Awards
UCSC Alumni Awards 2024
Help UC Santa Cruz recognize and honor alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements, made distinct contributions to society, made impactful contributions to UC Santa Cruz, and who have embodied the values and spirit of the University.
Nominations open April 12, 2024 and close May 15, 2024.
The Fiat Lux Award
The Fiat Lux Award honors alumni and friends of UC Santa Cruz who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and distinguished service in support of the university’s programs and goals. (Current UCSC faculty or staff are not eligible.)
Criteria:
- Provided distinguished service to UC Santa Cruz through public service, campaign leadership and support, making an indelible impact on UCSC, or serving as a long-standing advocate and supporter of UCSC
- Displayed exceptional dedication to UC Santa Cruz, its students, faculty, staff, or alumni
- Accomplished an outstanding achievement that elevates UCSC’s reputation
Alumni Achievement Award
The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to UC Santa Cruz graduates who are renowned for their distinguished professional achievement, leadership, and service to the community. The award honors alumni who have made a positive impact in the lives of others and who are recognized for their longevity and consistency of accomplishments over their professional lifetime. (All alumni are eligible—undergraduate or graduate.)
Criteria:
- Known for distinguished achievements and contributions in their profession or vocation
- Made a positive impact on the lives of others through leadership or service
- Recognized for longevity and consistency of accomplishments over their professional lifetime
Outstanding Recent Alumni Award
The Outstanding Recent Alumni Award recognizes UC Santa Cruz alumni who graduated within the past 10 years who reflect the values and mission of UCSC. This award honors recent alumni who are recognized for their notable professional achievements and contributions to society. (Eligible alumni graduated within the past 10 years at the time of their nomination.)
Criteria:
- Has notable achievements in their career
- Made significant contributions to society
- Reflects the values and mission of UCSC
UCSC Ethos Award
The UCSC Ethos Award recognizes alumni whose work and contribution to their community embodies and reflects the ethos of UC Santa Cruz. They embrace diversity, strive for an inclusive community, and have an abiding commitment to social justice and equity. They seek truth and the advancement of knowledge to serve society. They solve problems with courage, respect for diverse thoughts, and a willingness to be experimental. They celebrate others’ heritage, uniqueness, and contributions with a deep respect for human dignity and a desire for transformational change. They embody the Banana Slug spirit and exemplify UCSC’s principles of community. (All alumni are eligible—undergraduate or graduate.)
Criteria:
- Embraces diversity, strives for inclusive communities, and demonstrates an abiding commitment to social justice and equity
- Seeks truth and the advancement of knowledge to serve society
- Solves problems with courage, respect for diverse thoughts, and a willingness to be experimental
- Celebrates others’ heritage, uniqueness, and contributions with a deep respect for human dignity and a desire for transformational change
- Embodies the Banana Slug spirit and exemplifies UCSC’s principles of community
Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award
The Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award recognizes UC Santa Cruz graduate alumni for notable achievement in a career directly related to their degree program. The recipient’s graduate degree from UC Santa Cruz played a significant part in their career success. (All alumni who hold a master’s or doctoral degree from UCSC are eligible.)
Criteria:
- Recognized for notable professional achievements
- Recognized as a leader in their field in academia or industry
2024 Alumni Award recipients will be announced in August 2024.
2023 Alumni Award recipients and celebration event
On Friday, October 27, 2023, UC Santa Cruz had the privilege of honoring and celebrating seven amazing alumni.
Relive the event and learn more about these outstanding alumni.