McCormick Theological Seminary Alumni Awards
Distinguished Alumnus/a Award
H I S T O R Y
In 1976 the Board of Trustees established the Distinguished Alumnus/a award: This award is presented to an alumnus/a in recognition of his or her distinguished contribution to the ministry of the church. The award is open to all, without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, denomination, form of ministry, length of service or public fame. Rather, the emphasis will be on quality and significance of exceptional contribution to the ministry of Jesus Christ.
E L I G I B I L I T Y
This award is given to living graduates and cannot be awarded posthumously. Further, retired presidents and professors are not eligible to receive the award for five years after leaving the Seminary. Only alumni can nominate, though anyone can be asked to submit a letter of recommendation.
C R I T E R I A
The candidate for Distinguished Alumnus or Alumna:
Has graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary.
Has made an exceptional contribution in ministry, making and strengthening the connection between the local congregation and the world;
Demonstrates distinct leadership abilities and discernment, exhibiting concern not only for self but is a witness for others with a true sense of call in a specific time and place;
Leaves a lasting legacy in his or her work that has an impact on those near as well as upon the larger church;
Represents McCormick’s commitment to preparation for ministry, including ministry in a diverse and global context;
Has been effectively and thoroughly represented by the person(s) making the nomination, such that the selection committee has in hand a clear biography of the nominee, a definitive letter of advocacy, letters of recommendation, and accurate contact information.
Rising Star Award
H I S T O R Y
In 2021, the McCormick Alumni/ae Council voted to begin awarding the Rising Star Award. This award is presented to an alumnus/a in recognition of faithful contribution to ministry in Church and Society. This award is open to alum who have graduated within the past ten years, without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, denomination, form of ministry or public fame. The award can include specialized ministries of chaplaincy, pastoral ministry, social service, community organizing, social justice, advocacy, and education.
E L I G I B I L I T Y
This award is given to living graduates and cannot be awarded posthumously. The candidate must be a recent graduate of the Seminary - within the last ten years. Only alumni can nominate, though anyone can be asked to submit a letter of recommendation. The criteria for the Rising Star Award follows:
C R I T E R I A
The candidate for the Rising Star Award:
Has graduated from the Seminary in the past ten years;
Has visibly answered the call to leadership, demonstrating dedication to their calling. The award can include specialized ministries of chaplaincy, pastoral ministry, social service, community organizing, social justice, advocacy, and education.
Models an active spiritual life with an ethic of care and compassion.
Has retained a strong alliance with the Seminary, one that enhances McCormick’s impact on future generations of students.
Demonstrates faithful leadership, one that strengthens the connection between Church and Society. Demonstrates leadership and giving back to the community.
Has been effectively and thoroughly represented by the person(s) making the nomination, such that the selection committee has in hand a clear biography of the nominee, a definitive letter of advocacy, letters of recommendation and accurate contact information.
Note: Receiving this award does not prevent a future nomination for the Distinguished Alumnus/a Award.
Nomination and Selection Process
(Same process for both Awards)
The Alumni/ae Council, on behalf of the Alumni/ae Association, carefully reviews all nomination materials it receives so that it can make its recommendation to the spring meeting of the Board of Trustees, which officially names the Distinguished Alumnus/a and the recipient of the Rising Star Award.
The Alumni/ae Council will actively seek nominees for the awards, as early as McCormick Days of the preceding year. At times, the Council itself may identify alumni/ae whom they would suggest as nominees; however, the Council believes McCormick’s alumni/ae, across the world, are the best source for nominees. In addition, in years where there are multiple nominees, those not chosen will be kept for consideration in future years.
The Alumni/ae Council considers nominations based on the criteria listed above. The Council emphasizes the importance of a complete nomination, which must include adequate information describing the person’s history and work, as well as at least two letters of recommendation. All information must be submitted to Community Engagement & Alumni Relations. Please be advised that the Council can only review, and make its recommendation to the Board of Trustees based on the materials sent to them. Therefore, a careful, thoughtful and complete nomination is most helpful in the selection process.
Questions? Call us at 773.947.6322 or email alumrelations@mccormick.edu
We will notify you as to whether your candidate is being placed in nomination.