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Alumni

Alumni Awards

SSA is proud of the many thousands of alumni who are working at all levels to improve the quality of life of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Each year, the SSA Alumni Association recognizes one distinguished alumna/us during Alumni Weekend with one of two awards. These awards – the Edith Abbott Award and the Elizabeth Butler Award – are given biannually on a rotating basis.

2008 ELIZABETH BUTLER AWARD

Call for Nominations
In 2008, the Alumni Association of the School of Social Service Administration will honor a recent graduate alumna/us who shows exceptional promise in the field of social work over the course of his/her career. Nominate a deserving alum today!

Criteria for the Elizabeth Butler Award
Nominees for the 2008 Elizabeth Butler Award must have earned an A.M. or Ph.D. from SSA not less than 5 years and no more than 10 years ago and demonstrate extraordinary career success and achievement. Candidates must also have no more than 10 years of professional experience working in the social work field. 

The successful candidate for this award will show a strong commitment to social change; leadership in an agency or a community; creativity in non-traditional or innovative approaches to practice; contributions to the field through research and publications; and/or demonstrated professional skills.

How to Make Your Nomination

If you know someone who deserves consideration, please review this information and make your nomination. The nomination deadline has been extended to April 1. Your nomination should include:

  • Your name and address; that of your nominee; and the names and addresses of two people who will write letters in support of your nomination.

    You can either provide the supporting letters with your nomination or request that supporters send their letters directly to the Alumni Association by the deadline date.

  • Your statement of nomination with a:

    • Detailed explanation of why your nominee should be considered for the Elizabeth Butler Award

    • Description of your relationship to the candidate and how you have gained your knowledge of his/her accomplishments

    • Description of the contributions and/or professional achievements made by this candidate that demonstrate a benefit to the field of social service

  • The candidate’s curriculum vitae or resume, plus factual statements (may include published reports, letters of support from people familiar with the nominee’s accomplishments, and additional information relevant to the nomination). Supporting materials are accepted, but not required, and can not exceed 10 pages, exclusive of required letters and cv or resume. 

The Process
A committee of the Alumni Association reviews the nominations and selects persons whose achievements most closely fit the criteria.

Confidentiality
The deliberations of the Awards Committee are confidential. It is at the discretion of the nominators to inform candidates that they are under consideration. However only one recipient is chosen from among many worthy individuals.

Creating a strong case for your candidate
The quality of the information given is more important than the relative prominence of the writer. Possible contacts include professional colleagues and other volunteers, individuals the candidate has volunteered with, or former classmates. Letters that comment knowledgeably on the individual’s specific achievements are the most important and helpful. Please share the criteria for the award with those who are writing letters in support of your candidate.

Recognition
The awardee will be recognized at the SSA Nite! celebration event during Alumni Weekend on Saturday, June 7, 2008.

Questions?
Please contact us at 773.702.1431 or alumni@ssa.uchicago.edu

Send Nominations to:
Alumni Awards Committee
School of Social Service Administration
The University of Chicago
969 E. 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

Fax: 773.834.1582

Email: alumni@ssa.uchicago.edu