Alumni Awards
Submit an Award Nomination
School of Medicine and Dentistry Alumni Council Awards
The Alumni Council of the School of Medicine and Dentistry recognizes alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in their professional accomplishments, dedication to underserved populations, and commitment to the ideals of the School. After final evaluation of the nominations, the recipients will be chosen by the Alumni Council Awards Committee. The awards are presented annually at the Dean's Circle Dinner on the Thursday of Meliora Weekend.
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Established in 2003, The SMD Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to an alumnus in recognition of outstanding and widely recognized achievement, particularly one who exemplifies the standards and objectives of the School of Medicine & Dentistry through personal conduct, professional accomplishments, and community service. Distinct preference is given to one whose achievements have a significant impact to the medical field on a national and global scale. The recipient is chosen by the SMD Alumni Council.
Humanitarian Award
Established in 2009, The SMD Humanitarian Award recognizes an alumnus of the School who has provided unique, compassionate care to patients who have special needs because of specific afflictions, poverty, or living conditions that lack resources. The award recognizes dedication to providing medical care to the underprivileged and underserved. The recipient has devoted a significant portion of his or her medical career to this type of care. He or she may have been salaried by a philanthropic organization (religious, educational, governmental) or public health program, or may have donated this care to underserved populations. Alumni whose work has affected large, underserved populations will also be considered in addition to those who work directly with them. The recipient is chosen by the SMD Alumni Council.
Alumni Service Award
Established in 2002, the SMD Alumni Service Award recognizes an alumnus of the School who has furthered the interests of the School and the Alumni Council through significant support, commitment and service to the school. The recipient is chosen by the SMD Alumni Council.
Alumni Achievement Award
Established in 2012, this award recognizes an outstanding alumnus who has excelled in teaching, community service, research, clinical and/or health policy in furtherance of the ideals of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. All University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry alumni who completed their training at SMD within the last 25 years are eligible for this award. The recipient is chosen by the SMD Alumni Council.
Alumni Council Award Nominations:
All School of Medicine and Dentistry alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are encouraged to nominate SMD alumni for any of the Alumni Council Awards.
All UR School of Medicine and Dentistry alumni are eligible for nomination. Alumni are defined as M.D., Ph.D. and masters degree recipients who graduated from the School of Medicine & Dentistry. Physicians who completed their residency training at the University of Rochester Medical Center are also considered alumni. Current faculty in leadership positions at the University of Rochester are excluded from consideration.
The School of Medicine and Dentistry Alumni Office will present the slate of nominees to the School of Medicine and Dentistry Alumni Council for evaluation. Nominees submitted by December 31st, will remain in consideration for the following three years. Nominees not selected within the first three years, will be considered for three additional years, if re-nominated.*
*Nominees may only be re-nominated once.
University Awards for School of Medicine and Dentistry
The School of Medicine and Dentistry honors alumni and friends whose leadership inspires others to support the School and the University of Rochester.
Dean's Medal
Established in 2008, the Dean’s Medal recognizes extraordinary service, philanthropy, and leadership to the School, and dedication and commitment that inspire others to take leadership roles at the University. Individuals, families, associations, corporations, or foundations may be recognized. It is among the highest honors given by the School.
Dean's Medal Recipients
John N. Wilder Award
Established in 2008, the John N. Wilder Award honors an individual, family, association, corporation or foundation whose commitment to build a greater University of Rochester inspires others in the tradition of philanthropist John N. Wilder, a University founder and first president of its Board of Trustees. His leadership and belief in the value of education was instrumental to the development of the University of Rochester campus.
Wilder Award Recipients