The Information School Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni from the Informatics, MLIS, MSIM and Ph.D. programs who have made significant and exceptional contributions to the information field through their profession, to the community, or involvement with the University of Washington. This award acknowledges those who continue to uphold iSchool values by helping “others discover, learn, innovate and solve problems” beyond their years at the UW.

In 2022, the iSchool announced the addition of the Graduate of the Last Decade Alumni Impact Awards (GOLD Alumni Impact Awards) to celebrate recent graduates for significant contributions to the information field and/or their community. Paralleling the criteria used for the Distinguished Alumni Award, the GOLD Awards focus on alumni who have used their degree, expertise and professional position to make significant contributions to the information field and/or their community. Those nominees who have graduated within the past 10 years will automatically be considered for the GOLD Award.

The nomination period for the 2026 iSchool Distinguished Alumni and GOLD Impact Awards is now open. Submissions will be accepted through Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.

Awards Criteria

Nominees must meet at least one of the following criteria. Please provide context within the nomination form to help the selection committee understand the nominee’s impact to the selected criteria area(s). 

• Distinguished achievement in the field of information: Tell us how the nominee has contributed to advancing the field of information. Specifically, what recognition(s) has the nominee received for their knowledge and extraordinary contributions to the information field?
• Distinguished service to the information community: Tell us how the nominee has demonstrated outstanding service to those in the information community. Specifically, how has the individual improved the lives of others through public service?
• Distinguished achievement in academia: Tell us how the nominee has made significant contributions to the information field through either education or research. Specifically, how has the individual distinguished themself through their knowledge and contributions to the field of information?
• Distinguished efforts to advance diversity in the field and/or community: Tell us how the nominee has supported the needs of vulnerable populations, minoritized and marginalized groups. Specifically, how has the individual demonstrated their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through personal and/or professional contributions?
• Distinguished entrepreneurial excellence: Tell us how the nominee has exemplified entrepreneurial work and spirit. Specifically, how has the individual supported these ideals by establishing one or more entrepreneurial ventures; by contributing to the information profession in ways that have inspired others; or by changing the world in a positive way through their information skills and creativity?