The UFV Alumni Association celebrates graduates whose achievements, leadership and service have made a meaningful difference in their professions, communities and beyond.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have achieved outstanding distinction through their careers, educational achievements, community service, leadership or broader contributions to society.

UFV employees, students, alumni, board members, or members of the community are all welcome to nominate candidates for the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Who is eligible?

Nominees must meet the definition of a regular member of the Association established by the Association Bylaws. Eligible alumni include individuals who:

• Graduated with a master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, diploma, certificate, or citation from Fraser Valley College (FVC), the University College of the Fraser Valley (UCFV), or the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV);
• Prior to January 1, 2004, completed thirty (30) or more credits at the institution;
• Have been conferred an honorary doctorate by FVC, UCFV, and/or UFV; or
• Have earned a certificate through a trades program from UFV or its predecessors.

In addition to meeting these eligibility requirements, nominees must demonstrate distinct excellence in one or more of the following areas:

• Community, national, and international contributions;
• Leadership; and
• Impact in their field.

What are we looking for?

Eligible nominations will be evaluated according to the overall strength and significance of the nominee’s accomplishments. Consideration will include:

• The significance, reach, and demonstrated impact of the nominee’s accomplishments;
• Contributions to their community or to society at the local, regional, national, or international level;
• The nominee’s demonstrated leadership and ability to positively influence others;
• Recognition, achievement, innovation, or distinction within the nominee’s field or practice;
• The extent to which the nominee’s accomplishments differentiate them from their peers;
• Sustained service, involvement, or commitment where applicable;
• Contributions that advance, foster, embed, or protect equality, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, or equitable opportunity;
• The nominee’s ability to serve as a positive role model for UFV students, alumni, and the broader community; and
• The overall alignment of the nominee’s achievements with the purpose and significance of the Award.

Nominees are not required to demonstrate excellence in every evaluation category. The overall nature, significance, and impact of the nominee’s accomplishments will guide the assessment.

Eligibility for the Distinguished Emerging Alumni Award

Eligibility for the Distinguished Emerging Alumni Award is based on the date of the nominee’s most recent qualifying UFV credential, not their age or career stage. In addition to meeting the definition of alumni, Distinguished Emerging Alumni Award nominees must have conferred their most recent qualifying UFV credential within ten (10) years of the annual nomination deadline. 

The ten-year eligibility period begins on the date the nominee’s most recent qualifying UFV credential was conferred. Where an Alumni subsequently completes an additional qualifying UFV credential, the eligibility period will recommence from the date that most recent credential was conferred.

Exclusions

The following individuals are not eligible for this award:

• Active politicians (see UFVAA Awards Glossary);
• Current employees of the University of the Fraser Valley;
• Current employees of the UFV Alumni Association; and
• Current members of the UFV Alumni Association Board of Directors, with the exception of the Chair Emerita/us.

Award presentation

The recipient of the Award will be formally recognized by the Association through an approved presentation ceremony or recognition event, and the selected recipient is expected to attend the presentation ceremony and receive the award either physically or virtually. Exceptions may be made in rare circumstances.

The Association may also recognize the recipient through appropriate University and Association communications, publications, events, digital media, or other forms of public recognition.

Verification of nomination information

By accepting a nomination, nominees authorize the UFV Alumni Association to verify claims made in the nomination materials.

Supporting documents

Following submission of a nomination, Alumni Engagement will contact the nominator to request the required supporting documents:

• A completed nominee release form, signed by the nominee.
• The nominee’s current curriculum vitae or résumé.
• At least two letters of reference from community members who can speak to the nominee’s eligibility and achievements. Each letter must be no more than 750 words.

Please ensure all information provided in the nomination is accurate and supported by specific examples.