Alumni Awards
Distinguished Alumni Award
Selection Criteria
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a graduate (or team of graduates) of the University of Alberta School of Library and Information Studies for outstanding and exceptional contributions to:
- Libraries, archives, museums, information management, or any related organization or field of endeavor.
- Professional organizations.
- Publications or research activity.
Award recipients demonstrate characteristics of leaders, innovators, mentors and catalysts for growth in our local and global communities.
Recognition
Recipients will be invited to write a brief article (approx. 500 words) for circulation to the student and alumni community within a year of having received this award. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the recipient's area of particular expertise, passion or suggestions by current SLIS students.
The recipient is presented with the award at an annual celebration brunch. In addition to receiving a physical keepsake, the recipient's name is engraved on a plaque that is permanently displayed at SLIS.
LISAA Rising Star Award
Selection Criteria
The LISAA Rising Star Award is presented to an individual who graduated within the past 10 years from University of Alberta School of Library and Information Studies and has made significant contributions or advances within their community of professional practice. Award recipients serve as an inspiration to students and alumni at all stages of their careers.
Recognition
Recipients will be invited to write a brief article (approx. 500 words) for circulation to the student and alumni community within a year of having received this award. While the article is based on a professionally relevant topic, it may take the form of an 'opinion piece', a lighted-hearted reflection, or controversial perspective.
The recipient is presented with the award at an annual celebration brunch. In addition to receiving a physical keepsake, the recipient's name is engraved on a plaque that is permanently displayed at SLIS.
Honorary Alumni Award
Selection Criteria
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an advocate or ambassador of the University of Alberta School of Library and Information Studies who did not graduate from this library school. Award recipients have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge, professional practice or SLIS itself.
Recognition
Recipients will be invited to write a brief article (approx. 500 words) for circulation to the student and alumni community within a year of having received this award. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the recipient's area of particular expertise, passion or suggestions by current SLIS students.
The recipient is presented with the award at an annual celebration brunch. In addition to receiving a physical keepsake, the recipient's name is engraved on a plaque that is permanently displayed at SLIS.
Nomination & Selection Process:
- Each year, the LISAA Executive Committee proactively generates nominations for the awards program. In seeking out nominations, the Committee pursues recognition of alumni based in distant locations, the mix of sectors or modes of professional practice, diversity and inclusivity.
- Nominations are accepted from the alumni community at any time but no later than June 30 each year.
- Nominations are made by written submission (maximum 2-pages) that speaks to the selection criteria for the award, the rationale for the nomination and a brief biography of the nominee.
- Nominations are submitted to LISAA's email address.
- All nominations received by LISAA are kept on file for future consideration.
- In general, one Distinguished Alumni Award and one LISAA Rising Star Award are presented each year.
- The Honorary Alumni Award may be presented on an annual or occasional basis as worthy recipients arise.
- In any given year, the LISAA Executive Committee may decide to present more than one award in any category.