Purpose: This award is to recognize outstanding individuals who, though not graduates of The University of Mississippi, have consistently demonstrated over an extended period of time extraordinary commitment, moral and/or financial support, dedication, loyalty, leadership or service that has enriched the substance and contributed to the advancement of the University’s or its Alumni Association’s missions, reputation or prestige.
Selection Committee: Selection of the Honorary Alumni Award shall be made by the Hall of Fame Committee, chaired by the Immediate Past-President of the Alumni Association, and composed of the Immediate Past-President and six appointed confidential members as prescribed by the Alumni Hall of Fame by-laws dated October 19, 1974.
Criteria and Presentation:
- The nominee should bring distinction to Ole Miss and should be someone with whom the University desires to be associated with.
- The nominee must have attained significant professional or personal accomplishments.
- The nominee must have demonstrated exceptional integrity and character.
- A written nomination is required and must include a statement of evidence in justification of the nomination.
- The nomination must be submitted to, or filed with, the Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee on or before April 1st of each year, to be considered for that year’s award.
- Nominations will be considered for three years, before re-nomination is required.
- One award per year can be made under normal circumstances.
- Only living persons are eligible to receive the award (unless extraordinary qualifications or circumstances).
- Particular consideration is to be given to persons who have responded to requests for service originating within the University or the Alumni Association.
- Philanthropic support of the University or the Alumni Association is not to be considered sole justification for selection.
- Previous recipients are not eligible for reconsideration.
- Current members of the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning and current employees of the University are not eligible for consideration.
- Elected officials and sitting judges are not eligible for consideration.
- The recipient must commit to attend the awards ceremony. If a recipient who is selected cannot attend, then the next candidate on the Committee’s list will be the award winner.
- The presentation of the award is to be made at the annual awards ceremony during Homecoming Weekend, and the recipient will be expected to make brief acceptance remarks.
- The award is life membership in the Ole Miss Association and the recipient will receive a suitable engraved plaque. His or her name will also be added to a permanent plaque displayed in the Triplett Alumni Center on the campus of The University of Mississippi.