LINCOLN, Neb. — The Agronomy and Horticulture Alumni Advisory Council at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking nominations for the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award and the Alumni Early Career Excellence Award. Nominations are due by Sept. 18, 2026.
Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award
Established in 2016, the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed upon graduates of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. It honors alumni whose distinguished professional achievement, public service and civic engagement have enhanced the reputation of the department and the university, reflecting its enduring commitment to leadership, innovation, service and impact at local, state, national and international communities.
Past nominees may be considered, and renomination is not required unless additional information strengthens the nomination. To learn more about the nomination criteria, please visit the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award nomination webpage.
Alumni Early Career Excellence Award
Established in 2026, this inaugural award recognizes undergraduate and graduate alumni of the department who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, leadership, innovation and impact during the first 15 years of their career.
By recognizing rising leaders at an early stage of their careers, the department aims to honor excellence that inspires current and future students and strengthens its community of alumni who are making a difference around the world.
Nomination criteria:
- Nominees should have no more than 15 years of professional experience following the completion of their highest academic degree (excluding time spent in graduate or professional education).
- Nominees should demonstrate exceptional achievement and performance in their career, including technical expertise, scientific contributions, business accomplishments, educational impact or professional advancement.
- Evidence of emerging leadership within their organization, profession or community.
- Nominees should demonstrate impact beyond their immediate role through innovation, problem-solving and measurable outcomes.
- Nominees should have a record of accomplishments that indicates exceptional promise for continued leadership and influence in their field.
Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. Nomination criteria are available on the Alumni Early Career Excellence Award nomination webpage.
All honorees will be chosen by the AHAAC.
The AHAAC is made up of volunteer alumni with distinguished early- and later-career credentials. Its mission is to advise the department head on alumni engagement, financial stability, industry relations and student interaction with alumni.
