Diner En Bleu

Awards and Recognition

Nominations Are Now Being Accepted

Awarding outstanding individuals who deserve recognition in our community through the following award categories:

1. Rising Star (Faculty and Staff): The Rising Star Award at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise, initiative, and achievement in their respective roles within the FVSU community. Whether they are faculty or staff, nominees for the Rising Star Award should embody qualities that inspire others and contribute to the advancement and positive reputation of FVSU. Nominees must be full-time employees at FVSU with at least one year of employment. The following criteria outline the qualities and achievements that will be considered for this prestigious award:
   • Excellence in Performance: Nominees should exhibit outstanding performance in their roles, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a dedication to the mission and values of FVSU.
   • Leadership Potential: Nominees should show clear potential for leadership within their area of expertise or the broader FVSU community. This could include demonstrated leadership skills, innovative thinking, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
   • Impact and Contribution: Nominees should have made significant contributions to their field, department, or FVSU as a whole. This could include accomplishments such as impactful research, successful initiatives, notable projects, or outstanding service.
   • Professional Development: Nominees should commit to continuous learning and growth in their profession or academic discipline. This could include pursuing further education, obtaining certifications, or engaging in professional development activities.
   • Positive Influence: Nominees should inspire and positively influence others through their actions, attitudes, and behavior. They should foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and inclusivity within the FVSU community.
   • Community Engagement: Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to serving and engaging with the broader community, whether through volunteer work, outreach efforts, or community partnerships.
   • Recognition and Awards: Nominees may have received recognition or awards for their achievements, either within FVSU or externally, further highlighting their rising star status.
   • Potential for Future Success: Nominees should show potential for continued growth and success in their careers or academic pursuits. Their achievements and contributions thus far should indicate a promising trajectory for future accomplishments.
   • Alignment with FVSU Values: Nominees should align with the core values of Fort Valley State University, including integrity, excellence, diversity, respect, and service.
2. Most Influential Wildcat (Alumni, Faculty, Students, and Staff): The Most Influential Award recognizes individuals within the FVSU community who have made significant and lasting contributions, positively impacting the institution, their respective fields, and the broader community nationally and internationally. This award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and influence, serving as inspirations and role models to others. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
   • Commitment to Excellence: The nominee consistently upholds the highest standards of excellence, professionalism, and integrity in their endeavors, contributing to the reputation and success of FVSU.
   • Dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The nominee has demonstrated a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the FVSU community, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
   • Advancement of FVSU's Mission: The nominee's contributions align closely with the mission, vision, and values of FVSU, advancing the university's goals and objectives in meaningful and tangible ways.
   • Sustained Impact: The nominee's impact and contributions have been sustained over time, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the betterment of FVSU and its stakeholders.
3. Honorary Alumnus (Faculty, Staff, Community Leaders, or Faithful Donors): Honorary alumnus status is awarded to individuals who did not attend Fort Valley State University but who have exhibited dedicated service and loyalty to FVSU, its students, and its alumni. Recipients include faculty/staff members, community leaders, and faithful donors. 
4. Family Legacy (Alumni): The Family Legacy Award is designed to recognize families with five or more family members spanning two or more generations who have attended FVSU and made documented and undisputable contributions to FVSU, creating a legacy for their family and leaving a legacy to FVSU.
5. Gold Standard Customer Service Award (Faculty, Staff, and Student): The Gold Standard Customer Service Award honors individuals who exemplify exceptional dedication, professionalism, and care in their service. Recipients of this award consistently go above and beyond to enhance the customer experience, setting a high standard for others to follow. Their unwavering commitment to excellence reflects Fort Valley State University's core values and significantly contributes to our community's betterment.
6. Alumni Chapter of the Year: The Alumni Chapter of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of a local or regional alumni chapter within the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association (FVSUNAA). This prestigious award honors the chapter that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering alumni engagement, advancing the mission of FVSU, and creating a lasting impact within its community. The criteria for the award are as follows:
   • Engagement and Participation: 
     • Demonstrates consistent and active engagement with alumni members, both local and regional.
     • Encourages participation in chapter meetings, events, and activities, fostering a sense of community.
     • Exhibits a strong presence at FVSUNAA-sponsored events and national conventions.
   • Impact on FVSU:
     • Demonstrates a tangible impact on the university through fundraising efforts, scholarships, and student support programs.
     • Provides financial contributions or services that benefit FVSU students, faculty, and staff.
     • Supports and advances FVSU’s recruitment efforts through outreach to prospective students and the community.
   • Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness: 
     • Exhibits effective leadership, including a dedicated and dynamic executive board and active committees.
     • Shows organizational growth and strength in membership retention, recruitment, and communication.
     • Demonstrates strong internal communication strategies, including newsletters, social media presence, and chapter meetings.
   • Community Service and Outreach:
     • Actively participates in community service activities that positively reflect the values and mission of FVSU.
     • Organizes or participates in local initiatives, events, or projects that promote the university’s image and foster goodwill.
     • Creates opportunities for alumni to contribute to local communities, including mentoring students, supporting local charities, or organizing volunteer activities.
   • Inclusivity and Diversity: 
     • Promotes inclusivity and ensures all alumni feel welcome and valued, regardless of age, race, background, or professional status.
     • Provides programs and events that cater to the diverse needs of alumni, including opportunities for networking, professional development, and social interaction.
   • Communication and Public Relations:
     • Maintains an effective communication strategy that keeps alumni informed about chapter activities, FVSUNAA events, and university news.
     • Utilizes multiple platforms (e.g., social media, emails, newsletters) to ensure outreach to alumni of all ages.
     • Demonstrates successful public relations efforts to increase awareness of chapter activities and FVSUNAA initiatives.
   • Innovation and Creativity:
     • Demonstrates creativity in planning and executing chapter events, activities, and initiatives.
     • Innovates in ways to engage alumni and generate excitement, including virtual events, hybrid models, or unique community-building activities.
   • Collaboration and Partnerships:
     • Builds partnerships with other alumni chapters, FVSUNAA leadership, and community organizations.
     • Collaborates with local businesses, government organizations, or other educational institutions to enhance the alumni chapter’s initiatives.
   • Sustained Excellence:
     • Demonstrates a long-term commitment to excellence in all aspects of alumni relations and community impact.
     • Maintains continuity and stability in leadership and chapter activities, ensuring a legacy of success for future generations of alumni.
7. Heart of "the Valley" Award: The Heart of “the Valley” Award is given to individuals who have been the heartbeat of Fort Valley State University through their enduring service, dedication, and impact. This award honors those who have worked tirelessly to support the university’s mission, uplift its students, and preserve the Wildcat legacy. Their contributions have left a mark on FVSU, ensuring its success for future generations.
   • Must have been affiliated with FVSU for a significant period (minimum of 10 years preferred).
   • Demonstrates a deep commitment to service, student success, and institutional growth.
   • Has made lasting contributions to FVSU’s advancement through leadership, mentorship, or philanthropy.
     Embodies the spirit of Fort Valley, demonstrating passion, dedication, and resilience.
     Open to faculty, staff, alumni, and long-time university supporters.

Submit Your Nominations Today!

Contact Us

If you need any more help, please feel free to contact us at vpsaem@fvsu.edu.