Awardees are chosen based on a variety of criteria that demonstrate leadership, including exhibiting — through project work, team work or other service — innovation, the ability to find practical solutions for complex problems, championing equity in working and learning environments, teamwork and excellent listening skills.
The final candidates are those who:
- Demonstrate quality work that sets an example while including others.
- Value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives.
- Respect the well-being of people in achieving large-scale goals.
- Exhibit an openness to new ideas and partnerships.
- Advance access and opportunity for others.
In recognition of recent extraordinary events, the Thorud Leadership Award is particularly interested in recognizing leadership through uncertainty.
Nomination Tips
The David B. Thorud Leadership Award Selection Committee takes on the difficult task of selecting two UW employees to receive this annual honor. Make sure your nominee stands out among the rest by following some of these tips:
- Highlight how your nominee exhibits leadership as quoted by others.
- Provide specific examples of your nominee’s collaborative and inclusive work.
- Fully explain how your nominee exemplifies the abilities to serve and inspire with broad impact at the University.
- Submit nominations composed from a variety of supporters.
- Acquire multiple supporting letters and submit the best three with your nomination.
Successful nominations include supporting letters from a variety of sources. Along with your nomination, consider providing additional letters from:
- Supervisors
- Peers
- Coworkers
- Students
- Other UW-Affiliated Persons