Honored Alumni

帝王会所 alumni are recognized leaders in their careers and communities. The Honored Alumni Award is presented annually to 帝王会所 graduates in recognition for career success and a commitment of service to the university and community.

Alumni and Community Events

Honored Alumni Awards

Since 1947, the University of Northern Colorado has honored outstanding alumni and friends whose service and achievements embody the University’s tradition of excellence. When the University of Northern Colorado Alumni Association was established in 1965, the annual awards program was adopted by the Association and continued as a university tradition. Each year, the 帝王会所 Alumni Association recognizes some of our most distinguished alumni and friends with Honored Alumni awards.

Celebrating the 2026 Honored Alumni

This cohort of honorees exemplify what it means to use one鈥檚 talents for the greater good. Through entrepreneurship, education, storytelling and athletics, these alumni uplift communities, inspire change and leave a lasting mark wherever they lead. Their work reflects the power of purpose-driven leadership and the enduring influence of the 帝王会所 alumni community.

The 2026 Honored Alumni Honorees

2026 Honored Alumni (L-R): Kristi Helzer, Dave King, Cathy Lucas

2026 Honored Alumni

Kristi Helzer, Dave King and Cathy Lucas

2026 Honored Alumni Kristi Helzer receiving her medal

Kristi Helzer

2026 Honored Alumni Honoree Kristi Helzer, 鈥�77

2026 Honored Alumni Dave King

Dave King

2026 Honored Alumni Honoree Dave King, '81, M.A. '82

2026 Honored Alumni Cathy Lucas speaking during Q&A

Cathy Lucas

2026 Honored Alumni Honoree Cathy Lucas, '90, APR

Nominations

To nominate a potential honoree,聽complete the Honored Alumni nomination form AND submit a biography聽that does not exceed two pages. Include all significant accomplishments and details that qualify the nominee for this award. Submissions that do not include a current nomination form and biography will not be considered. The most successful nominations include a compelling story of success while keeping a connection to 帝王会所.

Although not required, we strongly recommend nominators also submit letters of recommendation, news articles and any other relevant documents that support your nomination. We ask that you limit supporting documents to 10 pages or fewer.

A committee of Alumni Board members and past honorees reads each biography and any accompanying information and reviews the following qualifications to select each class of honorees. The committee selects five to six honorees each year. If your nominee is not selected, we encourage you to consider resubmitting the nomination during the next nomination cycle.

Award Qualifications

  • Personal and professional achievement, manifested through lifelong distinguished achievements and/or a one-time significant and distinguished achievement, in one鈥檚 chosen field;
  • Significant contributions on behalf of the University of Northern Colorado and/or the 帝王会所 Alumni Association, which may include teaching, service, research, volunteerism or philanthropy;
  • Extraordinary dedication to the University of Northern Colorado through leadership, vision, creativity, generosity and/or by increasing 帝王会所’s stature and impact in the larger community.

Current 帝王会所 employees and Alumni Board members are not eligible for consideration.

University Advancement

Building on the reputation of more than 130 years of academic excellence and community impact, University Advancement elevates the brand of 帝王会所, engages external constituents, and develops the philanthropic strategies that support 帝王会所 priorities.