Alderdice Award

Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award

Presented annually during Homecoming, the Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award was established in 2009 by the KU Homecoming Steering Committee to honor Jennifer Alderdice, former assistant vice president of KU Alumni and longtime advisor to the Steering Committee.

 

During her 13 years with KU Alumni, Jen inspired countless students to get involved and take pride in the University. She organized hundreds of events for the Student Alumni Network and KU community, leaving a lasting impact through her leadership and unwavering Jayhawk spirit. The winner of the Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award will be selected based on outstanding dedication, initiative, motivation, positive attitude, and contributions to KU — in other words, the Jayhawk who best emulates the qualities of Jen Alderdice.

 

Five applicants will be selected as finalists and recognized throughout the week of Homecoming. One winner will be awarded a $250 stipend, an award plaque, and be announced during the Homecoming football game.

Application

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

  • Must be a full-time sophomore or junior enrolled at the University of Kansas.
  • Must fully complete the online application; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Past Jennifer Alderdice Award recipients are not eligible to apply.

Application Process

Students interested in applying for the award must submit:

  • A completed online application
  • Resume or CV
  • An unofficial transcript
  • Personal Statement discussing your qualifications for this award based on your KU experiences.
  • Contact information for one reference
    • The reference individual will receive a short survey to complete, and must be a KU faculty, staff, administrator, or representative of a community service agency.

Timeline

  • Online application opens: Monday, Aug. 24 at 8 a.m.
  • Online application closes: Sunday, Sept. 20 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Virtual interviews: Monday, Sept. 28 – Friday, Oct. 2
  • Finalist notifications: Monday, Oct. 12 by 5 p.m.
  • If able, finalists will be asked to attend the following events:
    • Far Above Awards Ceremony | Thursday, Oct. 22, Jayhawk Welcome Center
    • Homecoming Parade | Friday, Oct. 23, Jayhawk Blvd
    • Homecoming Football Game | Saturday, Oct. 24, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

Questions

Please contact the Homecoming team at homecoming@kualumni.org.

Application

Please complete the application below and upload the required materials.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Address(Required)
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Reference Name(Required)
References will be contacted via email to complete a short survey. No reference letter will be required.

Application Acknowledgement

By typing your name in the signature line below, you hereby certify that:

1. The information provided on this application is accurate and I understand that an incomplete application may result in my being declared ineligible for this award.

2. I understand that award recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress and high standards of conduct.

3. I understand that I am expected to be enrolled as a full-time student during the current academic year.

4. I understand that I am expected to participate in Homecoming activities if selected as a finalist and/or the award winner.

(type your name in the box)

Award Recipients

2009 — Hunter Hess (McPherson)
2010 — Jill Nowak (McPherson)
2011 — Laken Avonne Rapier
2012 — Emily Ferbezar
2013 — Miranda Wagner
2014 — Caleb Bobo
2015 — Ashley Maska (Springfield, Missouri)
2016 — Sarah Pickert (Wichita, Kansas)
2017 — Anna Perrone (Modesto, California)
2018 — Brianna Mears (Georgetown, Texas)
2019 — Julie Jorgensen (Cedar Falls, Iowa)
2020 — Katy Wagner (Topeka, Kansas)
2021 — Navya Singh (Chandigarh, India)
2022 — Thanh Tan Nguyen (Phu Yen, Vietnam)
2023 — Yash Prajapati (Gujarat, India)
2024 — Ariana Siddique (Overland Park)
2025 — Avery Oppermann (St. Louis)

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Apply
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