Awards and Recognition

Through awards and recognition, we show our appreciation for the distinguished alumni and friends who have made invaluable contributions to our community and to the University. Learn more about the amazing leaders who have brought pride to their alma mater.

Alumni Achievement Awards

The Alumni Achievement Awards recognize alumni for their exceptional accomplishment in any field of endeavor which brings honor to NJIT.  The endeavor need not have brought public acclaim, but may consist of important creative efforts; contributions to social, educational or technological progress; and/or distinguished leadership in the individual's chosen profession, industry or public service.  Service to the university is not mandatory, but is desirable.

GeNext Young Alumni Award

The GeNext Award recognizes Young alumni (ages 35 and younger) for their significant professional accomplishment in any field of endeavor which brings honor to NJIT. The endeavor need not have brought public acclaim, but may consist of important creative efforts; contributions to social, educational or technological progress; and/or distinguished leadership in the individual's chosen profession, industry or public service. Service to the university is not mandatory, but is desirable. 

Robert W. Van Houten Award for Teaching Excellence

The Robert W. Van Houten Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes outstanding tenured faculty at the university.  (See Teaching and Research page for other NJIT faculty teaching awards.)  The voting population is a randomly drawn computer generated list from the last five graduating classes, as it is felt that their recent experience is the most valid in judgment.  A statistically valid number of alumni are randomly chosen to complete the ballot and they are asked to consider their selections based on the following criteria:

• The Award is for current teaching excellence rather than past performance.
• Excellence in teaching implies a high level of success in leading students to knowledge and understanding.  It must be judged accordingly to the degree and quality of inspiration transmitted to the students as well as the example of intellectual integrity demonstrated by the instructor.
• Attributes not directly related to teaching should be considered only insofar as they affect the quality of the instruction.
• Past recipients of the Award are ineligible for selection.

Alumni Achievement Honor Roll

Celebration Honor Roll

Please note that all awards may not be presented every year 

President’s Medal for Distinguished Lifetime Achievement
In recognition of accomplishments of such excellence that they are an inspiration to us all.  The individual may, or may not, have had previous affiliation with NJIT.

Edward F. Weston Medal for Professional Achievement by an Alumnus
In recognition of alumnus with outstanding personal, professional and civic accomplishments, and exceptional financial and volunteer support of the university through individual gifts and/or leveraging corporate/foundation contributions. Named in memory of Edward Faraday Weston, who served on the Board of Trustees for nearly 40 years, this award was originally presented at Convocation.  In 2009, it was incorporated into the awards presented at Celebration.

Lifetime Alumni Leadership Award
In recognition of achievement by exceptional alumni who are invested in the university’s mission and who have contributed many years of exemplary service to NJIT.

Outstanding Corporate Partner
In recognition of a corporation which is a major benefactor of the university, and is engaged with the university through board participation, and varied other collaborative activities.

University Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership
In recognition of an outstanding entrepreneur for expertise, dedication and extraordinary business success. The individual may, or may not, have had previous affiliation with NJIT.

Special Friend of the University
In recognition of a friend who has demonstrated a personal commitment through generosity to the university, and/or devotion of time and sharing of expertise through board membership.