Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award

In her 13 years at the University of Kansas Alumni Association, Jennifer Alderdice motivated countless students to become involved and take pride in the University. As assistant vice president, she organized hundreds of events for the Student Alumni Association and the KU community.

Jen’s motivation and dedication to our University are inspiring, and those who possess her attributes should be recognized. The 2009 Homecoming Steering Committee created this award to honor Jen, a longtime Steering Committee advisor. Jen left the Alumni Association after she and her husband adopted a baby in 2009.

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. The winner will be recognized during Homecoming Week. View a list of past recipients.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Applicants must be a full-time sophomore or junior student with an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
Applicants must be presently active in the KU community.
Current members of the Homecoming Steering Committee are excluded from applying.
Applicants must submit an essay.
The committee will accept nominations as well as individual applications. If nominated, the nominee will need to fill out an application as well.
Winner is awarded a $250 stipend, an award plaque, and recognition at the Football game and throughout Homecoming week at various events.

Application Process

Students interested in applying for the award must submit:

Online application.
Personal Statement discussing your qualifications for this award based on your KU experiences.
Reference Letter and contact information.

Timeline

Online application opens: Sept. 11at 8 a.m.
Online application closes: Oct. 6at 5 p.m.
Upon notification that a candidate is a finalist, virtual interviews will take place Oct. 12-13.
Finalist notifications: Oct. 17 by 5 p.m.
Finalist will be asked to attend the following events:
- Homecoming Kick-Off | Oct. 23 | 5:30-7 p.m., Jayhawk Welcome Center
- Homecoming Awards Banquet | Oct. 24 | 6-7:30 p.m., Jayhawk Welcome Center, The Pub & Bruckmiller
- Football Game: KU vs. Oklahoma | Oct. 28 | Time-TBD, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

Questions

Contact Paige Freeman at paigefreeman@kualumni.org.

Application

Please complete the application below and upload the required materials.

Email(Required)

Name(Required)

First Last

Phone(Required)

Campus or local address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Major/Minors(Required)

Photo(Required)

Max. file size: 300 MB.

GPA(Required)

(must be 3.0 or higher)

KU Class in 2023-24(Required)

(must have completed 30 credit hours by time of application and be a full-time undergraduate student)

Sophomore

Junior

Expected Graduation Date(Required)

Personal Statement(Required)

Please describe how you have emulated the qualities (dedication, initiative, motivation, positive attitude) of the Jennifer Alderdice award as a student at KU. (Please limit to 500 words)

Max. file size: 300 MB.

Reference Name(Required)

First Last

Reference Title(Required)

Reference Phone Number(Required)

Reference Relation to Applicant(Required)

Reference Letter(Required)

Max. file size: 300 MB.

Student Clarification

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 grant permission to the committee to check and be aware of my current GPA.

4. I understand that I am expected to be enrolled as a full-time student during the 2023-24 academic year.

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

Student Signature(Required)

(type your name in the box)

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