Alumni Association
Alumni Awards Timeline and Criteria
Help us recognize outstanding individuals in the Oberlin College and Conservatory community!
Nominations are considered by the Awards Committee and can be made at any point during the year. Please note that not all awards are limited to alumni recipients and nominators do not need to be an alumnus/a.
The Awards Committee meets at the beginning of the calendar year to determine that year's group of honorees.
The Alumni Medal is presented during the commencement ceremony in May. The Distinguished Achievement Award, Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Young Alumni Award, and Alumni Appreciation Award are bestowed in the summer, and presented in the fall during Homecoming Weekend.
Nominations remain active for up to three years. Criteria for each award and nomination instructions follow.
Nominate an outstanding Obie for an award!

The Alumni Medal is awarded to someone who has given outstanding, sustained, or unique service to Oberlin. Nominees do not have to be Oberlin alumni, but may not be a current employee, honorary degree recipient, trustee, or Alumni Council Executive Board or Awards Committee member. Normally, one medal is awarded annually. Recipients are expected to attend commencement in May to receive their award.
The Distinguished Achievement Award is presented to an alumnus/a whose life’s work successfully reflects Oberlin’s values in extraordinary ways. Nominees may not be a current employee, honorary degree recipient, trustee, or Alumni Council Executive Board or Awards Committee member. Normally, one award is presented annually at Homecoming in the fall.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to an alumnus/a whose service or volunteer activities reflect Oberlin’s values by directly improving the quality of life for humanity. Nominees may not be a current employee, honorary degree recipient, trustee, or Alumni Council Executive Board or Awards Committee member. Normally, one award is presented annually at Homecoming in the fall.
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus/a under 40 years of age whose commitment and success in their professional career, service to humanity, and/or service to Oberlin is exemplary. Nominees may not be a current employee, honorary degree recipient, trustee, or Alumni Council Executive Board or Awards Committee member. Normally, one award is presented annually at Homecoming in the fall.
The Alumni Appreciation Award is presented to someone who has performed a unique service or made a unique contribution to Oberlin and/or its alumni. Nominees do not have to be Oberlin alumni. Normally, one award is presented annually at Homecoming in the fall.
Nominations
Do you know exceptional Obies who are dedicated to serving Oberlin College and Conservatory? Nominate them for an alumni award by submitting an Awards Nomination Form.