The Harris Alumni Council launched the Alumni Awards program in 2013 to recognize alumni who have made significant contributions to public policy. Nominations are accepted by Harris and broader University of Chicago alumni and friends and are reviewed by the Alumni Awards Committee consisting of alumni, staff, and faculty. 

Nominate an alumni awardee here.

Career Achievement Award

This award recognizes Harris alumni who have achieved a position of significant leadership in the public, private or nonprofit sector and built a robust track record of meaningful accomplishments that have positively influenced their organization and/or society.

• 2019: Michelle Garcia, MPP'05
• 2018: Jennifer Tescher, MPP'96
• 2017: Honorable Mike Quigley, AM’84
• 2016: Anne Richard, AM’84
• 2015: Hilarie Koplow-McAdams, AM’87
• 2014: Dan Tangherlini, AB’90, AM’91

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes Harris alumni within 15 years of graduation who have distinguished themselves as leaders early in their careers and who have made a meaningful difference in policy (public, private, nonprofit sector).

• 2019: Jacob Plummer, MPP'07, MBA'10
• 2018: Jaime Bellolio, MPP'10
• 2017: Lorrie Frasure-Yokley, MPP’01
• 2016: Elizabeth Kneebone, MPP’03
• 2015: Lisa Ellman, JD/MPP’05
• 2014: Beth Swanson, MPP’02

CC DuBois Alumni Service Award

This award recognizes Harris alumni who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the school through their service and work to enhance the life of students, fellow alumni, and the welfare of the school. Alumni who are staff or faculty at the University of Chicago cannot be considered for this award. 

• 2018: David Garcia-Junco, AM'95 & Gerardo de la Pena, MPP'01