Alumni Awards

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CFFP Alumni Awards – Recognizing Leadership and Achievement

The College for Financial Planning Alumni Committee is proud to honor the exceptional achievements of our alumni through the prestigious CFFP Alumni Awards, launching in 2026.

The Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alumni who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, mentorship, and meaningful contributions to the financial planning profession and their communities.

These awards celebrate alumni who elevate the profession through credential achievement, industry leadership, educational impact, and service to others.

Alumni Award Program

Alumni may submit one application per award cycle and may only be considered for one award category per year. Alumni not selected may reapply in future award cycles if eligibility requirements are met.

Alumni Award

Alumni Cross-Credential Award:

Recognizes alumni who have earned multiple credentials/designations and demonstrate commitment to continued professional growth and interdisciplinary expertise.

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Alumni Award

Alumni Excellence in Mentorship Award

Honors alumni who demonstrate exceptional dedication to mentoring master’s students.

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Alumni Award

Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award

10+ Years Experience

Recognizes alumni with 10 or more years of professional experience who have demonstrated sustained leadership, impact, and long-term contributions to the profession.

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Alumni Award

Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award

(5-9 Years Experience)

Celebrates alumni in the early stages of their career who demonstrate strong professional achievement, leadership potential, and meaningful contributions to their organization or industry.

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Alumni Cross-Credential Award Nomination Guidelines & Criteria

Eligible nominees include alumni who:

Hold two or more College credentials (designations, certifications, or Master’s degrees).
All credentials must have been earned through the College.
No minimum years required, but nominees must hold two or more credentials.
Credentials must be active or in good standing.
Nominations may be submitted by internal colleagues of the individual’s employer, as well as College staff, faculty, or adjunct faculty members.
Self-nominations are permitted.
An alumna/alumnus may only receive this award once.

The selection committee will evaluate nominations using the following criteria:

Holds Multiple College Credentials – Holds two or more College designations, certifications, or Master’s degrees across a variety of financial education areas. All credentials must be earned through the College. Examples: CFP®, CRPC®, and MS in Financial Planning.
Cross-Disciplinary Contributions – Integrates knowledge from multiple credentials to address complex financial planning challenges and develop innovative educational resources or programs.
Leadership in the Financial Industry – Demonstrates exemplary leadership in professional settings and actively supports the advancement of the financial services profession.
Recognition in the Industry – Received awards, honors, or formal recognition for contributions to education, leadership, or innovation in financial planning.
Community and Educational Impact – Makes a meaningful contribution to the field through activities such as articles, research, publications, presentations, workshops, training, or mentoring/teaching students, alumni, or professionals. Nominees are not required to do all of these; the key is to demonstrate how they have made a positive difference in the community or advanced financial education.

To be considered for the Alumni Cross-Credential Award, nominees must submit the following:

Submission Limit: Applications will be reviewed in Summer 2026, and only the first 10 complete and eligible applications, in the order received, will be accepted for consideration. Once 10 qualified submissions have been received, the application period will close.

1. Completed Nomination Application

Submit the official 2026 Alumni Cross-Credential Award Application Form

2. Written Nomination Statement (500–1,000 words)

The nominee or nominator should provide a detailed statement explaining how the nominee meets the award criteria.

The statement should address the following areas:

Holds Multiple College Credentials
Cross-Disciplinary Contributions
Leadership in the Financial Industry
Recognition in the Industry
Community and Educational Impact

3. Recommended Supporting Documentation (Optional but Encouraged)

Submit one or more letters from individuals who can attest to the nominee’s Recognition in the Industry and Community and Educational Impact. Letters should provide specific examples of how the nominee has demonstrated leadership, contributed to the field, or made a meaningful difference in the community through education, mentorship, or professional engagement.

4. Resume or CV (Optional)

Include a current resume or CV to support the nomination.
Highlight professional roles, leadership positions, awards, publications, teaching experience, and other relevant accomplishments.
This document can help the committee quickly understand the nominee’s career trajectory and contributions to the field.

