There are three (3) Universitywide Awards:

Nominations closed on March 15, 2024 for FY2024.

Gloria White Award

The Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor for the university and honors a staff member who goes beyond the daily work to make an impact on Washington University in St. Louis. The award is meant to recognize staff who work from the heart to move the university forward by helping employees thrive through achieving our missions of education, research and patient care. Learn more about Gloria White.

The prize is $1,000 cash, a personalized engraved award, and university-wide recognition.

Eligibility details
  • Full-time current non-academic employee* with five (5) years of continuous service
  • Recipient must demonstrate capabilities that exceed job expectations, including:
    • Strengthens the organization’s ability to promote learning;
    • Helps to create a positive working and learning environment;
    • Improves the community, both within and beyond WashU; and
    • Enhances WashU’s reputation.
  • In good standing with their department (verified by WashU’s Employee Relations department)

*Staff members who are director level or above and non-academic staff members (those employed as union employees or contractors) are not eligible for this award.


Emerging Leader Award

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes an employee who positively influences and lead others at the university, in their community and in their profession. This award acknowledges someone who listens to the feedback and concerns of employees, and displays a growth mindset and empowers their colleagues to develop and utilize their leadership skills and capabilities to better the university and St. Louis region.

The prize is $500 cash, a personalized engraved award, and university-wide recognition.

Eligibility details
  • Full-time current non-academic employee* with three (3) years of continuous service
  • Recipient must demonstrate capabilities that exceed job expectations, including:
    • Positively influences others at WashU and within their own community;
    • Leads by example and empowers others through outstanding leadership skills;
    • Commitment to learning & growth opportunities for themselves and their colleagues
  • In good standing with their department (verified by WashU’s Employee Relations department)

*Staff members who are director level or above and non-academic staff members (those employed as union employees or contractors) are not eligible for this award.


Community Impact Award

The Community Impact Award recognizes an employee who establishes and sustains mutually enhancing relationships that elevate both WashU and the greater St. Louis community. This employee creates a more equitable and sustainable environment within their sphere of influence.

The prize is $500 cash, a personalized engraved award, and university-wide recognition.

Eligibility details
  • Full-time current non-academic employee* with three (3) years of continuous service
  • Recipient must demonstrate capabilities that exceed job expectations, including:
    • Positively influences the impact and growth of people both within the university and larger St. Louis region;
    • Establishes and maintains collaboration relationships both within the university and larger St. Louis region.
  • In good standing with their department (verified by WashU’s Employee Relations department)

*Staff members who are director level or above and non-academic staff members (those employed as union employees or contractors) are not eligible for this award.