2016 Founders’ Day Award Application Package
The Alumni Association of Gannon University Presents:
“Inspiration for the Next Generation”
Background
The National Alumni Board (NAB) of Gannon University, as part of its strategic plan,
has set a goal to increase interaction with current and prospective students. The NAB has
formalized a Student Engagement Committee to engage alumni with current students. In
2008, the NAB proposed to present a Founders’ Day award to recognize and identify
seniors who embody the ideals, mission, and character of Gannon University based on
the criteria and eligibility requirements defined herein.
Purpose
The purpose is to identify a Gannon senior who embodies the ideals, mission and
character of The University. This includes, but is not limited to, academic achievement,
high moral character, leadership, service, and commitment to the University.
Award Eligibility
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Any graduating senior or past semester December graduate completing the
necessary requirements to complete his/her Associates or Bachelor’s Degree is
eligible to apply.
Students may nominate themselves OR be nominated by a Gannon peer, teacher,
or faculty member.
All applicants must submit a completed application package, which consists of the
following:
o A completed application form
o A short essay as described in the application form
o One (1) letter of recommendation (500 words or less) from a professional
Gannon University faculty, staff, or administrator that can communicate
how the applicant will perpetuate alumni involvement and will embody
the ideals, mission and character of the University through academic
NAB “Inspiration for the Next Generation” – Award Application Package
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achievement, high moral character, leadership, service, and commitment
to the University.
o A copy of your co-curricular transcript which can be obtained from the
SOLD office
o An updated resume.
Gannon University peers, teachers, or faculty members may nominate students
through the submission of a letter of nomination (500 words or less) containing
the student’s contact information to Erin Sekerak at sekerak002@gannon.edu.
The nominated student will be notified and encouraged to complete an
application. The letter must explain why the applicant is deserving of the Award
which can serve as the professional reference required. The nomination letter will
serve as the applicant’s professional recommendation letter as required for
completion of the application.
Award Selection Criteria
The ideal candidate should exemplify the following characteristics:
o Exceptional academic achievement
o High moral character
o Leadership
o Service and commitment to The University
o Willingness to support the ongoing efforts of the NAB
Submission Instructions
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All sections of the application package should be submitted using the forms and
templates provided.
The Short Essay section of the Application must be completed using a word
processing application (i.e. Microsoft Word), be approximately 500 words in
length, and appended to the completed Application Package.
All additional pages used to describe applicant accomplishments and
achievements must be completed using a word processing application (i.e.
Microsoft Word) and appended to the completed Application Package.
Completed application packages must be received in the Gannon University
Alumni Services Office by close of business (4:30pm EST) on February 22,
2016.
Completed application packages should be sent/delivered to the following
address:
Gannon University Alumni Services Office
Att: Erin Sekerak
109 University Square
Erie, PA 16541
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Award Notification
The Nominating Committee of the National Alumni Board will review
applicants/nominees and make a final selection by March 12, 2016. Award winners will
be notified by March 14, 2016 and will be asked to attend the annual Gannon University
Founder’s Day Awards Ceremony on May 6, 2016 and will be awarded a $100.00 cash
prize.
Questions
Please direct all questions regarding this application to Erin Sekerak, Gannon University
Assistant Director of Alumni Services. Erin can be reached via phone at (814) 871-7784
or via email at sekerak002@gannon.edu.
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2016 Founders’ Day Award Application
The Alumni Association of Gannon University Presents:
“Inspiration for the Next Generation”
HONOR STATEMENT: I certify that all of the information is true to the best of my knowledge. I
understand that the Alumni Association Awards Committee maintains the right to verify any part of
the information provided. Additionally, I give permission for the Committee to access my student
records, including student conduct records, in any of the departments on campus.
