Alumni Awards

The University at Albany Alumni Association traditionally recognizes alumni and friends of the University for their outstanding achievements and service to the University and community. These individuals personify the University's commitment to excellence and service and bring distinction to themselves and to our alma mater. The 2011 award recipients were honored at the Excellence Awards Gala in Albany on April 30, 2011. The 2012 Gala will be held April 28 at the Crowne Plaza in Albany. Nominations for 2013 are now open.

**2011 Gala Photo Gallery

2011 Award Recipients

Citizen of the University
John Delano, Ph.D.

Distinguished Alumni Award
Richard Lehrer MS ’76, CAS ’82, Ph.D. ’83

Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
Deborah Mayne Brandau Ph.D. ’94

International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Laiwu Zhang MA ’93, Ph.D. ’95

Excellence in Alumni Service Award
Michael Borys BS '78, MBA '79

Excellence in Arts and Letters Award
David Pietrusza BA ’71, MA ’72

Excellence in Business Award
Stacy Bash-Polley BS ’89

Excellence in Community Service Award
Robert Paeglow BS ’76

Excellence in Education Award
Charles S. Dedrick MS ’91

Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Alan Mantel BS ’85

Excellence in Public Service
Katherine Maciol MSW ’88
Honorable Nancy Groenwegen BA ’79

Excellence in Science & Technology
Jonathan Newman BA ’85, Ph.D. ’90

View 2010 Award Recipients

View 2009 Award Recipients

Citizen of the University
Recognizes outstanding contributions to the University by a non-alumnus or alumna through leadership, service or a special gift. The award recipient is chosen by the University leadership. Download a nomination form.

Distinguished Alumni
Honors an alumnus or alumna with an extraordinary achievement – one who has been recognized nationally and/or internationally – or an individual who over the course of a decade or greater, has exhibited outstanding success in a chosen profession or outstanding service to society. Download a nomination form.

Outstanding Young Alumni
Recognizes early outstanding achievements in a chosen profession or field and/or service to the community. Download a nomination form.

Bertha Brimmer Medal
Honors University at Albany graduates for excellence in teach K-12 and dedication to their profession. This award was founded by the Class of 1934 and is named for a Class of 1900 graduate known for her devotion to teaching and service to the University. Download a nomination form.

International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Recognizes international graduates of the University who are highly distinguished in their profession, either internationally or nationally in their own country; who have helped their nation and/or the world by outstanding contributions to government, science, art, education, business, or human welfare; and who exemplify the strength of their education at the University of Albany. Download a nomination form.

Excellence in Alumni Service
Recognizes sustained leadership and service to the Alumni Association and the University. Download a nomination form.

Excellence in Arts & Letters
Celebrates alumni for outstanding achievement in music, literature and language, visual arts or performing arts. Download a nomination form.

Excellence in Business
Recognizes alumni for outstanding distinction in business for profit. Download a nomination form.

Excellence in Community Service
Pays tribute to alumni for time volunteered that benefits a community or its non-profit institutions. Download a nomination form.

Excellence in Education
Pays tribute to alumni for extraordinary distinction in the field of education, including pre-K through post-secondary classroom teaching, school services and administration/supervision. Download a nomination form.

Excellence In Entrepreneurship
Recognizes the accomplishments of an individual who has demonstrated the spirit, leadership and drive of an entrepreneur. Consideration is also given to the nominee’s contributions to his or her community and the University. The award recipient is chosen by the Council for Economic Outreach. Download a nomination form.

Excellence in Public Service
Recognizes alumni for outstanding contributions to local, state or national communities generally, but not exclusively, through opportunities in appointed or elected office or public service nonprofit organizations. Download a nomination form.

Excellence in Science & Technology
Pays tribute to alumni for extraordinary distinction in science and/or technology. Download a application form.

Email Melissa Samuels at msamuels@uamail.albany.edu for nomination form.

Nominations may be made posthumously within two years of the nomination deadline.