Retiree Excellence Awards

Recognizing UofL retirees who continue to make a difference.

Nominations open December 1, 2026, and close February 15, 2027.

 

About the Awards

The University of Louisville’s Presidential Excellence Awards include two Distinguished Retiree Awards honoring retirees whose service or scholarship has made a meaningful difference at UofL or in the broader community after retirement.

UofL presents these awards in partnership with the University of Louisville Association of Retired Personnel (ULRP) and UofL Alumni Engagement. One recipient is selected for each award annually.

Award Categories

Close of up Minerva on the exterior of Schneider Hall

Retiree Excellence Award

Honors retired UofL faculty and staff for outstanding scholarship or community service after retirement.

Tassels with honor cords featuring a Minerva medallion

Alumni Retiree Excellence Award

Honors UofL retirees whose service or scholarship after retirement continues to benefit the university or the broader community. 

Nominees must also be UofL graduates.

Eligibility

Who can be nominated?

For either award, nominees must:

  • Meet UofL's retirement eligibility requirements.
  • Have officially retired from UofL.
  • Have been retired for at least three (3) years.

For the Distinguished Alumni Retiree Excellence Award, nominees must also be UofL alumni.

If you’re unsure whether someone qualifies, the Employee Success Center will verify retirement eligibility during the review process.

Who can nominate?

Members of the UofL community, including retirees, alumni and students, may submit a nomination. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Selection Criteria

Both awards recognize outstanding scholarship or service after retirement that reflects UofL’s values. Contributions may include service to the university, professional activities, or volunteer work. Their impact may reach UofL or communities locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

The selection committee considers:

  • The quality of the nominee’s scholarship or service.
  • Who benefited, how far the impact reached and what improved as a result.
  • Any recognition the work received from outside UofL.

The committee values sustained service and has no minimum service duration. Retirees who continue or return to part-time work at UofL may be nominated. The committee excludes paid accomplishments from consideration.

Prepare Your Nomination

Before you open the form, gather:

  • A one-page nomination letter addressed to the selection committee. Describe the nominee’s service or scholarship after retirement, who benefited and how far the impact reached.
  • Contact information for you and the nominee.
  • Basic details about the nominee’s employment at UofL.

You may also upload optional letters of support.