________________________________________
Signature
________________________
Date
Application
Personal Information of Nominee
Name:
________________________________________________________
Permanent
Address:
_____________________________ Campus ____________________
_____________________________ Address: ____________________
_____________________________
____________________
Hometown: _____________________________
Phone:
____________________
Email:
Major:
_____________________________
Grad Year:
_____________________________
____________________
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Awards and Honors
On or off campus. Not listed on co-curricular transcript
In the space provided, please list any/all awards and honors that you have received during
your tenure at Gannon University. This includes, but is not limited to, Honor Roll,
Dean’s List, Honors Program, Awards received from involvement outside the University
etc. Please attach an additional sheet of paper if needed.
Award/Honor
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Date Received
______________
______________
______________
______________
______________
Awarded By
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
Involvement and Activities
On or off campus. Not listed on co-curricular transcript
In the space provided, please list any and all organizations, agencies, groups that you
have been involved with during your tenure at Gannon University. Also, please make
note of any leadership positions or titles that you have held within each. This includes,
but is not limited to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Church/Places of Worship not within the
University etc. Please attach an additional sheet of paper if needed.
Organization
Dates (from/to)
Position Held
Dates (from/to)
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
______________
______________
______________
______________
______________
Community Service/Volunteer Involvement
On or off campus. Not listed on co-curricular transcript
In the space provided, please list any/all community service and community involvement
activities that you have been involved with during your tenure at Gannon University.
This includes, but is not limited to, Gannon Project G.I.V.E Day, community/church
involvement/fundraisers, other volunteer work, etc. Please attach an additional sheet of
paper if needed.
Community Service/Volunteer Event
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Date
______________
______________
______________
______________
______________
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Short-Essay
As a May 2016/December 2015 graduate of Gannon University, you will soon join the
ranks of over 34,000 fellow alumni from Gannon University and Villa Maria College.
The National Alumni Board (NAB) and the alumni community are looking forward to
your active involvement as an alumnus. As the newest inductees into the Gannon alumni
network, we will look to you for new and innovative perspectives on how to best attract,
educate, retain, and grow an active alumni community.
As a new alumnus, please answer how you would accomplish following objectives?
1) Educate current students about the alumni community
2) Connect current students with Gannon alumnus
3) Foster a sense of ‘community’ and ‘belonging’ amongst your fellow
alumnus
4) Demonstrate how as a student you have supported the Gannon University
Mission and how do you plan on supporting the mission as an alumnus?
Gannon University Mission Statement
Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated
to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.
Our faculty and staff prepare students to be global
citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts
and sciences and professional specializations.
Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we
offer a comprehensive, values-centered learning
experience that emphasizes faith, leadership,
inclusiveness and social responsibility.
In a separate word processed document, please respond to the question above and submit
with all application materials. We kindly ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:
 Your response should be no more than 500 words in length.
 Be original!
 Be creative!
 Be yourself!
(Please append type-written short-essay response here)
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2016 Founders’ Day Award Application
The Alumni Association of Gannon University Presents:
“Inspiration for the Next Generation”
Letter of Recommendation
I feel that ______________________________ is most deserving of the “Inspiration
for the Next Generation” Award, presented by the Gannon National Alumni Board
at the May, 2016 Founder’s Day Ceremony.
Recommender Information
Name:
__________________________________
Title/Position:_______________________________________________________
Campus Address:
Phone: _________________________
__________________________________
Email: _________________________
Name of nominee:
__________________________________
Mailing address of nominee:
__________________________________
__________________________________
Email of nominee:
__________________________________
Relationship to nominee:
__________________________________
In an attached type-written narrative of 500 words or less, please explain why you feel
the applicant, named herein, is deserving of the 2016 “Inspiration for the Next
Generation” Award, which can serve as the professional recommendation letter required
for the complete application submitted by the student. Please communicate how the
applicant will perpetuate alumni involvement and will embody the ideals, mission and
character of the University through academic achievement, high moral character,
leadership, service, and commitment to the University.
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2016 Founders’ Day Award Application
The Alumni Association of Gannon University Presents:
“Inspiration for the Next Generation”
Did you remember to:
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Complete the Application
Submit 1 professional letter of recommendation
Include a short essay of 500 words or less
Include a copy of your co-curricular transcript
Include an updated resume
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