The purpose of the Rada Distinguished Alumni Award is to recognize alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years from UW-La Crosse and have met one or more of the criteria. Professor emeritus Ron Rada and his wife, Jane, created this award to honor recent to mid-career alumni who were making exceptional contributions to their professionals and/or communities. The award provides another point on UW-L’s continuum of awards that recognize excellence at the various career stages of alumni.

This award is presented annually at the UW-L Alumni Awards Program during spring commencement weekend. (Up to two awards will be given each year.)   It includes a scholarship of $2,000 that is presented to a current student in a department of the recipient's choosing. The recipient receives a gift that showcases their accomplishments.

Criteria

• Achieved distinction in a chosen field of endeavor since graduation
  
• Made an outstanding contribution to their profession
  
• Demonstrated exceptional ethical qualities
  
• Participated in humanitarian activities

• Solicitation of nominations
  
• Alumni, friends of the university, faculty and staff are invited to make nominations
  
• Nominations are accepted year round
  
• Nominations must be received by Oct. 1 to be considered for the award given the following spring.
  
• Nominees are notified and asked to submit the following information for their file:
  a. Resume
  b. Three letters of reference
  c. Any additional documentation they wish to provide
  
• The Rada Distinguished Alumni Award selection committee will review all complete files and select the recipient(s). (The committee will be made up of current faculty and local alumni).
  
• The Chancellor will notify the alums of their award(s).
  
• Recipients are required to attend the awards ceremony. If for some reason they are unavailable, they will be recognized the following year.
  
• Once all the necessary documents have been received, candidates remain active for consideration for a period of two years or 20 years from their last graduation, which ever comes first.