Scoring Rubric

Each member of the Selection Committee will score nominees on a scale of:

0 = None
1 = Minimal
2 = Some
3 = Moderate
4 = High
5 = Very High

The nominee receiving the highest total score (maximum 25 points) will be selected. In the event of a tie, the Selection Committee will convene to determine the final recipient.

Award Notification

The recipient will be notified individually by the Alumni Engagement Office after the final decision is made.

Award Presentation

Award winners will be contacted directly in advance of the public announcement.

Notification will be delivered via personalized phone call from the Alumni Committee Chair, Dean, or designated leadership representative.
A formal congratulatory email will follow the call.
Recipients will be informed that they have been selected to receive a
September 2026 Alumni Award.
The Alumni Awards video announcement will be released in September and will include the announcement of the award winners

Recipients will be asked to:

Confirm acceptance of the award
Verify their preferred mailing address
Provide a professional photo and short bio, and sign marketing release for marketing purposes

To help support a thorough and equitable review process, applications for each award category will be limited to the first 10 submissions received. Once the submission limit has been reached, additional applications for that category will no longer be accepted.

Nominations Open: May 14, 2026
Nominations Close: July 17, 2026
Review Period: July–August 2026
Recipient Selection Finalized: Mid–Late September 2026
Recipients Announced: Late September–Early October 2026

Alumni Excellence in Mentorship Award Nomination Guidelines & Criteria

Eligible nominees include alumni who:

Any College of Financial Planning alumnus/alumna who actively served as a mentor during Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 may be nominated.
Nominees must have participated as a mentor through the College’s official mentorship program within the past calendar year. Mentorship completed outside of the College’s formal program does not qualify.
Alumni may be nominated by students, alumni, faculty, or staff.
Self-nominations are permitted.
An alumna/alumnus may receive this award only once.

The selection committee will evaluate nominations using the following criteria:

Commitment to Mentorship – Demonstrates consistent engagement and availability to mentees.
Impact on Mentees’ Growth – Demonstrates measurable positive influence on mentees’ personal or professional development.
Leadership Through Mentorship – Serves as a role model and advocate, fostering professional development beyond basic guidance (e.g., sponsorship, networking introductions, career advocacy).
Knowledge Sharing – Shares expertise, skills, and insights generously with mentees.
Role Model Qualities – Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and ethical behavior that mentees can emulate.

To be considered for the Mentorship Award, nominees must submit the following:

Submission Limit:

Applications will be reviewed in Summer 2026, and only the first 10 complete and eligible applications, in the order received, will be accepted for consideration. Once 10 qualified submissions have been received, the application period will close.

1. Completed Nomination Form

Submit the official Alumni Excellence in Mentorship Award Application Form.

2. Written Nomination Statement (500–1,000 words)

The nominee or nominator should provide a detailed statement explaining how the nominee meets the award criteria.

The statement should address the following areas:

Commitment to Mentorship
Impact on Mentees’ Growth
Leadership Through Mentorship
Knowledge Sharing
Role Model Qualities

3. Letters of Support (Optional but Encouraged)

One or more letters from individuals who can attest to the nominee’s mentorship, such as:

A mentee
Faculty or staff member
Alumni engagement representative

Scoring Rubric

Each member of the Selection Committee will score nominees on a scale of:

0 = None
1 = Minimal
2 = Some
3 = Moderate
4 = High
5 = Very High

The nominee receiving the highest total score (maximum 25 points) will be selected. In the event of a tie, the Selection Committee will convene to determine the final recipient.

Award Notification

The recipient will be notified individually by the Alumni Engagement Office after the final decision is made.

Award Presentation

Award winners will be contacted directly in advance of the public announcement.

