Alumni Awards

Kent State University recognizes and honors Golden Flashes who have made exceptional contributions in their professions, communities and at Kent State through their leadership, character and hard work.

Sponsored by the Kent State Alumni Association, the Alumni Awards are highly prestigious honors presented each year to outstanding alumni, alumni staff and students.

Outstanding New Professional Award

The Outstanding New Professional Award honors the achievements of recent graduates. This award spotlights future leaders who show continued potential in their profession, commitment to their community and dedication to Kent State University. To be eligible for this award, nominees must have obtained a bachelor's or advanced degree, consecutively, no more than five years ago.

Professional Achievement Award

The Professional Achievement Award pays tribute to the accomplishments of alumni in their chosen profession. This includes any and all professions, from business to healthcare to education to the arts. This award showcases a record of remarkable achievements, complemented by a history of outstanding contributions to their profession throughout their career.

Kent State Advocacy Award

The Kent State Advocacy Award honors alumni who contribute significant time and talent to Kent State University or the Kent State University Alumni Association on a consistent basis, thus bringing favorable attention to the university.

Distinguished Citizen Award

The Distinguished Citizen Award honors alumni for their extraordinary service to the public through a nonprofit organization or community service. This award recognizes individuals who have unselfishly and generously contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others and the betterment of their community.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious award given by the Kent State University Alumni Association. It honors highly exceptional alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their chosen profession and demonstrated extraordinary service to Kent State University, the community, the state, the nation and/or the world.

Golden Flash Award

The Golden Flash Award recognizes a student who promotes Kent State University spirit, pride and tradition. The recipient of this award serves as a positive role model, inspires other students and participates in campus activities, organizations and community service. To be eligible for this award, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Outstanding Staff Member Award

The Outstanding Staff Member Award recognizes Kent State alumni who are currently serving in full-time staff roles at the university and contribute significantly to the success of Kent State University and its programs, as well as the community and their profession. This individual goes above and beyond the demands of their role, providing considerable support to their peers, the university community and beyond. The alumni association also has a special award program called the Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA) to honor faculty members.

Nominate a Golden Flash

Let a fellow Flash know you think they’d be a great candidate for one or more of Kent State’s Alumni Awards by nominating them for an award.

A nomination does not provide Kent State with enough information to consider someone for an award. For alumni, students or staff members to be considered for an Alumni Award, an application must also be submitted.

Nominees will receive an email asking them to complete an application. However, nominators are also able to submit the application on someone else’s behalf if they have all of the necessary information including contact information, employer information, career history, achievements and awards, résumé, supporting documents, etc.

Nominations can be anonymous. Those wishing to nominate themselves need not fill out a nomination form; instead please complete the application linked below.

Submit a Nomination

Apply for Consideration

If you have been nominated or wish to nominate yourself, please complete an application at the link below to be considered for an award.

Complete the Application

Important Eligibility Information

Current Kent State full-time staff members who are alumni are only eligible for the Outstanding Staff Member Award.
Alumni who are previous Kent State staff members will not be considered for another Alumni Award category sooner than five years after the individual’s separation from Kent State as an employee, and consideration of eligibility, accomplishments and service for any given award shall be for the time period after separation from the university as an employee.

Enter Kent State Token to view hidden content: