Alumni Awards

Inspiring Excellence. Celebrating Success.
In this Section

Each year the University of Wisconsin-Stout Alumni Association recognizes the accomplishments of its alumni and acknowledges their personal, professional, and community contributions. We will be celebrating these awards during Homecoming weekend. Please join us for the awards celebration on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Memorial Student Center.  

Buy tickets here

Meet the 2024 UW-Stout Alumni Award winners:

Distinguished Alumni Award: Lora Benrud (’87)

'Growing up in Menomonie, I have always seen the positive impact Stout has had on our community.'
Continue Reading

Trailblazer Alumni Award: Mara Dietrich (’16)

'I hope that my story can inspire current and future students.'
Continue Reading

Luminary Alumni Award: Wade Lambrigtsen (’00)

'Art will bring people in, pique their curiosity, increase business and teach our town’s history.'
Continue Reading

Chancellor’s Alumni Award: Bill Flesch (’81)

'As a polytechnic, there’s something to be said about teaching with real-life experiences.'
Continue Reading

University Partnership Alumni Award: EVCO Plastics

'We choose to support Stout students in various ways because we value what they bring not only to our company but to our industry as well.'
Continue Reading
Joe Pregont, alumni award, and his wife Tina Pregont

2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

Joe Pregont (BS Industrial Technology - Packaging Concentration '81)
Learn More
Danielle Goss, alumni award

2024 Trailblazer Alumni Award

Danielle Goss (BS Dietetics '13)
Learn More
Bryan Albrecht, UW-Stout Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

2023 Distinguished Alumni Award

Bryan Albrecht (BS Industrial Education '84, MS Technology Education '88, Education Specialist '08)
Learn More
Award Criteria and Nomination Form

Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award nominees should exemplify:

  • Professional distinction and/or significant and broad professional accomplishments over the course of their professional career.
  • Demonstrated contributions of time, talent and/or philanthropic support to UW-Stout.

Trailblazer Alumna/Alumnus Award requirements:

  • Recognized as an emerging leader with outstanding professional accomplishments in their area of study, employment, or research.
  • Graduated within the last 15 years and are under the age of 40

Luminary Alumna/Alumnus Award nominees should exemplify:

  • Alumni serves as an aspirational example for others in their roles of mentorship, service or leadership.
  • Demonstrated exceptional achievement in service or philanthropy.

University Alumni Partner Award requirements:

  • Alumni-owned or operated corporation, nonprofit organization, or foundation.
  • Has had a major impact on the lives of Stout alumni and students through the employment of a significant number of alumni, experiential learning opportunities for students, or transformative philanthropic support of the University.

 

Criteria for Nomination:

  • Nominees must be living graduates of UW-Stout with either a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.  Current UW-Stout faculty, staff, and administrators are not eligible.
  • All nomination packets or online applications must include:
    • Completed nomination form
    • Letter by the nominator explaining why they feel the qualifications of the candidate meet the award criteria
    • Other details or pertinent data that might prove helpful in supporting the nomination include documentation of public or professional recognition, articles or books, and honors received.
  • An online nomination form is available or contact the alumni office to request a paper form be mailed to you.

Selection Process:  

The final determination of award recipients will be made by the Chancellor, Alumni Association Board of Directors, and Vice Chancellor of Advancement and Alumni Relations. The selection process is to be completed by June 30, 2024. 

Following the selection process, the nominator will receive an email notifying them of their nominee's selection status by July 5, 2024. Award winners and nominees who were not selected will be contacted by July 12, 2024.

The recipient is required to be present at the award event during UW-Stout’s Homecoming on Friday, October 25, 2024. They will also participate as an Honorary Marshal during the Homecoming parade on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Two nights of lodging are provided by the UW-Stout Alumni Association. The recipient will be responsible for other travel expenses and meals.

Know an Outstanding Alum? Nominate Them for Next Year’s Alumni Awards!

Do you know a UW-Stout graduate who has made a significant impact in their field or community? Someone who embodies the spirit of innovation, leadership, and service? We need your help to recognize the best and brightest in our community- nominate them for next year’s UW-Stout Alumni Awards

Nomination form