The University of Utah U Alumni annually presents its Founders Day Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Awards to alumni for their outstanding professional achievements, public service and/or commitment to the U. Additionally, the Honorary Alumnus/a Award is presented to an individual who either did not attend the U or who went to the U for a brief time (a year or less) and who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the U through personal involvement, including donations, volunteer work, and/or other forms of support.

The deadline for 2022 nominations is Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. Presentation of the awards will take place at the U Alumni Founders Day Celebration in February 2022.

Questions regarding Founders Day may be submitted to Jacki Kreymborg, U Alumni Executive Assistant, via email at jacki.kreymborg@alumni.utah.edu. A list of previous award recipients may be found here.

As we mark the founding of the University of Utah in 1850, we want to recognize the work that is still ahead of us to critically review and question the histories related to the founding of our university. We recognize the enduring relationship between many indigenous people and their traditional homelands. We acknowledge that this land is the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Peoples. The university remains committed to continued partnerships with tribes through research, education and community engagement activities.