In 2016-2017, Penn State New Kensington, in partnership with the Penn State New Kensington Alumni Society, established the Distinguished Alumni Awards. The purpose of the Alumni Awards is to recognize alumni for their individual achievements, contributions to their industry or profession, service to the community, and loyalty to Penn State New Kensington.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given by Penn State New Kensington to a graduate. Four recipients will be honored at Off the Wall pARTy in June.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards acknowledge outstanding alumni who have attained extraordinary distinction and success in their chosen profession, bringing honor to Penn State New Kensington. An individual may only receive this award once.

Eligibility:

• A living Penn State New Kensington alumnus/alumna who attended for at least one semester.
• Distinguished in their profession or life work, with prior recognition.
• Active in professional organizations.
• Of integrity and stature, reflecting positively on Penn State New Kensington.
• A leader both professionally and within the community, showing commitment to philanthropy.
• Loyal to the campus by involvement and/or support.

• Current officers of the Penn State New Kensington Alumni Society.
• Current officers of the Advisory Board.
• Members of the Distinguished Alumni Awards Selection Committee.
• Individuals holding elected public office during an election year.

Nominations should include:

• Completed Distinguished Alumni Award Nomination form
• Letter of Recommendation
• Biography and supporting documentation (e.g., press releases, articles, resumes, video clips)

The awards will be presented every three years at the June art gala by the Chancellor of Penn State New Kensington. Recipients receive an engraved plaque and feature on the Distinguished Alumni Recognition Wall.

• November 1: Nominations due.
• Mid-November: Review of nominations.
• End of November: Recommended candidates presented to Chancellor.
• December 15: Finalization of nominees.
• Mid-January: Notification of successful nominees.
• February 15: Approval of ceremony materials.
• March 1: Production of Recognition Wall panels.
• Mid-May: Installation of panels.
• June: Recognition at the art gala.

The selection panel, comprising university and alumni relations officials, reviews and selects award recipients. The process is confidential, and unsuccessful nominations may be resubmitted in future years.