Honors + Awards

Humphrey School faculty members, staff, and alumni are well recognized within the University, their professions and disciplines, and the broader community. In addition, the Institute honors leaders who exemplify the best in public service.

University Honors for Members of the Humphrey Community

Alumni Service Award
This award recognizes alumni who volunteer their time to the University, its schools, colleges, departments, or faculty, or to the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.

Distinguished Teaching Award
Recipients of the University's Graduate-Professional Teaching Award are recognized for excellent teaching and inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Academy members provide important leadership to the University community, serving as mentors, advisers, and spokespersons for the University's mission.

Faculty Appointments
Outstanding faculty members at the University may be recognized with research-based appointments, such as the McKnight Land Grant Professorship. These awards seek to advance the careers of the University's most promising faculty members.

International Distinction
The University is well represented around the world. These awards recognize our most prominent contributors to the global discussion.

Scholars Walk
The Scholars Walk, a wide pathway featuring 40 bur oak trees and lighted monuments, celebrates the research and classroom accomplishments of the University's award-winning faculty and students.

University Awards for Public Service
Many awards at the University recognize service to the community and to the public good. Awards are given to alumni, staff, faculty members, and students.

Awards for Excellence in a Discipline

Learn more about the recognition given to our faculty members who have made strong contributions to their fields of choice.

Honors Awarded by the Humphrey School

Honorary Degree
The honorary degree is the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota. The recipient has achieved acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs, public service, or a field of knowledge and scholarship.

Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards
The Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards were inaugurated in 2003 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Institute taking the name of Minnesota's most famous public servant. The awards honor individuals, organizations, or projects that have contributed to the common good through public leadership and service.