USF Outstanding Young Alumni Awards

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Description

The Outstanding Young Alumni Awards program recognizes alumni aged 35 or younger who have demonstrated emerging and unique innovation, creativity, and career success. Selections are based on professional success; however, a demonstrated commitment to USF and opportunity for future involvement may also be considered.

Awards Ceremony

Thursday, Feb. 11, 2027

5:30pm - 9:00pm

USF Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center

View Past Honorees Here

 

 

 

Established in 2004, this prestigious award celebrates the accomplishments of USF's youngest alumni. The awards event, which includes an entertaining and informative recipients' panel discussion, provides an enrichment opportunity for students and an engaging networking opportunity for students, alumni and friends.

Questions? (FAQs listed in section below)

Contact Cheyenne DeBarros at debarrosc@usf.edu. 

Rules

Eligibility (Scroll for full information)

  • Only living alumni who've completed at least one class at USF and who have not reached the age of 36 by Jan. 1 of the award presentation year are eligible.
  • Members of the Awards Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”), as well as members of the USF Alumni Association Board of Directors and their immediate family members, are not eligible to be selected or receive the award during their period of service.
  • Individuals who are campaigning for elected political office are not eligible for the award if the election takes place within 12 months of the Committee's meeting.
  • Individuals who accept the award commit to attend the awards event, barring an unforeseeable and extraordinary circumstance.
  • USF employees may be considered provided there is a clear indication of unique and stellar success in the alum’s position.

Timeline

  • Nominations Open: July 27, 2026
  • Nominations Close: Aug. 21, 2026
  • Committee Reviews
  • Honorees Notified: mid-November 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How are nominations evaluated? 
    • The selection committee reviews each nomination based on the program's primary criteria, including demonstrated career success, creativity and unique innovation. 
  • What makes for a strong nomination? 
    • A strong nomination typically includes two or more professional letters of recommendation, a résumé, PDFs of news articles, and/ or other supplemental materials that highlight the nominee's professional accomplishments and impact.
  • May I nominate myself? 
    • Yes. Self-nominations are accepted, provided the nominee meets all eligibility requirements. 
  • Should I encourage my network to submit additional nominations for the alum I wish to nominate?
    • We recommend submitting one comprehensive nomination for each candidate. If you would like to gather additional letters of recommendation from colleagues, peers or members of your network, those materials can be included as part of a single nomination package. These awards are not based on the number of nominations received per candidate, so multiple nominations for the same individual do not necessarily increase their likelihood of selection. Instead, we encourage nominators to focus on submitting one strong, well-supported nomination that thoroughly highlights the candidate's achievements, impact and qualifications.
  • Was my nomination submitted successfully?
    • Nominators will receive an auto-generated confirmation email upon successful submission of their nomination.
  • Will I be notified when the final honorees are selected?
    • Yes. Nominators will be notified by email in mid-November. 
  • Can I update my nomination after it has been submitted? 
    • Unfortunately, we cannot accept additional materials after a nomination has been submitted. Please review your nomination carefully and ensure that all supporting documents and attachments are uploaded before submitting.

Questions?

Contact Cheyenne DeBarros at debarrosc@usf.edu.