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Alumni Awards

The Wisconsin Alumni Association is honored to recognize alumni and supporters who exemplify the Wisconsin Idea, enhancing the positive influence of the university on campus as well as beyond its borders.

Nominations for 2026 Are Open

Do you know any UW–Madison graduates who deserve to be honored — maybe even you?

Distinguished Alumni Award nominations will be accepted through December 1, 2025, and Luminary and Forward Award nominations will be accepted through January 5, 2026. Nominate a Badger today!

Distinguished Service Award

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The Distinguished Service Award acknowledges people who have had an unparalleled impact on UW–Madison. While many have contributed to the university in ways great and small, the Distinguished Service Award was created to honor those whose impact has been truly transformational.
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Distinguished Alumni Award

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Since 1936, the Wisconsin Alumni Association has been presenting the Distinguished Alumni Award to the most prestigious graduates of UW–Madison for their professional achievements, contributions to society, and support of the university.
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Forward Award

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The Forward Award acknowledges rising stars in various fields who exemplify the Wisconsin Idea through an emphasis on service, discovery, and progress. Young alumni within 15 years of graduation who have demonstrated exceptional early-career achievement and a positive impact on their professions are eligible for this award.
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Luminary Award

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The Luminary Award recognizes alumni who serve as aspirational examples for others through their accomplishments in the areas of leadership, discovery, progress, and service. Alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their professions and/or service or philanthropy at least 15 years from graduation are eligible for this award.
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2025 Award Recipients

story

Andy Konwinski ’07

“Andy is unique even among our accomplished alumni. Few have so deeply reshaped the tech landscape — let alone done it twice.” — Remzi Arpaci-Dusse...

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2025 Luminary Recipients,
All 2025 Award Recipients,
Awards
story

Trevor Owens ’06

Trevor Owens is dedicated to ensuring that the knowledge we create today can still be accessed, understood, and used tomorrow.

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2025 Luminary Recipients,
All 2025 Award Recipients,
Awards

Upcoming Events

Oct. 9

Forward Award Recognition

Memorial Union, Great Hall
Madison, WI
Nov. 13

Luminary Awards: An Evening of Conversation

Memorial Union, Great Hall
Madison, WI

For information on the Badger of the Year Awards, which are handled by the WAA alumni chapters, please visit the award overview web page. To see current and past Badger of the Year Award winners, visit the recipients web page.

If you have questions about any of these awards, please contact Makenzie McBryde at makenzie.mcbryde@supportuw.org.

UW Homecoming is back! Join the family-fun going on all week to relive beloved traditions, make new memories, and experience the ultimate in Badger spirit. See the complete schedule of events.