2026 Pitt Nursing Distinguished Alumni Awards

At the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, our graduates’ achievements are a testament to our success. To honor their impact, the Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize Pitt Nursing alumni who have excelled in nursing practice, research, service or teaching; those who have rendered outstanding service to humanity; and those who have achieved a distinguished career in nursing. These accolades spotlight exceptional nurses who stand as remarkable role models.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, May 1, 2026. Please submit only one nomination per survey.

General Award Criteria

• Nominee must be an alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, unless nominated for the Honorary Distinguished Alumni Award.
• Nominee must demonstrate outstanding and notable record of distinction in the field of nursing, with contributions surpassing typical expectations.
•  Nominee must exhibit high professional standards that have significantly advanced the art and science of nursing or related health care fields.

Specific Award Criteria

Nominees must meet all specific award criteria listed under the Distinguished Alumni Award for which they are being nominated. Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

Nursing Practice

Purpose: to recognize an alumnus with significant contributions to the nursing profession and clinical practice

• Serves as a role model through evidence-based practices, research and continued education
• Demonstrates clinical competence and excellence
• Is recognized as an outstanding clinical practice nurse by clients, families, communities and health care organizations

Nursing Research

Purpose: to recognize an alumnus with significant contributions to the field of nursing through research

• Engages in innovative research that has influenced nursing practice, policy or education, and disseminates findings through publications and presentations
• Serves as a mentor, educator or facilitator supporting researchers, graduate students and emerging scholars
• Applies research that has led to meaningful changes in clinical nursing practice nationally or internationally

Service

Purpose: to recognize an alumnus who has made significant contributions to the University, community, state or nation through volunteer or public service

• Demonstrates exceptional and sustained service to the nursing profession, health care organizations or the community
• Contributes to the advancement of nursing practice, policy or education through volunteerism or leadership
• Makes significant impacts through advocacy or efforts to improve health care outcomes and patient care

Teaching Excellence

Purpose: to recognize an alumnus who has proven excellence in nursing education, dissemination or professional development in the classroom or the field

• Is recognized as an inspiring educator by students and colleagues
• Exhibits leadership in education through curriculum development, innovative teaching strategies and evaluation
• Makes substantial contributions to nursing through publications and presentations on the national and/or international level
• Plays a key role in securing accreditation for academic programs and/or credentialing health care systems

Outstanding Young Alumni

Purpose: To recognize an alumnus with significant achievements early in their career

• Nominee must be 40 years or younger.
• Demonstrates early leadership and notable contributions to nursing practice, education or research within a short timeframe
• Actively engages in professional organizations and initiatives to advance the nursing profession
• Serves as a role model, inspiring innovation and continued growth in the nursing field

Honorary

Purpose: to recognize a non-alumnus or organization for their dedication to the mission of Pitt Nursing and their significant contributions to alumni, the School of Nursing or related health care professions

• Makes significant contributions to the nursing profession or health care that align with the values of Pitt Nursing

To submit a nomination anonymously, leave the nominator contact information fields blank.

If you have any questions or wish to submit any additional documents, please email Taylor Andrekanic, associate director of alumni relations, School of Nursing, at tva4@pitt.edu.

Provide details about this nominee’s duties and responsibilities in their volunteer role(s) and/or their current profession. Share your perspective on how the individual has enriched the nursing community through their efforts.

Please feel free to attach any additional documents you feel are pertinent to your nomination.

Use the button below to upload a file. Multiple files should be compressed into one zip file before uploading.