This award honors a business school’s alumni relations team for forging a successful partnership—whether within the school or with an external organization—to enhance alumni engagement. The collaboration may be a single initiative or an ongoing effort that strengthens connections between alumni and the institution while advancing the school’s mission.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, nominations must meet the following requirements:

• The initiative must involve a partnership between the alumni relations team and another unit within the business school or an external organization.
• The collaboration must actively support the mission of the business school and provide value to the alumni community.

Award Selection

One award will be presented annually.

Nomination Process

Nominations should include:

• A 500-word description outlining the nature of the partnership, its objectives, and its impact on alumni engagement.
• A clear demonstration of how the collaboration enhanced alumni relations and contributed to the school’s goals.
• Up to three supporting documents, such as press releases, letters of support, or impact metrics, that illustrate the partnership’s success.

This award celebrates the power of collaboration in alumni relations and recognizes outstanding efforts to build meaningful connections. We look forward to highlighting exceptional partnerships that inspire the ABSAP community!

This award recognizes a business school’s alumni relations team for successfully enhancing an existing initiative, demonstrating measurable improvements that strengthen alumni engagement. Whether refining an event, redesigning a communication strategy, or optimizing a digital platform, this award celebrates innovative enhancements that deliver meaningful impact.

Please note: New initiatives are not eligible—this award focuses on the improvement of established efforts.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, nominations must meet the following requirements:

• The initiative must be an enhanced version of an existing program (e.g., event, website, newsletter).
• Enhancements must have been implemented between July 1, 2023, and May 1, 2025.

Award Selection

One award will be presented annually.

Nomination Process

Nomination should include:

• A
  500-word or less description outlining the original initiative, the
  enhancements made, and the impact of those improvements.
• Key
  outcomes and success metrics that demonstrate the effectiveness of the
  changes.
• Up to
  three supporting documents, such as before-and-after images, press
  releases, analytics, or letters of support may be included with the
  submission.

This award celebrates the power of innovation and continuous
improvement in alumni engagement. We look forward to recognizing and sharing
best practices that inspire the ABSAP community!

This award honors a business school’s alumni relations team for successfully launching a new initiative that enhances alumni engagement and aligns with the school’s mission. Whether it’s an innovative event, a groundbreaking communication strategy, or a creative engagement platform, this award recognizes bold new ideas that make a meaningful impact on alumni relations.

Eligibility & Criteria
To qualify, nominations must meet the following requirements:

• The initiative must be entirely new (e.g., event, website, newsletter) and not an improvement or expansion of an existing program.
• The initiative must have been implemented between July 1, 2023, and May 1, 2025.

Award Selection
One award will be presented annually.

Nomination Process

Nominations should include:

• A 500-word or less description outlining the initiative’s purpose, implementation, and impact.
• A clear connection between the initiative’s outcomes and the school’s alumni relations or department goals.
• Up to three supporting documents including photos, press releases, program analytics, or letters of support may be included with the submission.

This award celebrates creativity and forward-thinking in alumni relations. We look forward to recognizing and sharing innovative programs that inspire the ABSAP community!

This award honors early-career professionals in alumni relations or development who have demonstrated excellence, initiative, and leadership potential, making a meaningful impact on their school and the profession.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees must meet the following requirements:

• The individual must have three or fewer years of experience in alumni relations and/or development.
• The nominee must exhibit notable professional achievements, demonstrate involvement in professional organizations, and show potential for future leadership in the field.

Award Selection

Up to two awards will be granted annually. The award includes a registration stipend for a staff member at the recipient’s school to attend the following year’s ABSAP conference.

Nomination Process

Nominations should include:

• A 500-word nomination statement detailing the nominee’s professional achievements, contributions, and potential for leadership.
• Two (2) letters of support (each no longer than one page), which may be submitted by the nominee’s supervisor, business school dean, colleagues, or alumni volunteers.
• A resume or biographical summary (no more than one page).

This award highlights the rising stars in alumni relations and development, recognizing their hard work, innovation, and dedication to the field. We look forward to celebrating the future leaders who are shaping alumni engagement at their institutions!

This award celebrates a program or initiative that has been successfully sustained and continued for at least five (5) years, demonstrating lasting impact and consistent success in alumni engagement.

Eligibility & Criteria

• The initiative must have been in place for at least three consecutive years, with demonstrable success over that period.
• The initiative must align with the school’s mission and alumni engagement goals.
• The program or initiative should have a track record of evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs of the alumni base.
• The initiative should still be active and ongoing at the time of nomination.

Number of Awards
One (1) award will be given each year.

Nominations
Nominations must include:

• A 500-word description outlining the initiative and its purpose. Please include the history of the initiative, including its start date and duration. How the initiative has evolved over time to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Evidence of the initiative’s sustained success over the years, including any key metrics or impact data.
• No more than three (3) supporting documents will be considered.

This award honors an individual whose dedication and service to ABSAP have significantly contributed to advancing its mission and strengthening the organization’s impact.

Eligibility & Criteria
Nominees must:

• Have at least one year of experience in alumni relations and/or development.
• Be actively involved in ABSAP as determined by the ABSAP Board of Directors
• The current ABSAP Board of Directors are not eligible to win this award.

Number of Awards
One (1) award is presented annually, pending ABSAP Board of Directors approval.

Nominations & Selection Process
Nominations are open to current dues-paying ABSAP member schools. Each nomination must include:

• A statement (500 words or less) detailing the nominee’s contributions to ABSAP.
• One letter of support (maximum one page) from an ABSAP member at a different institution.

Selection Proposal: Given their insight into the contributions and engagement of ABSAP members, we propose that the ABSAP Board of Directors serve as the selection committee and final say for this award.