Rules and Eligibility

The Harvard Kennedy School Black Alumni Association (HKS BAA) seeks to recognize notable alums who have contributed to their profession and the community in a significant and distinguished manner. The HKS BAA HONORS will recognize alums through a nomination process in two categories:

•  The Virtuosity Honor for alums who have made exceptional contributions early in their career and The Distinguished Achievement Honor for those whose remarkable achievements have spanned a longer career.

 Categories: General Criteria

• Honorees shall be HKS degree or certificate holders.

• Honorees shall be any HKS alum (regardless of race, program, or profession) whose work has significantly contributed to their profession or the wider community and/or who have enhanced or advanced the knowledge, condition, or experience of the Black community.

Specific Criteria for Each Recognition Category:

• Virtuosity Honor: This honor acknowledges the contributions of recent graduates (graduated less than 7 years ago). This alum has made significant contributions in their personal or professional capacities that serve the public good or that benefits the Black community through accomplishment, service, or activism.  Please note: Alums of the mid-career degree and executive education programs are not eligible for this award.

• Distinguished Achievement Honor: This honor acknowledges alums who have demonstrated distinction in their career field or other area of interest. This alum has made significant contributions that set the standard in their profession, serve the public good, or that benefits the Black community through accomplishment, service, or activism.

How to Nominate Alumni

You may submit nominations directly via email to the HKS BAA Selection Committee or use this BAA Honors form to submit nominations. Nominations may be submitted by any Harvard alum, staff or faculty member by July 10, 2024. A letter of nomination noting specific accomplishments must be submitted by any Harvard alum, staff, or faculty member. Nomination letters should include:

1. Nominator’s contact information and affiliation to Harvard. Nominee’s contact information and affiliation to HKS. Nominee’s professional, volunteer and/or civic involvement.

2. A description of how the nominee exemplifies the mission of the Kennedy School through professional or personal accomplishments List of nominee’s publications or awards/recognition, if known.

3. To be considered for the current year’s cycle, nominations must be received by July 10, 2024.

4. Nominees are kept on the active consideration list for at least two years. Nominators are encouraged to submit additional candidate background information if the nominee is not selected in a particular year.

5. Current HKS BAA Board Directors are not eligible for nomination.

The HKS BAA Notable Alumni Selection Committee reviews and selects honorees. The Selection Committee may consist of the HKS BAA executive board, HKS faculty, staff, and other alums.