Nominations and Criteria
Each year, Perkins School of Theology recognizes Perkins graduates who have demonstrated effectiveness and integrity in service to the church, continuing support and involvement in the goals of Perkins School of Theology and SMU, distinguished service in the wider community and exemplary character.
Nomination Deadline
Deadline extended to Sept. 30, 2022.
Distinguished Alumni/ae Recognition
The Distinguished Alumna/us Banquet, which will recognize the 2020, 2021 and 2022 recipients, will be held Nov. 14, 2022 from 5 to 7 p.m. in SMU's Martha Proctor Mack Grand Ballroom (Umphrey Lee Center, 3300 Dyer Street, Dallas, TX 75205). Cost is $55 per person or $550 for a table of 10. Purchase tickets here.
Nominate an Alumnus/a
Nominations must be made in writing, with a letter detailing the nominee's career highlights and other accomplishments.
Letters or statements from at least two additional persons must be submitted in support of the nomination as well.
The person submitting the nomination should compile all materials and mail as one package to:
Office of Public Affairs and Alumni/ae Relations
Perkins School of Theology
PO Box 750133
Dallas, TX 75275-0133
Alternatively, letters may be sent together as attachments via email to:
Rev. Connie L. Nelson, clnelson@smu.edu
Executive Director of Public Affairs and Alumni/ae Relations
More Information about Distinguished Alumnus/a Award Criteria (PDF)
Read about the 2021 Distinguished Alumna Award Recipient
Read about the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
List of all Perkins School of Theology Distinguished Alumnus/a Award Recipients
