USC Volunteer Recognition Awards

September 11, 2020

The USC Alumni Association will honor and recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteers who have devoted their time and energy in service to the University. Four categories of awards are presented, including: President’s Award, Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award, Volunteer Friend of the Year Award and Volunteer Organization of the Year Award.

These annual awards recognize outstanding contributions to the Trojan Family by USC volunteers and will be presented during the Alumni Leadership Conference (ALC) on Friday, September 11, 2020 in a special virtual presentation.

The entire USC community is encouraged to nominate their best volunteers and to join us at the awards presentation in September. All USC schools, departments, alumni groups and affiliated organizations are eligible to nominate.

For award criteria and links to nomination submission forms please visit the tabs below.

Nominations must be submitted online at by 5:00 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Submissions received after the deadline may not be considered.

USC Alumni Association President’s Awards

The President’s Award recognizes the outstanding leadership contributions of a volunteer over the course of several years, which may include fulfillment of a formal leadership position and/or achievements in informal activities. Other factors considered are the volunteer’s overall record of service, loyalty, dedication, and contribution to the Trojan Family. Typically, up to five President’s Awards are presented each year.

Widney Alumni House Awards

These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteers through service to the Trojan Family. Important factors include a record of sustained volunteer service to a school or department at USC and relevant achievements during this service. Typically, up to 20 Widney Awards are presented each year.

Volunteer Friend of the Year Award

This award is presented to a USC staff member for his or her work with USC volunteers, and recognizes outstanding contributions in the development and implementation of USC volunteer programs. The award encourages the effective, efficient and creative use of the university’s volunteer base by university staff. Eligibility criteria may include volunteer recruitment, training and recognition, leadership development, communications, marketing and programming. The satisfaction of volunteers impacted by the nominee is also considered. One or two Volunteer Friend Awards may be presented each year.

Volunteer Organization of the Year Award

This is the only award given to a USC volunteer organization in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Trojan Family and the advancement of USC. Important achievements considered are organization formation, membership growth, retention and involvement, overall development, quality and creativity of programming, communications, successful fundraising initiatives, and leadership. The honoree organization demonstrably supports the overall mission of USC. One or two Alumni Volunteer Organization Awards may be presented each year.

Past Honorees

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If you are looking for information about the Alumni Leadership Conference, click here.