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. This award was inspired by the Graff Distinguished Alumni Award. 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.