Award Descriptions
The following awards are presented annually at the Advancement Awards ceremony. To nominate a Miamian for one of the following awards, please fill out an Advancement Awards nomination form.
Bishop Distinguished Medal - Established in 1936, the Bishop Distinguished Achievement Medal is given to an alumna or alumnus who has made contributions in service to humanity or who has reached the pinnacle in a field of endeavor. The award is named in honor of Robert Hamilton Bishop, Miami’s first president.
Dave Roberts Award - The Dave Roberts Award recognizes a Miami faculty or staff member who consistently goes beyond the expectations of his or her role in service to the Division of University Advancement.
John E. Dolibois Award - The John E. Dolibois Award is presented to an alumna or alumnus who has served Miami University in a distinctive fashion over many years.
Philanthropist of the Year - This award is the highest recognition for an alumnus or other friend of the university who has made a noteworthy, university-wide impact or has supported or directed fundraising for a specific major university priority project. The recipient should be someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in providing the resources to make Miami a force for good in the world today and for decades to come.
Young Philanthropist of the Year - This award is the highest recognition for an alumnus or other friend of the university who is under the age of 40 and has already made a noteworthy impact on Miami or has supported or directed fundraising for a specific major university priority project.
Spirit of Philanthropy Award - This award honors an individual who has been highly engaged in philanthropic activities at Miami over his or her lifetime and/or has made a significant positive impact university-wide or on a specific Miami college or unit.
Spirit of Western College Award - Named after the Western College for Women, the Spirit of Western College Award recognizes the advancement of education and human values at the local, national or international level in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. Western College for Women served as an institution of higher education for women from 1853 to 1974 and was the site of the Freedom Summer training in 1964. The Spirit of Western Award pays tribute to its enduring social justice legacy and honors those who are carrying it forward.
Corporate Partner of the Year - This award recognizes a corporate partner that has an exceptional commitment to supporting Miami University. Awardees will have a demonstrated track record of philanthropy that has significantly advanced the university, along with the active engagement of students and alumni in the classroom and workplace.