The Pinnacle Award is the University's highest honor for alumni whose lives and careers exemplify the mission and values of American Public University (APU).
This award recognizes graduates whose sustained professional excellence, commitment to service, and lifelong pursuit of learning have created a meaningful and lasting impact within their profession, community, or society. Pinnacle Award recipients inspire others through exceptional achievement, servant leadership, and an enduring dedication to making a difference.
Because this award recognizes a lifetime of accomplishment, it is reserved for alumni whose influence extends well beyond individual successes and reflects a continued commitment to leadership and service.
The Pinnacle Award may be presented annually. However, if no application sufficiently meets the established criteria, the award may not be presented.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Regular and sustained service to the University.
- Regular and sustained service to their community or society.
- Significant and lasting contributions within their profession and/or community.
- An ability to inspire fellow graduates through leadership, service, and achievement.
- Accomplishments that have been developed over a lifetime and continue to demonstrate meaningful impact.
- 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. Individuals for whom an application is submitted by another person will be notified and invited to complete the applicant-provided materials.
Whether applying directly or having an application submitted on their behalf, a complete application must include:
- Completed application form.
- Current professional résumé or curriculum vitae (CV).
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor who can speak to the applicant's qualifications.
- Documentation of state or national recognition for significant professional achievements and one additional supporting letter of recommendation.
- Supporting materials, such as news articles, awards, publications, or evidence of volunteer service (optional but encouraged).
- Personal essay: Applicants must submit one essay of no more than 1,000 words describing why they are an exceptional candidate for the Pinnacle Award. The essay should address:
- Describe the professional and personal journey that has shaped your commitment to service, leadership, and lifelong learning.
- Describe the accomplishments that have had the greatest impact on your profession, community or society. Share examples that demonstrate meaningful and sustained contributions.
- Explain how your APU experience has influenced your leadership, service or professional success and how you continue to embody the University’s mission through your work and community involvement.
- Describe the legacy you hope to leave and how you are continuing to build that legacy through your leadership, service and professional accomplishments.
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 a standardized evaluation rubric.
The committee considers each applicant's:
- Sustained service to the University.
- Sustained service to the community or society.
- Professional accomplishments and recognition.
- Long-term impact on their profession and/or community.
- Commitment to lifelong learning.
- Ability to serve as an inspirational example for fellow graduates.
The University Awards Committee forwards its recommendation to the University President for final review and approval.
- Applications Open: September 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
- Committee Review: February–March 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.