Do you know a Chapman graduate who has dedicated their career or life to service? Do you think they should be recognized? Here’s your (and their) chance: It’s the annual call for nominations for Chapman University’s Albert Schweitzer awards. These two prestigious awards pay tribute to the dedication of Albert Schweitzer, whose mission of service is the inspirational heart of our university.

Schweitzer Award of Excellence

For alumni who have demonstrated a lifetime of service, consider a nomination for the Schweitzer Award of Excellence. Since 1982, Chapman University has given the Schweitzer Award of Excellence to an individual or organization that exemplifies Schweitzer’s ethics of reverence for life and his dedication to a life of service. The recipient of this lifetime achievement award is selected from Chapman’s outstanding community of alumni.

Last year’s recipient was Dr. June Scobee Rodgers (M.A. ’76), founding chair of Challenger Center. Dr. Scobee Rogers, educator and widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Richard “Dick” Scobee, was recognized for her tireless dedication to continuing the science, technology, engineering and math educational missions that were a part of the tragic Challenger Mission accident.

Nominees for the Schweitzer Award of Excellence must:

  1. Be involved in extraordinary humanitarian work that embodies Schweitzer’s ethics of reverence for life and his dedication to a life of service;
  2. Have played a leadership role in envisioning, founding, directing, or developing the project(s)/organization(s); and
  3. Inspire others to “invest their humanity” in a life of service and to embrace an ethics of reverence for life, both by their example and by facilitating engagement.

Nominate an alumnus or alumna for the Schweitzer Award of Excellence »

Schweitzer Rising Star Award

For alumni who have graduated within the past ten years, consider a nomination for the Schweitzer Rising Star Award, which recognizes an inspiring young Chapman alumnus who has taken up Albert Schweitzer’s challenge to invest their humanity for the betterment of humankind and the world. Learn more about the Schweitzer Rising Star Award » 

The 2016 recipient was Shauna Parisi ’11, who was honored for her project turned non-profit  “A Million Thanks” which is dedicated to sending “Thank You” letters to U.S. military stationed across the globe.

Nominees for the Schweitzer Rising Star Award must possess the same qualities as nominees for the Schweitzer Award of Excellence in addition to being a young alumnus or alumna — less than 10 years out of college.

Nominate an alumnus or alumna for the Schweitzer Rising Star Award »

Nominations for both awards must be submitted online by February 13, 2017. The awards will be presented during commencement weekend in May 2017. If you have questions, please contact Nancy Martin, associate professor and chair of the department of religious studies, at nmartin@chapman.edu.