Notification will be delivered via personalized phone call from the Alumni Committee Chair, Dean, or designated leadership representative.
A formal congratulatory email will follow the call.
Recipients will be informed that they have been selected to receive a September 2026 Alumni Award.
The Alumni Awards video announcement will be released in September and will include the announcement of the award winners

Recipients will be asked to:

Confirm acceptance of the award
Verify their preferred mailing address
Provide a professional photo and short bio, and sign marketing release for marketing purposes

Nominations Open: May 14, 2026
Nominations Close: July 17, 2026
Review Period: July–August 2026
Recipient Selection Finalized: Mid–Late September 2026
Recipients Announced: Late September–Early October 2026

Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award Nomination Guidelines & Criteria

Eligible nominees include alumni who:

Nominee must be an alumnus/alumna of the College of Financial Planning.
Must possess 10+ or more years of professional experience within financial planning or a related financial services field.
Must demonstrate sustained professional accomplishment and meaningful contributions to the profession over time.
Alumni may be nominated by students, alumni, faculty, or staff.
Self-nominations are permitted.
An alumna/alumnus may receive this award only once.

The selection committee will evaluate nominations using the following criteria:

Sustained Professional Excellence – Demonstrated career achievement, progression, and expertise over a minimum of 10 years, reflecting mastery, innovation, and measurable impact within the profession.
Industry Leadership and Influence – Evidence of leadership that advances the profession — including executive leadership roles, thought leadership, advocacy, board service, public speaking, publishing, or contributions to professional organizations.
Ethical Leadership and Integrity – Consistent demonstration of fiduciary responsibility, professionalism, and adherence to the highest ethical standards, serving as a model within the industry.
Contribution and Service - Meaningful engagement that extends beyond personal career success, including service to the profession, community impact, volunteerism, mentorship, or philanthropic leadership.
Cross-Disciplinary or Broader Influence – Applies knowledge across disciplines or collaborates in ways that expand the reach and impact of financial planning practices or education.

To be considered for the Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award (10+ Years Experience), nominees must submit the following:

Submission Limit:

1. Completed Nomination Form

Submit the official Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award (10+ Years Experience) Application Form.

2. Written Nomination Statement (500–1,000 words)

The nominee or nominator should provide a detailed statement explaining how the nominee meets the award criteria.

The statement should address the following areas:

Sustained Professional Excellence
Industry Leadership and Influence
Ethical Leadership and Integrity
Contribution and Service
Cross-Disciplinary or Broader Influence

3. Resume or CV (Optional)

Include a current resume or CV to support the nomination. Highlight the nominee’s:

Sustained Professional Excellence
Industry Leadership and Influence
Ethical Leadership and Integrity
Contribution and Service
Cross-Disciplinary or Broader Influence
Other relevant achievements and accomplishments

This document helps the committee quickly understand the nominee’s career trajectory, impact, and contributions to the financial planning profession.

4. Letters of Support (Optional but Encouraged)

One or more letters submitted by industry colleagues, clients, faculty, staff, or professional peers.
Letters should provide specific examples illustrating the nominee’s sustained impact and legacy

Scoring Rubric

Each member of the Selection Committee will score nominees on a scale of:

0 = None
1 = Minimal
2 = Some
3 = Moderate
4 = High
5 = Very High

The nominee receiving the highest total score (maximum 25 points) will be selected. In the event of a tie, the Selection Committee will convene to determine the final recipient.

Award Notification

The recipient will be notified individually by the Alumni Engagement Office after the final decision is made.

Award Presentation

Award winners will be contacted directly in advance of the public announcement.

Notification will be delivered via personalized phone call from the Alumni Committee Chair, Dean, or designated leadership representative.
A formal congratulatory email will follow the call.
Recipients will be informed that they have been selected to receive a September 2026 Alumni Award.
The Alumni Awards video announcement will be released in September and will include the announcement of the award winners.

