Criteria & Nomination Forms

Honoring Lifetime Achievement

This prestigious award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary success and consistent, long-term, high-level achievement in the field of social work.

Selection Criteria:

• Stellar advances that have enhanced the social work profession overall
• Success of enterprises, agencies, divisions, or initiatives directly attributed to the nominee's efforts
• Clinical innovation, policy innovation, or research advances directly attributed to the nominee's work
• Influential advocacy for advances in social work or related professions
• Recognition by colleagues, peers, the public, and clients for outstanding contributions to social welfare
• Active support of the Crown Family School community and current students
• Consistent practice and modeling of exemplary ethics

The next nomination cycle for the Edith Abbott Award will be in 2026.

Honoring Recent Graduate Excellence

This award celebrates a recent graduate who has demonstrated exceptional promise in the social services sector.

Eligibility:

• AM or PhD graduates from the Crown Family School within the last ten years

Selection Criteria:

• Extraordinary career success relative to time since graduation
• Recognition by peers for outstanding contributions to social welfare
• Advocacy for improved social welfare at clinical, policy, or administrative levels
• Exemplary leadership and valuable skills brought to the profession
• Commitment to ethical practice and professional values
• Active support of the Crown Family School community and current students
• Embodiment of Elizabeth Butler's ethos: "It's not what they've done, it's what they bring to the profession."

Successful candidates will demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Strong commitment to social change
• Exceptional leadership in an agency or community
• Creativity in non-traditional or innovative approaches to practice
• Contributions to the field through research and publications

Click on this link to complete the nomination form and upload supporting documents.

Recognizing Mid-Career Excellence

This award honors a mid-career alum who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and impact early in their professional journey.

Eligibility: 

• AM or PhD graduates from the Crown Family School with at least ten years since graduation

Selection Criteria:

• Extraordinary career success beyond the norm for their career stage
• Distinguished leadership (formal or informal) or catalyst for change in clinical or administrative settings
• Meaningful impact on individuals, organizations, or communities within the social service field
• High respect from peers and clients
• Development or promotion of innovative solutions to social problems
• Commitment to advancing the social work field through volunteerism, teaching, or mentorship

The next nomination cycle for the Social Impact Award will be in 2026. 

Celebrating Career-Long Impact

This award recognizes alumni from milestone reunion classes for their significant contributions to the field of social work.

Eligibility:

• Graduates from reunion classes ending in "0" and "5" (For 2025: classes of 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020)

Selection Criteria:

• Exemplary embodiment of social work values
• Exceptional performance in clinical or administrative practice
• Strong commitment to the social work profession
• Demonstrated efforts towards social justice and community well-being
• Consistent support for vulnerable individuals
• Noteworthy career achievements, including "unsung" contributions

Up to two graduates from each eligible class may be honored.

Click on this link to complete the nomination form and upload supporting documentation. 

Recognizing Organizational Excellence

This award honors a social service organization or program that exemplifies distinctive innovations in social service and social change efforts.

Eligibility:

• Organizations or programs with a strong connection to the Crown Family School, including contributions from alumni, faculty, or students

Selection Criteria:

• Sustainable and measurable innovations in social services
• Effective application of clinical and administrative techniques
• Contributions to new program development or management systems
• Success in reshaping organizational culture
• Achievements in multi-agency collaboration and resource development
• Clear alignment with the Crown Family School's mission
• Demonstrated program success, sustainability, and potential for replication
• Strong reputation in the field

Click on this link to complete the nomination form and upload supplemental documentation. 

Recognizing Dedicated Service

This award celebrates alumni who have provided exceptional service to the Crown Family School over an extended period of time.

Eligibility:

• Alumni with ten or more years of service to the Crown Family School

Selection Criteria:

• Consistent and impactful volunteerism, including board or committee involvement
• Meaningful contributions through financial support
• Dedication to student or alumni mentorship
• Overall embodiment of service to the Crown Family School

Click on this link to complete the nomination form and upload supplemental documentation.