Alumni awards

Each year, the College of Science selects recipients for five alumni awards: Young Alumni of the Year (multiple recipients), John William Mackay Medal (distinguished alum recipient(s) from the Mackay School), Samuel Abraham Goudsmit Medal (distinguished alum recipient(s) from the College of Science), Mackay School Professional Achievement Award and the College of Science Professional Achievement Award. These alumni are the leaders in their incredibly diverse scientific fields and research. The awarded alumni serve as an inspiration to our current students and as a testament to the value of our faculty.

Criteria for selection

Please request a copy of the College of Science alumni awards criteria document from Sander van der Linden (avanderlinden@unr.edu) for a full description of criteria for each alumni award.

Individuals that are ineligible to receive any award include:

  • Previous recipients of the award
  • Members of the Selection Committee
  • Candidates for public office

Nomination process

To nominate someone for any of the alumni awards, you must submit a nomination form. Some attachments to prepare in advance are as follows:

  1. A one-page letter stating why you believe the nominee should be considered.
  2. A one-page document that lists the nominee’s brief bio and accomplishments.
  3. Optional – up to two additional pieces of information which demonstrate the qualifications of the nominee such as a list of awards, newspaper or magazine clipping.

For Young Alumni of the Year, John William Mackay Medal and Samuel Abraham Goudsmit Medal: Nominators include College of Science/Mackay School unit chairs and directors, faculty members and University of Nevada, Reno alumni. An unlimited number of nominees may be submitted.

For College of Science and Mackay School Professional Achievement Awards: Nominators include College of Science/Mackay School unit chairs and directors, faculty members, University of Nevada, Reno alumni and members of the College of Science Advisory Committee and Mackay Executive Advisory Board, respectively. An unlimited number of nominees may be submitted.

Once recipients have been selected by the Awards Committee, they will be notified in writing by the Dean’s Office with details about the award presentation. The Selection Committee may consider any nominated candidate, a former candidate not selected, or any other person who the committee deems qualified.

Submit a nomination

Past award recipients