to the nomination
Support Statement
In no more than 500 words, describe why you feel this nominee merits the GOLD Alumni award. Please include information about the nominee, such as:
- outstanding personal qualifications
- details about how the individual’s contributions have changed or are changing their chosen profession
- examples of professional, civic, and/or service accomplishments and contributions
Outstanding Alumni Mentor Award
The Outstanding Alumni Mentor award recognizes a CAHNR or RHSA alum who has provided meaningful mentorship to a current CAHNR or RHSA student. The Alumni mentor award seeks to recognize an alum who embodies the importance of the “Huskies Forever” motto, and who has devoted their time and/or career to in inspiring other UConn, CAHNR and RHSA students and alumni on their career journey.
This award recognizes the efforts of an alum to provide contributions towards the success of of a current CAHNR/RHSA student or alum in their educational or career growth by providing them with career advice, internships or sponsorships, or significant encouragement and support in career and personal development. The mentorship may be through a formal means such as through service as an internship supervisor, or clinical instructor, etc. or through informal means as a colleague or personal mentor.
Criteria
Nominees must:
- have a degree from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources or Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture or alumni of schools/programs under the current organization of the college. All degrees (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and/or doctorate) received under the college are eligible
- have made a significant contribution to their profession and/or society in general
- have a record of outstanding personal and professional accomplishments
Current CAHNR or RHSA FTE employees are not eligible for nomination.
All individuals are eligible to receive this award only one time.
Nomination Document
The nomination document should include the following biographical information about the nominee. The submission of a CV or Resume is acceptable when available.
- current or most recent position
- education (institution(s), graduation date(s), degree(s)), professional positions held/professional accomplishments/farm and business accomplishments if self-employed
- professional, civic, and service activities and contributions awards
- any other information relevant to the nomination
Support Statement
In no more than 500 words, describe why you feel this nominee merits the outstanding alumni mentor award. Please include information about the nominee, such as:
- outstanding personal qualifications of the nominee
- details about how the individual’s contributions as a mentor have made a positive contribution to the mentee(s)
- examples of methods in which the nominee has gone above and beyond their professional role to serve as a mentor to others
Department Awards
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources request nominations for Outstanding alumni awards across our academic departments. These awards are designed to recognize superior professional contributions from an alum in each department of the College.
Criteria
- Must be a graduate of the department you are submitting a nomination for or a program under the current organization of the department
- Must show evidence of outstanding performance in their chosen industry or field regarding professional service, education, community or scholarly activity
- Preferred: evidence of consistent contribution to their profession, including recognition and honors in endeavors related to one or more areas of research, health and wellness, education, service, and/or scholarly activity
Nomination Document
The nomination document should include the following:
- A brief statement of no more than 500 words clearly stating why the nominee merits the award
- The nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae, including the following biographical data
- current or most recent position
- education such as institution(s), graduation date(s), degree(s)
- professional positions held
- professional accomplishments
- professional, civic, and service activities and contributions awards
- any other information relevant to the nomination
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Evidence of professional work resulting in positive social, economic, or environmental impacts for individuals, families, or local communities
- Volunteer service with meaningful impact on the University, community or profession
- Advancement of theory and practice in their discipline
- Scholarly activity as evidenced by grants, publications, awards, and professional reputation
- Creativity or innovation in education, research, or implementation of new principles in their field