The Penn GSE Education Alumni Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary impact made by members of our community. Awardees are recognized at the annual Celebration of Educators during Penn Alumni Weekend.
To nominate a candidate for this distinction, please complete and submit the form below. All nominations received by February 14, 2024​ will be considered for the 2024 awards.
Please click here or see below to read about the award descriptions. If you have any questions, please email us at alumni@gse.upenn.edu.
Penn GSE Education Alumni Awards
Penn GSE Educator of the Year Award
This award recognizes an outstanding graduate or friend of the University of Pennsylvania, preferably of the Graduate School of Education, who demonstrates unusual involvement in and commitment to identifying and helping to resolve school problems and current issues in education. The recipient of this award must be a dedicated educator who is an inspiration, risk-taker, innovator, and role model and who demonstrates a commitment to the betterment of Penn GSE.
Helen C. Bailey Award
This award recognizes an outstanding graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education who has brought recognition and status to Penn GSE and the University of Pennsylvania. The recipient of this award must have made a distinctive contribution to the field of education and to Penn GSE, including but not limited to contributions made through research, exceptional professional involvement, or publications.
William B. Castetter Alumni Award of Merit
This award recognizes an outstanding graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education for significant service to Penn GSE. Service to the school may include serving as volunteer alumni leader with Penn GSE, the Penn Alumni Board, Penn Regional Clubs, or other leadership opportunities with the University of Pennsylvania. The recipient should have a longstanding relationship with the School and exemplify volunteer leadership.
Ethel and Allen “Buddy” Carruth Sustained Leadership in Education Award
Established in 2004, this award recognizes significant service to the education community by an esteemed graduate or friend of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. The award honors the memory of Ethel Carruth, ED’43, a distinguished alumna, benefactor, and friend of Penn GSE. Mrs. Carruth and her late husband, Allen Carruth, left an extraordinary legacy, fostering enthusiastic dedication and support of numerous causes, inspiring benevolence and a lifetime of involvement. Their support of education impacted many in the field and motivated unprecedented achievement and guidance throughout the community. The recipient of this award will serve as an inspiration to others, transcending expectations and providing opportunities in service.
The Penn GSE Recent Alumni/Early Career Award of Merit
This award recognizes an outstanding graduate who has shown outstanding service to the University of Pennsylvania and Graduate School of Education prior to their 10th reunion year and is setting an inspirational example for future alumni of Penn GSE. This includes but is not limited to significant contributions by an individual in their field of endeavor, whether through professional achievement or community service, and the devotion of significant time, energy, and enthusiasm to volunteerism and cultivation.
The Kwame Nkrumah Distinguished Alumni Award
Established in 2019, this award recognizes an illustrious graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) or the former University of Pennsylvania School of Education who has made distinct and transformative contributions to the field of education in the nation or the world. The award honors Kwame Nkrumah, GED’43, G’44, the first president of independent Ghana. Nkrumah fought for Ghana’s independence and was a founding member of the Organization of African Unity. As President, Nkrumah set up a strong system of basic education, initiating compulsory primary education in 1962. In 2000, he was voted African Man of the Millennium by listeners of the BBC World Service who described him as a "hero of independence," and an "international symbol of freedom as the leader of the first black African country to shake off the chains of colonial rule."
The recipient of this award will have made a demonstrative and uncommon impact in education through research, policy, and/or service. Their contribution will have had a global impact on improving circumstances for historically oppressed or marginalized communities. The recipient will reflect the values and aspirations of Penn GSE and its commitment to equity and opportunity and serve as a role model for Penn GSE students and alumni.