Nominations Open for CCCU 2026 Young Alumni Award

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Young Alumni Award.

The Young Alumni Award honors an individual who graduated from a CCCU member institution within the past decade and whose work demonstrates uncommon leadership or success that reflects the values of Christian higher education.

“All around the globe, more than 170 CCCU member institutions are making a mark on the world, educating students who love the Lord and desire to use their intellect and God-given talents as they live out their faith,” said Dr. David A. Hoag, president of the CCCU. “The Young Alumni Award recognizes and honors their impact. Every year, we value the opportunity to showcase stories of incredible individuals who are utilizing their Christ-centered education to serve the world.”

Previous recipients include Cydney Bridges (Huntington University), a nurse who provides critical care for children with severe lung illnesses and the second runner-up in the 2024 Miss America pageant; Lindy Williamson Cleveland (Samford University), founder of Unless U; and Emmanual McNeely (Palm Beach Atlantic University), co-founder of the Dr. M.D. Project. Read more about these and other past winners here.

Nominations must be submitted by the institution’s alumni relations office, and each institution may submit one nomination per year. For more information about the award guidelines, the nomination process and the selection process, please read the overview document here.

Each nominee submitted for consideration will be highlighted on the CCCU’s official social media channels throughout the fall as part of the CCCU’s celebration of Christian Higher Education Month. Internal and external committee reviews will determine the winner, who will be honored at the CCCU’s 2026 International Forum from January 29–February 1 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas, TX.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 17, 2025. The selected Young Alumni Award winner, as well as the winner’s alma mater, will be notified later in the fall.

About the CCCU

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of more than 170 Christian institutions around the world. Since 1976, the CCCU has served as the leading voice of Christian higher education. With campuses across the globe, including more than 130 in the U.S. and Canada and more than 30 from an additional 18 countries, CCCU institutions are accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities whose missions are Christ-centered and rooted in the historic Christian faith. Most also have curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. The CCCU’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help our institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

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