The Alumni Hall of Fame Award is bestowed annually upon a University of Washington Communication graduate. Hall of Fame members are those who have “made a difference” in an important way: as prominent journalists (e.g., winners of a Pulitzer Prize), public servants, celebrities who have used their influence to help others, leaders in their field, devoted mentors to our students, and academic stand-outs. They are people who did more than just have a job or career – they did it with great success and often with great dedication to others.

Before making a nomination, please read the selection guidelines below:

The Alumni Hall of Fame Award is designated for an outstanding alumnus or alumna, distinguished for service and achievement over a period of years since graduation from the University of Washington.

Any former student who earned a B.A., M.A., M.C., or Ph.D. degree from the UW Department of Communication or former programs, departments, and schools now part of the department. Please note, that UW Communication faculty who are an alum of the department are eligible for Hall of Fame membership only upon retirement from the UW.

Additionally, cannot be posthumous.

The selection committee is not just looking for a list of honors by the nominee. We’re also looking for narratives that paint a picture of what was accomplished, how they accomplished it, and what industry community impacts they have made. The selection committee reserves the right to conduct additional research on a nominee when more information is needed. Questions considered by the committee are detailed below.

  • How has your nominee demonstrated continuous community engagement throughout their life? How many people has your nominee’s involvement impacted?
  • How have other organizations have recognized your nominee’s community involvement?
  • How widely-felt is the impact of your nominee’s community engagement? Nationally or internationally?
  • How have they made an impact on their field? How have their contributions embodied at least one of the following qualities: real-world impact, innovation and creativity?
  • How does your nominee demonstrate the value of an UW Communication education to broad audiences and inspire future students?
  • How have other organizations recognized your nominee’s community involvement?
  • How well known is your nominee to the general public?
  • What accomplishments/awards has your nominee received? Have your nominee’s accomplishments been shared to the community or made news?
  • How many people have your nominee’s accomplishments impacted?
  • How have your nominee’s colleagues recognized their accomplishments?
  • What is the quality and quantity of evidence of national or international recognition?

To nominate a Hall of Fame candidate for consideration, please submit this form by 5pm on Aug 29, 2024. Any supporting documents not included in the nomination form can be sent to comcomms@uw.edu or by post to the following address:

UW Department of Communication || Box 353740 || Seattle, WA 98195

Selection Committee:

The Alumni Hall of Fame Selection Committee consists of all living members of the Alumni Hall of Fame, department faculty, and the department Chair and Alumni Outreach Manager. Selected honorees will be nominated the summer preceding the ceremony, typically scheduled to occur the following Autumn. 

Questions? Please contact comcomms@uw.edu.