Alumni Awards
Nomination Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2024
Honorees to be recognized during the Alumni Weekend Night of Reunions celebration on Friday, April 26
Questions: alumni@purchase.edu
“Golden Brick”
Honorary Alumni Award
Recognizes an individual who did not graduate from Purchase but whose exemplary accomplishments, service and commitment has benefited the Alumni Association, College alumni (undergraduate or graduate), or helped empower students to become alumni. Nominate Now
Eligibility
- Current or retired Purchase College Faculty, Administrators, and/or Staff
- Benefactors of Purchase College
Criteria
Award recognition is based on the following, but not limited to:
- Contribution to Purchase College and/or the Purchase College Alumni Association
- Contribution to current students, alumni, and alumni engagement
- Recognition of exceptional human and ethical qualities
No self-nominations for this award
Previous recipients include Claire Anello, Selma Aronson, Patrick Callahan, Ron Herron, Suzanne Kessler, Dee Molinari, Lynn Mahoney, Rich Nassisi, Ernie Palmieri, Charlie Ponce de Leon, Lee Schlesinger, Susan Schwarz, Tom Schwarz, Donna Siegmann (posthumous), Clint Spiegel, Kevin Wallen
Young Alumni Award
Recognizes a graduate from the last ten years (Class of 2013 or later), who has illustrated distinctive achievement in a career or social/civic involvement. Nominate Now
Eligibility
Purchase College Classes of 2013–2021
A graduate within the past two to ten years.
Criteria
Award recognition is based on, but is not limited to, the following criteria:
- Rising star in a professional field
- Innovation incubator
- Emerging artistic voice
- Community and/or Purchase College engagement
- Advocate for public higher education
No self-nominations for this award
Inaugural recipient: (2022) Bryan Korn ’12 (Dramatic Writing)
#ProofofPurchase Award
for Alumni Achievement
Recognizes an individual who graduated more than ten years ago (e.g., Class of 2012 or earlier) and who embodies the traditions and values of Purchase College through their character, professional achievement, and/or civic humanitarian service. Nominate Now
Eligibility
Purchase College Classes of 2012 or earlier
A graduate at least 10 years removed from graduation.
Criteria
Award recognition is based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
- Leader in their professional and/or artistic field
- Exemplifies career excellence
- Innovator in their field
- Champion for equity and social justice
- Community and/or Purchase College engagement
- Advocate for public higher education
No self-nominations for this award
Inaugural recipient: (2022) Jodi Long ’76 (Acting)
Outstanding Commitment
to the Arts Award
NEW AWARD FOR 2024
Recognizes a graduate for contributions, commitment and advocacy in the Arts. Nominate Now
Eligibility
-
Purchase College Classes of 2012 or earlier
A graduate at least 10 years removed from graduation. - Academic discipline: School of the Arts
Criteria
Award recognition is based on, but is not limited to, the following criteria:
- Legacy in the Arts or emerging artistic voice
- Contribution to the Arts
- Advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging in the arts
- Engagement/Stewardship with Purchase College (contributor not necessary, but encouraged)
- Exemplifies artistic excellence
- Innovation Incubator
No self-nominations for this award
Outstanding Commitment
to the Liberal Arts and Sciences Award
NEW AWARD FOR 2024
Recognizes a graduate for contributions, commitment and advocacy in the Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences. Nominate Now
Eligibility
-
Purchase College Classes of 2012 or earlier
A graduate at least 10 years removed from graduation. - Academic discipline: School of the Liberal Arts and Sciences, Liberal Studies, and Continuing Studies
Criteria
Award recognition is based on, but is not limited to, the following criteria:
- Legacy in the Liberal Arts & Sciences or emerging voice
- Contribution to the Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging in the Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Engagement/Stewardship with Purchase College (contributor not necessary, but encouraged)
- Exemplifies excellence
- Innovation Incubator
No self-nominations for this award
Resiliency Award
NEW AWARD FOR 2024
Recognizes a graduate who has shown considerable personal strength and used the education and skills acquired at Purchase to overcome adversity. This award aims to celebrate their achievement in “overcoming the impossible” and offering hope and inspiration to others. Nominate Now
Eligibility
Purchase College Classes of 2022 or earlier
A graduate at least two (2) years removed from graduation.
Criteria
Award recognition is based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
- Any academic discipline
- Community and/or Purchase College engagement encouraged, but not necessar
Self-nominations are allowed for this award
Alumni Awards Criteria
- With the exception of the “Golden Brick” Honorary Alumni Award, all award nominees must have obtained a degree from Purchase College, State University of New York.
- Political candidates may not be selected or honored in a year in which they are actively pursuing election or re-election.
- Awards may be presented posthumously.
- Awards may be withdrawn by the Selection Committee for any cause which reflects poorly upon the College or the Alumni Association.
Nomination Submittals
- With the exception of the Resiliency Award, no self nominations will be accepted.
- Nominators shall identify themselves, their affiliation with the nominee, and their affiliation with Purchase College (if any).
- Submit a statement of up to 250-words with examples, links, or references supporting the alumni nomination
Timeline and Process
February 23 Nomination Deadline
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March
Selection Committee reviews nomination materials received, vets the candidates, and conducts additional research, as needed. The Awards Selection Committee meets to recommend a slate of prospective award recipients to the full PCAA board for a vote of approval. Award recipients are selected by the PCAA Board.
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April
Notification to award recipients and public announcement of recipients.
Presentation of awards during the Alumni Weekend Night of Reunions on Friday evening, April 26, 2024
Awards Selection Committee
- All current members of the PCAA Awards Committee;
- One (1) representative of the Office of Alumni Engagement; and
- At least one (1) full-time staff or faculty member representing Purchase College