Alumni awards

Our stars of yesterday … are still shining brightly today!

AU’s alumni ambassadors are blazing trails in science and technology — or in nursing, archeology, counseling — or as creators of digitally enhanced education models of the future. Our celebrated alumni are committed to improving themselves and the lives of those with whom they connect, each day – in Canada and around the world.

Each year, we honour five outstanding AU ambassadors who are living their lives out loud, providing hope, insight, inspiration and encouragement - in their communities, in their work spaces, and in the hearts and minds of many.

Nominate an outstanding AU graduate who is making a difference in their community in one of five categories:

• The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of an AU graduate who brings honour and prestige to the University. The recipient of this award is selected based on evidence of outstanding contributions to any field of human endeavor, or extraordinary contributions to his or her community.
• The Rising Star Award recognizes an AU graduate who has demonstrated leadership and significant contributions to an area of expertise early in his or her career. The recipient will have shown significant success at an early age or in a new industry.
• The Volunteer Service Award recognizes an AU graduate who has demonstrated a spirit of volunteerism and community service through active, unpaid involvement in and contributions to his or her community.
• The Future Alumni Award recognizes the leadership, service and potential of a current AU student who has completed a minimum of 15 course credits at AU. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated academic excellence and substantial contributions to his or her community or career while balancing the demands of student life.
• The Lifelong Learner Award recognizes an AU learner who seeks to expand their knowledge and skills through continuous learning. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to learning through formal and informal learning pathways over a minimum of 5 years and will have completed a minimum of 21 course credits or a combination of for-credit and non-credit courses at AU. 

All AU graduates are eligible with the exception of serving politicians, serving AU Board of Governors members, or those employed by Athabasca University. Students with 15 course credits or more are eligible for the Future Alumni Award. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Nominations are open until April 2, 2024.