Nomination Criteria

Statement of Purpose 

The Chaffey College Alumni of the Year & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner recognizes distinguished alumni, advocates, and community leaders whose achievements, leadership, and service reflect the mission and values of Chaffey College.

Nomination Categories 

Alumni of the Year Award

The Alumni of the Year award recognizes an individual who attended Chaffey College and has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, leadership, and service in their field or community. This honor celebrates individuals whose accomplishments reflect the values of Chaffey College and who serve as an inspiration to current and future students.

Athletic Hall of Fame

The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished individuals whose athletic careers, leadership, and contributions have brought honor and recognition to Chaffey College Panthers. Inductees demonstrate excellence both on and off the field through professional success, community involvement, and lasting impact.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an alumnus or Chaffey advocate whose career and life represent a legacy of excellence, leadership, and service. This recognition celebrates individuals whose lifelong accomplishments have created a lasting impact in their profession, community, or society.

Chaffey Champion Award

The Chaffey Champion Award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary support and advocacy for Chaffey College and its students. Recipients may include alumni, community leaders, donors, or partners who have advanced the mission of the college through leadership, philanthropy, mentorship, or service.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award honors a recent Chaffey College alumnus who has shown exceptional promise and early career success. This award recognizes emerging leaders who are making meaningful contributions in their profession or community and exemplifies the future impact of Chaffey graduates.

Community Impact Award

The Community Impact Award recognizes an alumnus, faculty member, staff member or retiree who has made significant contributions to improving the lives of others through service, advocacy, or leadership. This honor celebrates individuals who strengthen communities through their commitment to positive change.

Criteria

Nominees may be considered based on the following criteria, as applicable to the award category:

• Professional achievement and career success 
• Leadership within their profession or community 
• Community service, advocacy, or volunteerism 
• Service and support for Chaffey College and its students 
• Athletic achievement, leadership, or contributions to athletics 
• Philanthropy, mentorship, or partnership with the college 
• Demonstrated positive impact in their profession, community, or society
• Accomplishments that reflect the mission, values, and excellence of Chaffey College 

Preference for the Rising Star Award may be given to alumni who attended or graduated from Chaffey College within the past 10 years.

Nomination Procedure 

Nominations for the Chaffey College Alumni Awards may be submitted by alumni, faculty, staff, students, community members, and/or colleagues (self-nominations are also accepted). They include:

• Alumni of the Year
• Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame
• Lifetime Achievement
• Chaffey Champion
• Rising Star
• Community Impact awards

To nominate an individual, submit a completed nomination form with any supporting materials that highlight the nominee’s accomplishments, leadership, service, and impact, such as a resume, biography, letters of recommendation, or other relevant documentation. 

All nominations are reviewed by the Alumni Awards Selection Committee, which evaluates candidates based on established criteria and selects recipients who best reflect the mission and values of Chaffey College. 

Nominations must be submitted by December 18, 2026, and selected recipients will be notified in advance and required to accept their award at the dinner on Friday, March 12, 2027, at the Ontario Convention Center. 

The Nomination Form will be available September 2026