Celebrate Outstanding Cougs
The Washington State University Alumni Association honors alumni and friends who embody WSU's tradition of excellence through exceptional achievement, service, leadership, and Cougar spirit.
These awards recognize individuals whose contributions strengthen WSU, enrich their communities, and inspire others. While they represent only a small number of the more than 250,000 Cougs worldwide, their impact reflects the best of Washington State University.
Award Categories
Alumni, Friends, and Student Awards
Alumni Achievement Award
Honorary Alumni Award
Cougar Pride Award
Adopted Cougar Award
Award of Excellence
Volunteer Service Awards
Student Only Award
Top Ten Seniors
(click on the award categories for details and nomination forms)
Fall 2026 Nominations Now Open
Nominations are open through September 10, 2026. Help us recognize outstanding alumni and friends of WSU whose achievements, service, leadership, and Cougar spirit strengthen our university and communities.
How to Submit a Nomination
- Visit the WSUAA Awards Nomincation Portal https://my.reviewr.com/site/WSUAAAwardsFall26
- Create a Reviewr account by selecting "CREATE AN ACCOUNT & NOMINATE."
- Create as many Awards nominations as you'd like
- Complete one or more nominations.
- Save your work and return anytime before the deadline.
- Click "submit" once the nomination is complete.
Nomination Requirements
Alumni Achievement Award and
Honorary Alumni Award
- Evidence of service to WSU and/or contributions to a profession, community, or nation
- At least two letters of recommendation
- At least one supporting document (résumé, publication, article, news story, etc.)
All Other Awards
- Examples of service, leadership, honors, achievements, or other qualifications relevant to the award
- At least one letter of recommendation
- At least one supporting document
Additional letters of recommendation and supporting materials are strongly encouraged. Whenever possible, they should come from individuals other than the primary nominator.
Nomination Tips
To strengthen your nomination, review our
Tips for Nominations before submitting.
Award Categories
NOMINATION FORM
The highest honor given to alumni by the WSU Alumni Association, the Alumni Achievement Award was created by the WSUAA Board of Directors in 1970. Its purpose is "To recognize and honor alumni who have given outstanding service...and provide encouragement to alumni for perpetual service to Washington State University." The individual "shall have rendered significant service to Washington State University and/or outstanding contributions to community and/or profession and/or nation." Out of the estimated 250,000 people who have attended WSU since it was founded in 1890, fewer than 600 alumni have ever received this prestigious award.
View past AWARD RECIPIENTS
NOMINATION FORM
This award, established in 1966 as the highest honor for non-alumni, was created by the Alumni Association Board of Directors to recognize friends of Washington State University who have given special service to the University.
View Past AWARD RECIPIENTS
NOMINATION FORM
This award was established to recognize alumni, former students or friends of WSU who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary spirit and pride in support of the University, the Alumni Association, and related organizations. The recipient will exemplify a positive image of WSU, inspiring loyalty and pride in their fellow Cougs.
View past AWARD RECIPIENTS
NOMINATION FORM: Submit Online
Any person who exhibits genuine loyalty and affection for Washington State University and fully understands the special allegiance known as "Cougar Spirit" may be sponsored by any alumnus or friend for adoption by the Alumni Association.
Adopting a Cougar is easy and affordable. An Adopted Cougar will receive a one-year membership in the WSU Alumni Association, a special Adopted Cougar recognition certificate, a lapel pin, and all the great benefits and services enjoyed by Alumni Association members. It also makes a great gift and an excellent way to reward loyal supporters of WSU who did not attend WSU. To make someone who loves WSU an Adopted Cougar, call the Alumni Association at 509-335-8124 or click on the link above.
NOMINATION FORM
The Award of Excellence recognizes alumni and friends of Washington State University who have made exceptional, sustained contributions to the University, the WSU Alumni Association, or the broader Cougar community through engagement, advocacy, leadership, or service. This award honors individuals whose efforts elevate WSU through meaningful involvement, strengthen connections across the Cougar network, and reflect a deep commitment to advancing the mission, values, and spirit of Washington State University.
NOMINATION FORM
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor the WSUAA bestows upon individuals whose volunteer service has made a demonstrative impact on WSU and exhibits an unwavering commitment to the University. This award recognizes those who have exemplified industriousness, loyalty, collaboration, inclusion, and pride and have made a significant impact on the overall advancement of the mission of University and/or the Alumni Association.
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD
The Outstanding Volunteer Award is bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate their dedication to the University and/or the Alumni Association by epitomizing the spirit of service, leadership, and loyalty. Awarded for a specific effort, it can be won more than once.
OUTSTANDING RECENT GRAD SERVICE AWARD
The Outstanding Recent Grad Service Award is presented to alumni who attended WSU within ten years of graduation. This individual must have demonstrated continued interest in and loyalty to the University and have excelled in service and contributions to the Alumni Association, and/or WSU, and/or community, and/or profession, and/or nation.
STAFF SERVICE AWARD
The Staff Service Award is presented to WSU staff who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer work for the WSU community, and/or university, and/or the Alumni Association. These staff members have brought honor to WSU through volunteering outside of their jobs to make an impact in the lives of people in the Cougar community.
FACULTY SERVICE AWARD
The Faculty Service Award is presented to WSU faculty who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer work for the WSU community, and/or university, and/or the Alumni Association. These faculty members have brought honor to WSU through volunteering outside of their jobs to make an impact in the lives of people in the Cougar community.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT VOLUNTEER AWARD
The Outstanding Student Volunteer Award is bestowed upon undergraduate or graduate students who have demonstrated true Cougar spirit through their exemplary leadership, execution of an event or program, or other unique contribution(s) to the WSU community, and/or university, and/or the Alumni Association.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Immediate family members may not nominate a spouse, sibling, child, stepchild, niece, nephew, or grandchild for the Alumni Achievement Award, Honorary Alumni Award, Cougar Pride Award, or any Volunteer Service Award.
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Posthumous nominations are not eligible for consideration.
- Individuals serving in elected or appointed public office are not eligible for the Alumni Achievement Award, Honorary Alumni Award, or Cougar Pride Award while holding office.