Maroon intertwined block letter "U" and "M" sculpture sign on a concrete base near the Madison street bridge close to the University of Montana campus in Missoula, MT with grass and trees in the background.

Alumni

CRITERIA

Recipients of this prestigious award are individuals who have distinguished themselves in a particular field and who have brought honor to the University. The Alumni Association Board of Directors will consider the following areas, focusing primarily on career achievement:

  1. Career Achievement
  2. Professional Membership/Directorship
  3. Professional Honors
  4. Community and/or Civic Engagement

The UMAA Board of Directors will select the recipients and reserves the right not to give an award. At its discretion, the Board may confirm the nominee's accomplishments, including checking references and academic records.

Awards may not be given to persons whose election would generate a potential conflict of interest with their current responsibilities and their selection as a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, such as:

  • Any person currently running for an elected office or considered for a political appointment.
  • Executive officers of the University of Montana or staff of UMAA.
  • Current members of the UMAA Board of Directors or trustees of the UM Foundation.
  • Current UM faculty or staff members.
  • Any person who, by other position of potential conflict of interest not previously identified above, is determined by the Board to be ineligible for this award.

The Board of Directors may approve awards annually at its discretion. A minimum number is not required. Nomination materials will automatically be considered for three consecutive years. After this period, materials related to unselected nominees will be securely managed in accordance with University record retention guidelines. Those nominees may not be re-nominated for two years. If re-nominated, a new nomination package is required.

PROCEDURE

  1. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
  2. Please describe career accomplishments that distinguish the candidate as a UM alumnus/alumna. Selection is competitive. You may submit a reasonable amount of supporting documentation, which can include, but is not limited to, lists of published articles, other awards received, resumes or vitae. However, do not submit videotapes. A minimum of three supporting letters of recommendation must accompany the nomination.

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award application is now closed.

Should you wish to submit a hard copy nomination, you can request a PDF form by contacting the Alumni Association via email at alumni@umontana.edu or by calling the Alumni Office at 406-243-5211 or 877-UM-ALUMS (877-862-5867).