This overview is intended to outline general information, helpful advice, and suggested best practices for the Honorary Bobcat selection process. We hope that this information provides our members with a better understanding of the process and transparent insight into key considerations taken by committee members when deliberating over the many qualified nominees within this competitive process.

 

What is an Honorary Bobcat?
Honorary Bobcats are distinguished alumni, UofA employees, and/or community members who are extended full-fledged membership into our organization after being nominated by a member of Bobcats and selected by the Honorary Bobcat Selection Committee.  We induct up to two UofA employees (current or retired) and up to two community members each year. Those selected are recognized and inducted at the annual Bobcat Breakfast during Homecoming.
 

Who should be nominated? 
Distinguished alumni, UofA employees (current or retired), and/or community members who are committed to the University of Arizona, embody our motto of Eternal Vigilance, and that would be engaged members of Bobcats.
 

Why should you nominate? 
Nominating Honorary Bobcats is a great way to give back and stay involved in our organization. Furthermore, it is a tremendous honor to bestow upon those who are deserving of the recognition. Lastly, by adding more qualified members, we expand our reach and potential for impact as an organization.

​

How do you nominate?
All nominators, as well as those who write additional letters of support, should be members of Bobcats. Please be prepared with letter(s) of recommendation, the nominee’s resume information, and contact information for the nominee and nominator(s). If needed, hard copy nominations can be mailed to the Alumni Association: 

 

Bobcat Alumni Award Nominations
The University of Arizona Alumni Association
1111 N. Cherry Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85721

 

Consider the following questions and include your responses and other relevant details when writing your letter(s) of support:

• Why does the nominee deserve to be an Honorary Bobcat?

• How does the nominee embody our motto of Eternal Vigilance? 

• What are their contributions (time, talent, treasure, loyalty, love, commitment, etc.) to our university community? 

• How do you see this nominee being an actively involved and contributing member of our Bobcats organization?

• What weight or meaning would receiving this honor carry for this individual?
   

Consider these suggestions to make your nominee more competitive:

• Be sure to have your nominee’s up-to-date resume information, which can be submitted in the form of an attached resume or by answering free-response questions. 

• It is helpful for resumes or supplemental information to include any university related accomplishments, service, or contributions. 

• The free-response questions are a great solution if you don’t have access to the nominee’s resume and wish to keep their nomination private. Tip: Check out your nominee’s LinkedIn profile and copy in relevant information.

• Team up with fellow Bobcats to submit multiple letters of support. Having various perspectives and testimonials on the nominee can help better communicate their qualifications.

• Nominations are valid for three years beyond the original nomination year, so if your nominee is not selected, you are able to continue sending in any updated or supplemental information while their nomination is active. 

• If applicable, feel free to include any articles that were written about the nominee or other relevant supplemental materials.
   

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out the Honorary Bobcat Selection Chair, Devin Gregory Wimberly (devinrae1414@gmail.com)

 

Submission deadline: August 1st, 2025