The University of the Fraser Valley Alumni Association Distinguished Emerging Alumni Award recognizes graduates who, within 10 years of receiving their most recent qualifying UFV credential, have achieved outstanding distinction through their careers, educational achievements, community service, leadership, or broader contributions to society.

This award celebrates emerging alumni whose accomplishments demonstrate excellence and meaningful impact within their profession, community, or society. Whether through exceptional leadership, dedicated service, innovative work, or contributions that have made a meaningful difference, recipients exemplify the accomplishments and potential of UFV alumni.

Distinguished Emerging Alumni Award recipients serve as role models for current students, fellow graduates, and the broader UFV community, demonstrating what can be achieved in the early stages of an alumni journey.

Eligibility

Nominees must meet the UFV Alumni Association’s definition of an alumnus. Eligible individuals include those 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).
• Completed 30 or more credits at the institution before January 1, 2004.
• Received an honorary doctorate from FVC, UCFV, or UFV.
• Earned a certificate through a trades program at UFV or one of its predecessor institutions.

In addition to meeting the alumni eligibility requirements, nominees must have received their most recent qualifying UFV credential within 10 years of the annual nomination deadline.

How is the 10-year eligibility period calculated?

The 10-year eligibility period begins on the date the nominee’s most recent qualifying UFV credential was conferred.

If an alumnus subsequently completes another qualifying credential at UFV, the 10-year eligibility period restarts from the date that most recent credential was conferred.

For example, an alumnus who completed a bachelor’s degree in 2018 and subsequently completed a master’s degree in 2022 would have their eligibility period calculated from 2022.

In addition to meeting these eligibility requirements, nominees must demonstrate distinct excellence in one or more areas of achievement, including community contributions, leadership, and impact in their field.

Who is not eligible?

The following individuals are not eligible for the Distinguished Emerging Alumni Award:

• Active politicians.
• Current employees of the University of the Fraser Valley.
• Current employees of the UFV Alumni Association.
• Current members of the UFV Alumni Association Board of Directors, with the exception of the Chair Emerita/us.

Selection criteria

The Distinguished Emerging Alumni Award recognizes individuals whose achievements demonstrate exceptional distinction and meaningful contributions to their communities, professions, or society.

Eligible nominations are evaluated based on the overall strength, significance, and impact of the nominee’s accomplishments. Consideration is given to the following areas:

Community and societal contributions

• The significance, reach, and demonstrated impact of the nominee’s accomplishments.
• Contributions to their community or society at the local, regional, national, or international level.
• Sustained service, involvement, or commitment to the communities or societies they serve, where applicable.

Leadership

• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to positively influence others.
• Contributions that inspire, support, or create opportunities for others.

Impact and achievement in their field

• Recognition, achievement, innovation, or other accomplishments demonstrating exceptional distinction, sustained excellence, or meaningful impact within the nominee’s field, profession, or area of contribution.

Equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility

• Contributions that advance, foster, embed, or protect equality, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, or equitable opportunity.

Role modelling and broader influence

• The nominee’s ability to serve as a positive role model for UFV students, alumni, and the broader community.
• The overall alignment of the nominee’s achievements with the purpose and significance of the award.

In evaluating nominations, consideration will be given to the nominee’s career and life stage. The nature and significance of an individual’s accomplishments will be considered in the context of their opportunities, experience, and time since graduation.

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

How to nominate

Nominations must be submitted on behalf of an eligible alumnus through the UFV Alumni Association’s online nomination process.

A strong nomination provides meaningful examples of the nominee’s accomplishments and demonstrates how their contributions align with the award’s eligibility and selection criteria.

Step 1: Complete the nomination form

Complete the online nomination form, providing information about the nominee, their accomplishments, and their contributions to their community, profession, or society.

Step 2: Provide supporting documentation

Following submission of the nomination form, the Alumni Engagement team will contact the nominator with instructions for providing the required supporting documents.

A complete nomination includes:

• A signed Nominee Release Form, confirming the nominee’s willingness to stand for nomination and participate in the award presentation ceremony if selected.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé for the nominee.
• A minimum of two letters of reference from community members who can speak to the nominee’s accomplishments and qualifications. Each reference letter must be no more than 750 words.

Nominators may also provide up to three additional supporting documents, such as newspaper or magazine articles, evidence of professional achievements, or information about other awards and recognition.

Step 3: Nomination review and selection

Nominations are reviewed by the UFV Alumni Association Awards Committee and presented to the Association’s Board of Directors.

The Board adjudicates shortlisted nominees and makes the final award decision.

Incomplete nominations or nominations that do not establish the nominee’s eligibility may be removed from consideration.

Please note that nominations from previous years are not automatically carried forward. Previous nominees may be nominated again in a subsequent award cycle.

Award presentation and recognition

No more than one Distinguished Emerging Alumni Award may be presented per calendar year. The UFV Alumni Association Board of Directors reserves the right not to present an award in a given year.

The selected recipient will be formally recognized through an approved presentation ceremony or recognition event. Recipients are expected to participate in the presentation ceremony, either in person or virtually. Exceptions may be made in rare circumstances.

Recipients may also be recognized through UFV and UFV Alumni Association communications, publications, events, digital media, and other forms of public recognition.

Explore past awards recipients