WIND Distinguished Alum Award
Do you know a disability studies minor graduate who has made outstanding contributions
to the field? Every five years, the College of Health Sciences and the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities
(WIND) will honor a “WIND Alum of the Year.” The award will be offered in 2024 and
will recognize a prior graduate from the University of Wyoming who earned a minor
in disability studies and who, subsequent to graduation, has made outstanding contributions
in one or more of the following ways:
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Professional Recognition – Candidates have been recognized in their field with a focus on improving the lives
of individuals with disabilities. The candidate’s work has demonstrated impact in
a related discipline and/or in the field of disabilities.
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Leadership – Candidates have demonstrated leadership or emerging leadership in the field of
disabilities or in their discipline with a focus on disabilities. The candidate’s
leadership included innovative approaches to building capacity, improving systems,
or advocacy.
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Advocacy – Candidates have demonstrated excellence in advocacy on behalf of individuals with
disabilities. The candidate’s advocacy can include policymaking, peer mentorship or
direct service provision.
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Engagement & Support of WIND – Candidates have demonstrated excellent engagement with WIND in areas such as: student
recruitment, financial support, volunteer support of WIND programs, providing internships,
mentorship and/or job placement, or completing a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental
Disabilities (LEND) fellowship.
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Community Service – Candidates have made significant contributions to the community (local, state,
national, or international levels). Candidates have greatly impacted the community
through their actions or are involved in a variety of service initiatives.
The recipient must have graduated with the undergraduate minor in disability studies
for a minimum of 5 years and is not currently affiliated with UW (e.g., Board of Trustees,
employee, UW Foundation, receiving funding from UW).
Nominations need to include the following:
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A completed online form (available in the winter of 2023)
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Updated 1-2 page bio that includes descriptions of work nominee has been doing as
well as 2-3 major accomplishments since graduation
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Letter in support of your nomination OR letter in support of your self-nomination.
Letters should include enough information so the committee can make an informed decision.
Letters should address at least one of the criteria: Professional Recognition, Leadership, Engagement and Support
of WIND, and/or Community Service. Letters should provide biographical information
about the nominee.
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Optional letters of support (maximum 3) as well as a nominee resume are welcome.