The University of Utah Office of Alumni Relations annually presents its Founders Day Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Awards to alumni for their outstanding professional achievements, public service and/or commitment to the U. Additionally, the Honorary Alumnus/a Award is presented to an individual who either did not attend the U or who went to the U for a brief time (a year or less) and who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the U through personal involvement, including donations, volunteer work, and/or other forms of support.
Nominations are open and may be submitted online here. Nominations must be submitted by end of day Friday, October 1.
Check out a list of all previous award recipients here. Additionally, you can still watch and learn more about 2021 Founders Day Awards and recipients.
Founders Day nomination timeline:
- June 30, 2021 – nomination application opens.
- October 1, 2021 – deadline for nominations.
- Early October – the U Alumni Recognition and Giving Committee, chaired by Jonette Mangum, reviews all nominations and select recipients and alternates.
- February 2022 – Award Ceremony (more details TBD).
Questions regarding nominations and Founders Day can be submitted to Rachel Robertson, director of annual giving, at rachel.robertson@utah.edu.
As we mark the founding of the University of Utah in 1850, we want to recognize the work that is still ahead of us to critically review and question the histories related to the founding of our university. We recognize the enduring relationship between many indigenous people and their traditional homelands. We acknowledge that this land is the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Peoples. The university remains committed to continued partnerships with tribes through research, education and community engagement activities.