Recipients will be asked to:

Confirm acceptance of the award
Verify their preferred mailing address
Provide a professional photo and short bio, and sign marketing release for marketing purposes

Nominations Open: May 14, 2026
Nominations Close: July 17, 2026
Review Period: July–August 2026
Recipient Selection Finalized: Mid–Late September 2026
Recipients Announced: Late September–Early October 2026

Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award Nomination Guidelines & Criteria

Eligible nominees include alumni who:

Nominees must be within 5–9 years of professional experience in the financial planning or related field following graduation.
Nominees must have shown initiative beyond standard job responsibilities, including contributions to their organization, community, or professional field.
Candidates should have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, or innovation relative to peers in similar career stages.
Alumni may be nominated by students, alumni, faculty, or staff.
Self-nominations are permitted.
An alumna/alumnus may receive this award only once.

The selection committee will evaluate nominations using the following criteria:

Exceptional Performance – Demonstrates consistently high-quality work and results that exceed typical expectations for early-career professionals.
Leadership Potential – Shows emerging leadership skills, including taking initiative, guiding teams, or influencing peers and colleagues.
Contribution and Service – Makes meaningful contributions to an organization, profession, or financial planning field beyond standard responsibilities.
Ethics and Professionalism – Demonstrates integrity, ethical behavior, and professionalism in all aspects of work.
Career Growth and Progression – Shows clear advancement, skill development, or achievement relative to peers in similar early-career stages.

To be considered for the Mentorship Award, nominees must submit the following:

Submission Limit:

1. Completed Nomination Form

Submit the official 2026 Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award (5-9 Years Experience) Application Form.

2. Written Nomination Statement (500–1,000 words)

The nominee or nominator should provide a detailed statement explaining how the nominee meets the award criteria.

The statement should address the following areas:

Exceptional Performance
Leadership Potential
Contribution and Service
Ethics and Professionalism
Career Growth and Progression

3. Resume or CV (Optional but Recommended)

Highlight professional roles, accomplishments, promotions, awards, certifications, and career progression within the 5–7 year timeframe.
Include leadership roles, initiatives, or projects that demonstrate impact beyond daily responsibilities.

4. Letters of Support (Optional but Encouraged)

One or more letters from individuals who can speak to the nominee’s performance, leadership, or contributions.
Acceptable letter writers include:
- Supervisors or managers
- Colleagues or peers
- Mentors or professional advisors
Letters should provide specific examples illustrating how the nominee stands out among peers in early career stages.

Scoring Rubric

Each member of the Selection Committee will score nominees on a scale of:

0 = None
1 = Minimal
2 = Some
3 = Moderate
4 = High
5 = Very High

The nominee receiving the highest total score (maximum 25 points) will be selected. In the event of a tie, the Selection Committee will convene to determine the final recipient.

Award Notification

The recipient will be notified individually by the Alumni Engagement Office after the final decision is made.

Award Presentation

Award winners will be contacted directly in advance of the public announcement.

Notification will be delivered via personalized phone call from the Alumni Committee Chair, Dean, or designated leadership representative.
A formal congratulatory email will follow the call.
Recipients will be informed that they have been selected to receive a September 2026 Alumni Award.
The Alumni Awards video announcement will be released in September and will include the announcement of the award winners.

Recipients will be asked to:

Confirm acceptance of the award
Verify their preferred mailing address
Provide a professional photo and short bio, and sign marketing release for marketing purposes

Nominations Open: May 14, 2026
Nominations Close: July 17, 2026
Review Period: July–August 2026
Recipient Selection Finalized: Mid–Late September 2026
Recipients Announced: Late September–Early October 2026

Questions?

Questions or additional supporting documentation not included in the application may be submitted to:

ATTN: Rachel Seton, M.Ed. Student and Alumni Engagement Advisor

alumni@cffp.edu

CFFP Alumni Awards – Recognizing Leadership and Achievement

The College for Financial Planning Alumni Committee is proud to honor the exceptional achievements of our alumni through the prestigious CFFP Alumni Awards, launching in 2026.

These awards celebrate alumni who elevate the profession through credential achievement, industry leadership, educational impact, and service to others.