The designation of Honorary Alumni is bestowed upon individuals who have served Reed College and/or the Alumni Association with honor, integrity, and distinction. This recognition honors exemplary leadership, service, and sustained contributions that have meaningfully strengthened the Reed community.
The Alumni Association Board of Directors (also referred to as the Alumni Board) has the authority to confer Honorary Alumni status.
Nomination Process
Alumni, faculty, and staff of Reed College may nominate an individual for Honorary Alumni status at any time.
Nominations are collected by Alumni Relations and reviewed annually by the Alumni Board Nominations Committee, typically in late summer or early fall.
Alumni Relations coordinates initial review and institutional due diligence in partnership with college leadership before nominations move forward for committee consideration.
To submit a nomination, individuals must complete an official nomination form. Additional letters of support are strongly encouraged and should address one or more of the evaluation criteria below.
For questions about the nomination process or to request the nomination form, please email alumni@reed.edu.
Evaluation Criteria
The Alumni Board Nominations Committee evaluates nominees using the following criteria:
- Outstanding service to Reed College and/or the Alumni Association
- Demonstrated loyalty to Reed College and the Alumni Association
- Commitment to Reed College’s values
- Support of equity and inclusion within the Reed community
- Consistent honorable conduct throughout their engagement with Reed
Who Cannot Be Considered?
The following individuals are not eligible for Honorary Alumni status:
- Graduates of Reed College
- Current Reed College employees or faculty members
- Trustees currently serving on the Reed College Board of Trustees, and their spouses or partners
Selection Process
By tradition, retiring emeriti faculty are automatically considered for Honorary Alumni status.
The Alumni Board Nominations Committee reviews all eligible nominations and forwards its recommendations to the full Alumni Board for vote, typically in September.
Following approval, the Vice President of Advancement and the President’s Office are notified. Honorees are then formally notified by the Director of Alumni Relations.
The Alumni Board reserves the right to revoke Honorary Alumni status by vote at any time if it determines such action is necessary.