The Maryland Awards
The Maryland Awards
Each year, we celebrate and honor the achievements of seven outstanding Terps at A Celebration of Terps: Featuring The Maryland Awards. These awards recognize fearless alumni who have risen to the highest levels of public service, launched successful companies and made groundbreaking discoveries.
Award Categories
Alumni Association Hall of Fame Inductee
Honors a UMCP alumnus/a who has received state, national or global fame for their significant, positive impact on society. This award is presented to our most notable alumni who instill Maryland pride and reflect the core values of the university.
President’s Award
Honors a UMCP alumnus/a who has achieved national recognition for excellence in his/her profession or field. This award is presented to our most noteworthy alumni who excel in their field.
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Honors a UMCP alumnus/a under 35 years old who has completed their undergraduate degree within the last 10 years and has distinguished themselves personally and professionally. This award is presented to an accomplished alumnus/a who is on the rise.
Spirit of Maryland Award
Honors a UMCP alumnus/a or community member who reflects the best of the university spirit. This award celebrates those who embody and inspire Maryland pride.
Tyser Gottwals Award
Honors a UMCP alumnus/a who has demonstrated outstanding service to the university, gifting their time and/or talents. This award is named for Ralph J. Tyser ’40 and Abram Z. Gottwals.
Elaine Johnson Coates Award
Honors an alumnus/a who has made a significant and sustained contribution that fosters diversity and inclusion nationally and/or globally. This award is named for Elaine Johnson Coates ’59, who is also the inaugural recipient.
Do Good Award
Honors an alumnus/a who has provided extraordinary service to the world and who represents the ideals of Doing Good.
Nomination Process
Nominations are collected annually from August 1 - January 10.
- All members of the Terp community are welcome to submit a deserving alumnus/a for one of the highlighted above (self-nominations are also accepted).
- Alumni may be nominated for more than one award.
- Nominations must be submitted electronically through the online nomination form which consists of:
- Nominator's contact information
- Nominee’s contact information
- The nominator's personal case for why this candidate should receive the award
- Any supporting documentation
Selection and Recognition
- All nominations must be received by January 10.
- All nominations will be reviewed by the University of Maryland Alumni Association Board of Governors (BOG) awards & recognition committee. The committee will make selections and recommendations to the BOG executive committee and university leadership who will confirm the selections.
- There is one recipient per award.
- Acceptance of the award is contingent upon attending the Celebration of Terps event.