Outstanding Alumni Award

Since 2001, Walden has recognized the achievements of our graduates through the Outstanding Alumni Award. This honor is given each year to one alum who exemplifies Walden’s mission to effect positive social change through contributions to his or her profession, discipline, or community.

Meet Our Award Winners

2018: Dr. Avon Marie Hart-Johnson MS in Forensic Psychology ‘95 PhD in Human Services ‘11	2017: Dr. Lovely A. Thornton Serving youth around the world for 40 years	2016: Dr. John Henry Felix A legacy of public service 8 decades in the making
2015: Crystal Johnson Answering the call to battle Ebola	2014: Dr. Walter McCollum Effecting positive change in South Africa, Haiti, and Costa Rica	2013: Dr. Jonas Nguh A commitment to volunteering
2012: Dr. Tia Campbell Creating continuing education for nurses	2011: Dr. Gary Bickford Comprehensive healthcare for the underinsured	2010: Ivy Garcia Zwicker Advocate for autism treatment
2009: Dr. Prince Augustine Ordu Helps make clean water available in Nigeria	2008: Dr. Souror Baetjer Began continuing education allied health program	2007: Dr. Leo Parvis Teaches cultural diversity and managing diversity
2006: Dr. David Boyd U.S. Department of Homeland Security technology innovator	2005: Dr. Sharon Freeman Advisor to the U.S. Department of Commerce

2003: Dr. Michael Wanko

2002: Dr. Craig Swenson

2001: Dr. Joy Erlichman Miller

Nominate a Graduate

Thank you for your interest in the Outstanding Alumni Award. The nominations cycle for the 2018 award ended on April 30, 2018. The winner will be announced this summer in conjunction with our commencement ceremony.

It’s not too early to start thinking about the 2019 Outstanding Alumni Award. Faculty, alumni, and students can nominate an alum who they believe best exemplifies Walden’s mission for the Outstanding Alumni Award. All nominations for the award must include:

• The online nomination form (to open in early 2019)
• A 500-word essay describing how the nominee has used his or her degree to make exceptional contributions to a profession, discipline, or community since graduation
• The nominee’s curriculum vitae or resume, not to exceed 5 pages
• Supporting videos, photos, or online images compiled in one Word document, not to exceed 1 page

To be eligible to win the Outstanding Alumni Award, nominees must:

• Have earned a degree from Walden University.
• Be available to attend the awards ceremony at the summer commencement weekend.
• Be nominated by someone other than himself or herself.
• Be a first-time recipient.

Nominations for the 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award are now closed. Thank you to all who submitted nominations! The winner will be announced this summer. Nominations for next year’s award will open in early 2019.