The Alumni Service Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated an enduring commitment to service and have made meaningful contributions to their communities, professions, or the University.
This award honors graduates who use the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained through their American Public University (APU) education to create positive change through leadership, volunteerism, advocacy, public service, or other impactful contributions. It celebrates alumni whose service reflects the University's mission and extends well beyond their professional responsibilities.
The Alumni Service Award may be presented annually. However, if no application sufficiently meets the established criteria, the award may not be presented.
Applicants must:
- Be a graduate of APU.
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment to service through leadership, volunteerism, advocacy, public service, or other meaningful contributions.
- Have made qualifying contributions during or after completing their APU education.
- Show a lasting impact on their community, profession, the University, or society.
- Exemplify integrity, ethical leadership, and a commitment to serving others.
- Be in good academic and conduct standing with the University.
Eligible individuals may apply directly, or an application may be submitted on their behalf by a faculty member, staff member, student, alum, supervisor or another individual familiar with their accomplishments.
Whether applying directly or having an application submitted on their behalf, a complete application must include:
- Completed application form.
- Current professional résumé.
- One letter of recommendation.
- An essay (maximum 1,000 words) describing the applicant's commitment to service, leadership, and the impact of their contributions.
- Supporting documentation that highlights the applicant's accomplishments and impact. Examples may include state or national recognition, awards, news articles, publications, volunteer service, community recognition or other relevant materials.
All application materials must be submitted in PDF format unless otherwise specified. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Applications are reviewed by the University Awards Committee using established evaluation criteria.
The committee evaluates applicants based on:
- Demonstrated commitment to service.
- Leadership and lasting impact.
- Contributions to their profession, community, or the University.
- Integrity and ethical leadership.
- Alignment with the mission and values of APU.
Following committee review, selected applicants are named finalists and advance to the People’s Choice voting period.
Finalists will be notified before voting begins and asked to provide a current biography and headshot for use during the People’s Choice campaign. Applicants who are not selected as finalists will also be notified.
The Alumni Service Award recipient is determined through the People’s Choice voting process. Voting results are reviewed and finalized by the University President.
The Alumni Service Award is the only University award that includes a public voting component.
During the People’s Choice voting period, members of the University community and the public may learn more about each finalist and vote for the individual they believe best represents the purpose and values of the Alumni Service Award.
Voting is open to U.S. residents age 18 or older. Employees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, nominees and members of the public are eligible to participate. Voting is limited to one vote per valid email address.
The finalist who receives the highest number of valid votes will be selected as the Alumni Service Award recipient, subject to review and finalization in accordance with the People’s Choice Voting Terms & Conditions.
Duplicate, fraudulent, automated or otherwise invalid votes may be removed to protect the integrity of the voting process.
- Applications Open: September 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
- Committee Review: February–March 2027
- People's Choice Campaign Launches: March 9, 2027
- People's Choice Voting: March 9-22, 2027
- Recipient Notified by: April 1, 2027
- Recognition: Commencement Weekend 2027
Recipient receives:
- Recognition during Commencement weekend.
- A crystal trophy.
- Travel and hotel accommodations in accordance with University award guidelines.
- Recognition in University communications.
Attendance at Commencement is encouraged but not required.
Questions regarding eligibility or the application process may be directed to the University Awards Committee at universityawards@apus.edu.