The HSSU Alumni Awards honor graduates who exemplify excellence through professional achievement, leadership, and service to their communities, while demonstrating pride and support for Harris-Stowe State University.

Nominations are due by September 15, 2025.
Selected honorees will be recognized by the HSSU President during the Alumni Awards Luncheon at Homecoming on Friday, October 17, 2025, and at other University celebrations such as Commencement ceremonies.

  • Distinguished Alumni

    This is the highest honor given to Harris-Stowe graduates, recognizing alumni whose careers demonstrate outstanding achievement, whose service has bettered society, and whose dedication and support continue to strengthen HSSU and its mission

  • Outstanding Alumni Leader Under 40

    This award highlights alumni under the age of 40 who have excelled in their chosen fields, shown strong leadership and community impact, and remained committed to uplifting Harris-Stowe through service, mentorship, and support

    • All candidates will be considered regardless of race, gender, age, disability, marital status,sexual orientation or religion.

    • Eligible nominees will have been enrolled in a regular course of study at Harris-Stowe StateUniversity or one of its sister institutions.

    • Recipients will be accomplished in the three distinct areas as outlined below and will bereflective of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service. The three areas are:

      • Professional Achievement/Career and or Military Service Distinction: The recipient attained prominence through his or her efforts in commerce, industry, technology, the professions, agriculture, the arts, education, government, military or other worthy endeavors that form a record of accomplishment impressive to the citizens of Missouri and the nation.

      • Service to Society: The recipient exhibits integrity and a demonstrated commitment to community service and through an interest in bettering the lives of others through volunteer efforts.

      • Service and Support to Harris-Stowe State University: The recipient’s deeds and actions reflect the importance of his or her educational training, pride in alma mater and loyalty to Harris-Stowe State University, as demonstrated through their interest in and support of the University, the Alumni Association and their programs, (e.g. mentoring, monetary and other donations, etc.)

    • Awards and milestones

    • Member of The Alumni Association or its affiliate organizations.

    • Member of HSSU administration, faculty or staff.

    • Member of an affiliate or support organization of HSSU.

    • Harris-Stowe Alumni.

    • Friends of Harris-Stowe. 

    • Self-nominations will not be accepted

    • First-degree family relatives will not be allowed to recommend a family member. A first-degree relative is defined as spouse/partner, or a close blood relative which includes the individual's parents, full siblings, or children.

    • Recipients who have previously won in this award category cannot be nominated for the award a second time.

    • Incomplete applications will not be considered

    • Self-nominations will not be considered.

    • Awards will not be given posthumously, unless nomination was submitted prior to death of nominee. 

  • Nominations must be submitted by Sept 15, 2025. The nomination submission should include:

    • Completed nomination form, the nominee’s vita, resume (or professional bio),

    • Two letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation should include how the nominee contributed significantly to HSSU, industry, academia, governmental service, or other endeavors as exemplified by leadership, community service and/or professional accomplishments. 

  • Individuals, alumni groups and constituent associations may make nominations. Nominations must be submitted on nomination forms supplied by HSSU Alumni Relations. The Awards Committee will review the nominations and select finalists for the award. The decision of the panel is final. Nominees who are not selected in the current year shall remain active nominations for a total of one year and may be considered for selection during that period. After one year of eligibility, all nomination forms must be resubmitted for committee review. 

  • The HSSU President will present the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Outstanding Alumni Leader Under 40 Award to recipients, with assistance from program emcees, at the University’s Commencement or Homecoming Awards Ceremony. Recipients must commit to attend the program for the award presentation.