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Award Criteria and How to Nominate

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Chicago Booth defines alumni as all individuals who have graduated from Chicago Booth in any degree program, except those individuals who have specifically indicated that they do not want to be considered alumni.

Individuals who have received similar awards from other organizations are still eligible to receive a Chicago Booth Distinguished Alumni Award. Only alumni of Chicago Booth or its predecessor programs are eligible for nomination, regardless of employment status. In all cases where the alumni status of an individual is questioned, the dean will make the final ruling.

Nominations for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards

Nominations for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards are now closed. Please check back for the announcement of the winners in the spring.

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Corporate Award

Chicago Booth will present the award to an individual who has demonstrated professional achievement of the highest caliber in the management of a for-profit organization. Such achievement may include:

  • Consistent, long-term achievement in a career in the management of a for-profit organization
  • Success of a total enterprise, or a subsidiary or department, that can be directly attributed to the direction of the individual
  • Recognition by colleagues and peers of outstanding leadership and administrative abilities in a corporate area
  • Management of a divisional line of business with a profit and loss of $1B+
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Entrepreneurial Award

Chicago Booth will present the award to an individual who has demonstrated professional achievement of the highest caliber in the management of an enterprise. Such achievement may include:

  • Creation of or significant involvement in the formation of a successful enterprise
  • Successful creation of a new idea, new business, new product, and/or private ownership that can be directly attributed to the direction of the individual
  • Recognition by colleagues and peers of outstanding leadership and administrative abilities in an entrepreneurial area
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Public Service Award

Chicago Booth will present the award to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary contributions in the charitable, nonprofit, or civic arena. Such achievement may include:

  • Work in all levels of public service: local, state, and federal governments, as well as international and public service nonprofit organizations
  • Use of influence and effectiveness in the business world to support a pursuit in public service
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Young Alumni Award

Chicago Booth will present the award to an individual who is 45 years of age or younger at the date of the selection committee meeting. His or her achievements may include:

  • Extraordinary success in a career since graduating from Chicago Booth
  • Recognition by colleagues and peers of outstanding leadership and administrative abilities