Presented annually to an alumnus or alumna who graduated within the past decade and has demonstrated exceptional achievement and significant contributions in their chosen field. The following criteria aim to designate young alumni who not only achieve personal success but also contribute meaningfully to their communities and remain engaged with their alma mater.

Main Criteria: The individual must have achieved notable early career accomplishments in areas of clinical service, research, community engagement, and/or administrative leadership.

In addition, the individual must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Has demonstrated rapid early career progression with roles of increasing responsibility and influence.
• Has proven successful leadership in teams, projects, or organizations, including professional or community roles.
• Has received recognition or awards at local, national, or international levels.
• Has actively contributed to the community through volunteer work or nonprofit involvement.
• Has maintained a strong connection with their alma mater through mentorship, events, support, or service.

Presented annually to an alumnus or alumna who exemplifies outstanding dedication to their field, has made significant contributions to health care or biomedical research, and demonstrates a strong commitment to community service.

Main Criteria: The individual must have demonstrated sustained, outstanding performance in their professional career, including significant achievements in academic, clinical, research, or industry settings.

In addition, the individual must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Has demonstrated exceptional achievement and leadership in their field since earning their master’s degree.
• Has made significant contributions to their profession through innovation, industry impact, or knowledge advancement.
• Has received honors or recognition from professional organizations, peers, and/or the broader community.
• Has been committed to public service, community involvement, and ethical leadership as a role model within their profession and community.
• Has maintained strong ties with the institution through mentoring, board service, or alumni support.

Presented annually to an alumna or alumnus who has exhibited significant leadership and accomplishments as a genetic counselor.

Main Criteria: The individual must have demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership in the field of genetic counseling, providing high-quality care and support to patients and families.

In addition, the individual must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Has advanced the field of genetic counseling through best practices, innovations, or research improving patient outcomes.
• Has advocated for genetic counseling and genetic-related issues through public awareness, education, or policy development.
• Has supported the development of future genetic counselors through teaching, mentoring, or curriculum design.
• Has conducted impactful research enhancing knowledge or practices in genetics and genetic counseling.
• Has demonstrated community service, held leadership positions, and/or received recognition for excellence in the field.

Presented annually to an alumnus or alumna who graduated more than a decade ago and has demonstrated exceptional achievements and professional excellence. This prestigious accolade celebrates those who have significantly contributed to their fields, exemplifying innovation, leadership, and a lasting commitment to societal advancement.

Main Criteria: The individual must have demonstrated sustained, outstanding performance in their professional career, including significant achievements in academic, clinical, research, or industry settings.

In addition, the individual must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Has received professional awards or recognition from respected industry authorities.
• Has attained tenure at an academic institution.
• Has demonstrated successful leadership through key roles in major projects and organizational teams.
• Has contributed to society by addressing significant challenges or improving quality of life.
• Has maintained a strong record of scholarly publications, presentations, and continuous professional development.

Presented annually to an alumnus or alumna who graduated more than a decade ago and exemplifies outstanding dedication to their field, has made significant contributions to the medical profession, and demonstrates a strong commitment to community service.

Main Criteria: The individual must have demonstrated sustained, outstanding performance in their professional career, including significant achievements in academic, clinical, research, or industry settings.

In addition, the individual must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Has held a key leadership role in a medical organization at the local, state, or national level.
• Has led or contributed to innovations in patient care or clinical systems management.
• Has received awards for contributions to patients, the community, or the medical profession.
• Has conducted notable research or published works gaining professional recognition.
• Has actively participated in unpaid health-related and non-medical community service.

Presented to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated exceptional and sustained voluntary contributions to local, national and/or global humanitarian efforts, while adhering to ethical standards and practices with no financial compensation.

Main Criteria: The individual must have demonstrated a positive impact on a community or population as evidenced by a significant improvement in the quality of life such as increased access to education, health care, clean water, or other essential services.

In addition, the individual must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Has applied innovative resources to address humanitarian challenges.
• Has established sustainable initiatives benefiting underserved communities.
• Has developed methods or technologies enhancing crisis response effectiveness.
• Has advocated for human welfare through awareness or policy influence.
• Has received awards or honors for humanitarian contributions.

Presented annually to an individual who is not a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, in recognition of their substantial contributions to the school's educational mission and the SOMC Alumni Association over a period of at least five years.

Main Criteria: The individual must have demonstrated sustained involvement with the School of Medicine Columbia and/or its alumni association for more than five years, making substantial contributions to the collective goals and mission.

In addition, the individual must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Has supported the institution’s educational mission through mentoring, fundraising, or advocacy.
• Has received recognition or awards from students, faculty, or staff.
• Has maintained a personal connection to the School of Medicine Columbia without being a graduate.
• Has contributed to the surrounding community through outreach or service initiatives.
• Has promoted alumni engagement and strengthened the institution’s community.