Alumni Awards

The G.O.L.D. Award recognizes business graduates of the last 10 years who have made significant contributions to their profession, and/or their community already, and who have significant promise for continued leadership, service to their community, and future career success.

Nomination Criteria for Undergraduate level:

• Nominees have demonstrated leadership in their industry
• Nominees perform service to their profession as seen through professional/civic/educational/ honorary groups, career achievements, and professional impact
• Nominees demonstrate involvement with/service to the Coles College of Business and/or Kennesaw State University
• Nominees are an alumnus/as of the last 10 years

Nomination Requirements:

1. Resume and/or biography of the nominee
2. Nominating statement that addresses the criteria listed above (1-page maximum, please)
3. Option: supporting letters for the nomination

As the largest influence on American job growth, entrepreneurship has always been a critical pillar of the Coles College of Business's mission. In recognition of the importance of entrepreneurship in the global economy and the entrepreneurial spirit embraced by the College, we are recognizing an alumnus who has achieved early success in one or more commercially viable companies. In a true entrepreneurial fashion, this individual is a motivated self-starter who has demonstrated exceptional drive and leadership to make their company a success.

Our alumni entrepreneurs make consistent, positive contributions to the community through their various efforts.

Nomination Criteria for Alumni Eligible for this Award:

• Nominees have founded or co-founded one or more commercially viable companies
• Nominees can demonstrate early initial success based on business plan and goals
• Nominees have established and secured a sustainable pipeline of funding for product development
• Nominees have received external recognition and/or validation from their peers and/or the industry
• Nominees are inspiring role models, mentors, or champions in their industry
• Nominees are making a positive contribution to their community, or impact on society through their company, voluntary, or charitable activities

Nomination Requirements (maximum of two pages):

1. Biography or resume of the nominee
2. Provide information about the nominee’s company or companies including relevant highlights, tangible achievements, and/or key milestones (Could include fundraising milestones, number of employees, turnover, accolades, etc.) 
3. Outline the company’s high-value grants and/or significant funding/investments.
4. Summarize the nominee’s key entrepreneurial achievements and explain how they have demonstrated exceptional drive and leadership to make their company or companies a success (This could include examples of when they have taken a creative and innovative approach and the outcome.)
5. Share any external, industry, and/or other public recognition in the form of awards, honors, accolades etc. for the individual and/or the business(es)
6. Please provide examples that demonstrate how the nominee is making a positive contribution to their community, or having an impact on society through their company, voluntary, or charitable activities (This could include inspiring others as a role model, mentoring, service to the College, etc.)

 

This award recognizes the extraordinary commitment of alumni who contribute to the good of their communities. Whether through professional or volunteer service, they make a significant and positive impact on the lives of others, create positive social change, and embody the values represented in the university’s vision.

Nomination Criteria for Alumni Eligible for this Award:

• Nominees advocate for and effect change within a specific community
• Nominees address critical social, economic, health, or environmental needs throughout our society
• Nominees pursue passion projects that benefit the greater good
• Nominees drive change through significant volunteerism

Nomination Requirements (maximum of two pages):

1. Resume and/or biography of the nominee
2. Outline the nominee’s service to the Coles College of Business and/or the University
3. List the nominee’s civic and professional activities
4. Share how the nominee advocates for and effects change in the community
5. Provide information about the nominee’s most significant accomplishment in addressing critical social, economic, health, or environmental needs (an activity the nominee lead that had the greatest impact)