The Department of Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality is proud to acknowledge the achievements of alumni from our RPTA and Hospitality Management programs.
The goal of these awards is to recognize outstanding achievements of graduates who have demonstrated continuous success and distinguished efforts in making a difference in the lives of others. The nomination form requires you to submit your contact information and the contact information of the nominee. It also asks you to submit a paragraph explaining why you believe the individual merits consideration for this award. If you would prefer to email your nomination, you may direct it to Dr. Jeremy Robinett (jl-robinett@wiu.edu)
Criteria for the awards can be found below.
Nominations are due by Friday, March 15, 2024.
Recipients will be notified by March 22, 2024.
Awards will be presented as part of the 2024 RPTH Professional Development Conference on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed on an alumnus/alumna by the RPTA Department. This award is given to alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their career and have brought credit to themselves and RPTA through distinguished accomplishments in ALL of the following areas:
Business or professional life.
Community affairs at local, state or national affairs levels
Support of the advancement and continued excellence of RPTA and/or WIU.
Distinguished Service Award
(this award may be presented to a non-alumni)
The Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to RPTA in one or more of the following ways:
Exceptional accomplishment in chosen field
Exceptional service in local, state or national affairs.
Exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of RPTA and/or WIU.
Graduate of the Last Decade Award (Graduate)
The Graduate of the Last Decade Award (Graduate) is given to alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways and completed his/her graduate degree in the last 10 years:
Exceptional accomplishment in chosen field
Exceptional service in local, state or national affairs
Exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of RPTA and/or WIU.
Graduate of the Last Decade Award (Undergraduate)
The Graduate of the Last Decade Award (Graduate) is given to alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways and completed his/her undergraduate degree in the last 10 years:
Exceptional accomplishment in chosen field
Exceptional service in local, state or national affairs
Exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of RPTA and/or WIU