At the recommendation of the Candler Alumni Board, Candler recently retooled its Distinguished Alumni Award categories, criteria and selection process. The school will now present as many as two awards in the following categories:

  • The Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement recognizes graduates for their lifetime of achievement in service to Candler, the Church, the Academy, and/or the Community. These are individuals who, over a lifetime, have used what they learned at Candler to the fullest in service to others.
  • The Distinguished Alumni Award for Faithful and Creative Leadership recognizes graduates of Candler School of Theology who live out the mission of the School — serving as faithful and creative leaders for the church's ministries in the world. These are individuals who have demonstrated tremendous achievements and who evidence an ability to continue serving with excellence and creativity in their work and ministry.

"The Board wanted a way to honor people at different stages of their ministries," says the Rev. Sue Haupert-Johnson 95T, chair of the Candler Alumni Board. "The award for lifetime achievement celebrates someone's significant body of work over the life of their ministry. We also have the opportunity to recognize someone doing great things early in their career, allowing us to use this award as a way to affirm and encourage alumni to continue their good work."

The change in the award names and the explicit connection to Candler's mission and core values provide a clear guide for the selection of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Candler School of Theology, the Church, and the larger society.

"These awards celebrate those individuals who embody the most deeply held values of our community, allowing us to offer strong examples of the faithful witness Candler offers to the world," says Shawn Scott 09T 15B, director of annual giving and alumni relations.

Nominations for Candler's Distinguished Alumni Awards are currently being accepted. The due date for completed nominations is March 1, 2015. The Candler Alumni Board will review applications and make recommendations to Dean Jan Love at their April meeting, and the awards will be presented at a special alumni chapel service in September.

Read more about the awards and nomination process.