Valor Award

Applicants must:

• Have conferred a degree, or submitted a graduation application for a degree expected to be conferred, between August 1, 2026 and June 1, 2027.
• Identify with at least one of the following military-connected populations:
  • Veteran.
  • Active-duty service member.
  • National Guard or Reserve member.
  • Military or veteran family member, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, or dependents.
• Demonstrate academic commitment, perseverance, leadership, and meaningful contributions through their University experience, professional responsibilities, military-connected life, or community engagement.
• 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. Individuals for whom an application is submitted by another person will be notified and invited to complete any applicant-provided materials.

Whether applying directly or having an application submitted on their behalf, a complete application must include:

• Completed application form.
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic accomplishments, professional experience, military experience, leadership roles, volunteer service, student organization involvement, community engagement or other achievements relevant to the award.
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member, University staff member, employer, military supervisor, community leader or another individual who can speak directly to the applicant’s academic commitment, leadership, perseverance or impact.
• A nomination statement or personal reflection, based on how the application is submitted.
• Optional supporting documentation that strengthens the application, such as awards, project summaries, publications, volunteer activities, community initiatives, testimonials or other evidence of the applicant’s contributions.

Application materials must collectively address at least two of the following four award criteria areas:

• Academic Commitment: Dedication to academic achievement, educational growth and the successful pursuit of a degree while managing the responsibilities or challenges associated with military-connected life.
• Leadership and Character: Leadership, integrity, service, responsibility and the ability to positively influence or support others.
• Meaningful Impact: Contributions that have created a positive effect within the University, the military-connected community, the applicant’s profession or the broader community.
• Perseverance Through Military-Connected Life: Resilience and determination demonstrated while navigating the demands, transitions or challenges associated with military service or military family life.

Applications Submitted by Another Person

The individual submitting the application must provide a nomination statement of no more than 500 words describing the applicant’s qualifications, actions and impact.

The nomination statement and letter of recommendation must collectively address at least two of the four award criteria areas. The two documents may address the same areas or different areas, provided the application as a whole includes sufficient evidence related to at least two criteria.

The nomination statement should include specific examples that help reviewers understand the applicant’s accomplishments, character, perseverance and impact.

The applicant will be notified and invited to provide any required applicant-specific information or materials.

Applications Submitted Directly by the Applicant

Applicants applying directly must submit a personal reflection of no more than 500 words addressing at least two of the four award criteria areas.

The reflection should include specific examples showing how the applicant’s military-connected experience has shaped their academic journey, leadership, perseverance or contributions to others.

The required letter of recommendation may provide additional evidence related to the same or other award criteria areas.

Applicants are not required to disclose sensitive military, medical, financial, family or service-related information. Responses should focus on growth, commitment, actions and impact.

All application materials must be submitted by the published deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Applications are reviewed using the University's established awards review process.

University Events will first verify that each application:

• Meets the published eligibility requirements.
• Is submitted by the established deadline.
• Includes all required application materials.
• Confirms the applicant is a member of the applicable graduating class and is in good academic and conduct standing.

Military-connected eligibility will be determined through the applicant's self-reported eligibility category and available University records. Applicants will not be required to submit military, family, medical, or other sensitive documentation solely to verify their military-connected status.

Eligible applications are then reviewed by faculty and staff volunteers using a standardized evaluation rubric.

The committee evaluates applicants based on:

• Academic commitment.
• Leadership and character.
• Meaningful impact.
• Perseverance through military-connected life.

The highest-scoring finalists are forwarded to the University President for final selection.

• 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.
• An crystal trophy.
• Travel and hotel accommodations in accordance with University award guidelines.
• Recognition in University communications.

Attendance at Commencement is encouraged but not required.