Alumni Awards

Contact a classmate

Looking to reconnect with a classmate? Contact the Alumni Relations office, and we'll help you try to get back in touch. alumni [at] zb-fc.com (alumni[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) or
(402) 465-2568

Contact or visit us

Nebraska Wesleyan University Alumni Office
5000 Saint Paul Avenue
Lincoln, NE 68504
(402) 465-2123
alumni [at] zb-fc.com (alumni[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu)


Each year during Wesleyan Weekend, we celebrate NWU alumni for their accomplishments and contributions to the human community with the NWU Alumni Association Awards at Legends & Legacies and Hall of Fame. Nominate yourself or fellow alumni for recognition.

Medal of Honor

An award given to an alumnus who embodies the ideals of Nebraska Wesleyan University at the highest levels, especially through his or her service and regular financial support to the University, the community and through his or her vocational achievement. Prior recipients of achievement, loyalty and young alumni awards may be considered. See past recipients at Medal of Honor

Alumni Loyalty Award

An award which recognizes the individual’s involvement with, service to and financial support of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Consideration will be given to alumni from class years more than 20 years after graduation. See past recipients at Alumni Loyalty Award

Young Alumni Loyalty Award

An award given to an alumnus of Nebraska Wesleyan University, who has graduated within the past 20 years, which recognizes the individual’s involvement with, service to, and financial support of Nebraska Wesleyan University. See past recipients at Young Alumni Loyalty Award

Alumni Achievement Award

An award which recognizes an individual’s vocational achievement and community involvement. Consideration will be given to alumni from class years more than 20 years after graduation and who have demonstrated regular financial support of the University. See past recipients at Alumni Achievement Award

Young Alumni Achievement Award

An award given to an alumnus of Nebraska Wesleyan University which recognizes the individual’s vocational achievement and community involvement. Consideration will be given to alumni who have graduated within the past 20 years and who have demonstrated financial support of the University. See past recipients at Young Alumni Achievement Award

Humanitarian Award

An award given to an alumnus who has made a significant contribution to the status and well-being of others and who has been actively engaged in promoting human and social reforms that foster the alleviation of suffering, discrimination or injustice. It recognizes persons whose lives and actions have been devoted selflessly to serving others, without consideration of personal gain or risk, and whose influence and commitment have positively impacted the lives of persons locally, statewide, nationally or internationally. See past recipients at Humanitarian Award

Young Alumni Humanitarian Award

An award given to an alumnus who has made a significant contribution to the status and well-being of others and who has been actively engaged in promoting human and social reforms that foster the alleviation of suffering, discrimination or injustice. It recognizes persons whose lives and actions have been devoted selflessly to serving others, without consideration of personal gain or risk, and whose influence and commitment have positively impacted the lives of persons locally, statewide, nationally or internationally. Consideration will be given to alumni from class years more than 20 years after graduation. See past recipients at Young Alumni Humanitarian Award

John Rosentrater Act of Valor Award

Nebraska Wesleyan University’s John Rosentrater Act of Valor Award recognizes NWU alumni whose heroic service falls beyond the call of duty. These alumni include members of the military, police, fire services and others who put their lives at risk in order to save another person. This award honors recipients’ outstanding courage and selflessness in the face of danger.

The award is named in honor of John Rosentrater, a decorated World War I hero and NWU professor of philosophy from 1936 to 1960. Late Professor of History David Mickey (’39) once wrote that Rosentrater was “one of those giants who, from time to time, walks upon this earth.” His service in France earned him the World War I Victory Medal, a Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars and a nomination for the Medal of Honor, the country’s highest military award.

See past recipients at John Rosentrater Act of Valor Award

Athletics Hall of Fame

Outstanding NWU athletes are chosen by a selection committee on an annual basis. See past recipients at Athletics Hall of Fame