Carlow Laureate Award

Here, we are devoted to creating a more just and merciful world – a mission that began with the Sisters of Mercy and continues through our 22k+ alumni today. Through their careers, leadership, and service, our Celtic Alumni embody the values that define our community and inspire future generations. To honor their extraordinary impact, we recognize them as Carlow University Laureates. 

A Carlow Laureate is more than a distinguished graduate—they are a shining example of what it means to combine ethics and mercy and put it into action through community service, philanthropic efforts, professional achievement, or academic contributions. In every facet of their lives, they work toward building a world that reflects the mission and values of Carlow University to create a more just and merciful world. 

Nominate a Celtic Leader

A Living Legacy of Celtic Laureates 

Eligibility & Criteria 

The Carlow Laureate Award  

• Must hold an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree from Carlow University  

• At least 20 years of professional experience  

• Not currently employed by Carlow University  

• Must be in attendance for award luncheon which is on the last Friday of March.  

1. Professional Achievement 

• Demonstrated excellence in one’s career overtime  

• Evidence may include awards, publications, media features, major promotions, or innovations  

2. Leadership & Impact  

• Recognized as a role model or thought leader in their field  

• Evidence may include board leadership, public speaking, advocacy, or mentoring  

3. Living the Carlow Mission  

• Demonstrates Carlow’s mission and core values through work or community life  

• Examples include but are not limited to founding nonprofits, environmental work, service-oriented careers  

4. Engagement with Carlow  

• Maintains a connection through enduring contributions (i.e. time, talent, or treasure)  

• Examples include but are not limited to mentoring students, participating in alumni programs, attending events, speaking in classes, giving philanthropically.   

5. National/Regional Reach (preferred but not required)  

• Nominee’s impact reaches beyond a local level  

Carlow Emerging Leader Award  (formally the young Laureate) 

• Must hold an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree from Carlow University.  

• Within 10-15 years post-graduation (no age limit to accommodate nontraditional students) 

• Not currently employed by Carlow.  

• Must be in attendance for award luncheon which is on the last Friday of March.  

1. Early Career Achievement  

• Notable accomplishments or professional growth in a short timeframe.  

• Evidence may include rapid promotions, professional certifications, entrepreneurial success.   

2. Leadership & Impact  

• Recognized as a role model or thought leader in their field  

• Evidence may include board leadership, public speaking, advocacy, or mentoring  

3. Living the Carlow Mission  

• Demonstrates Carlow’s mission and at least one core value through work or community life  

• Examples include but are not limited to  community leadership, justice work, health equity, education reform.  

4. Engagement with Carlow  

• Maintains a connection to Carlow through enduring contributions (i.e. through time, talent, or treasure).  

• Examples include but are not limited to  mentoring students, participating in alumni programs, attending events, speaking in classes, giving philanthropically.   

5. National/Regional Reach (preferred but not required)  

Nominee’s impact reaches beyond a local level 

Commonly Asked Questions 

Who Can Nominate 

• Anyone may submit a nomination: alumni, faculty, staff, students, or community members. Self-nominations are also welcome.  

What to Include:  

• Completed nomination form (Microsoft Form) 

• Nominee’s resume and link for LinkedIn profile  

• At least one letter of support that demonstrates how the nominee lives out all Carlow core values and highlights their enduring contributions to the University.  

• High resolution headshot/photo 

• Examples of the nominee’s impact (e.g., media features, presentations, publications, awards)  

Contact from Carlow:  

• All nominees will be contacted by Carlow’s Alumni Engagement Office via email regardless of if they are selected.  

• All nominees will be invited to attend the Luncheon.  

• Carlow will reach out 1x if incomplete information is received.  

Review process:  

• Each year, a committee of Laureate awardees will be recruited to review and weigh in on nominations. Finalists are submitted and presented to the President’s Office for approval.  

About the Award

One of the historic strengths of Carlow University is its ability to transform and develop students into high-achieving, compassionate, ethical leaders in their respective fields. The honor that best recognizes these outstanding individuals is the Carlow Laureate award, the most prestigious award that can be bestowed on our alumni.

Carlow Laureates are alumni whose work, thought, and action demonstrate the highest standards of professional accomplishment and leadership, whether it is in their chosen discipline, in academics, or through community service. They also represent the University ideals especially one or more of the Core Values of the University: Sacredness of Creation, Service, Mercy, Discovery and Hospitality.

The award represents a lasting tribute to the recipients for their professional excellence, the transformational education they received at Carlow, and the dynamic environment which helped to fuel their ambitions and their desire to make a difference in the world.

Carlow University Laureate Luncheon Registration