2020 Award Nominations Deadline: November 29, 2019
Award decision: January 30, 2020
In 2009, the UAA Governing Board established a new permanent award that celebrates the distinguished service and leadership of Mary Helen Callahan, Executive Director of UAA from 1980 until 2000. In 2010, Ms. Callahan became the first recipient of the award during the 40th Annual Meeting of the UAA held in Honolulu.
Executive Director,
Urban Affairs Association
1975-2000
As the first recipient, Ms. Callahan personified the purpose of the award. As administrative assistant (from 1975-1980) to the board chair of what was then the Council of University Institutes for Urban Affairs (later renamed the Urban Affairs Association), she played a central role in establishing the early operational infrastructure and board support that launched a new national professional organization. She was instrumental in building the core activities of the organization from its annual conference to the now well-respected Journal of Urban Affairs. As the guiding hand in UAA’s development for more than two decades, Ms. Callahan epitomizes the commitment and service to the field of urban affairs that this award seeks to honor.
The award will be given on a periodic basis to an individual who has provided an outstanding record of service to UAA and/or the field of urban affairs. We are looking for nominees who have distinguished themselves in one or more of the following areas:
(1) exceptional and impactful service to the Urban Affairs Association;
(2) engagement outside the academy; or
(3) distinguished professional service that advances the work of urban affairs practitioners.
Award Benefits
Award recipients receive a plaque, lifetime UAA membership, complimentary registration for all UAA conferences (valued at $400+ each year), and an invitation to the annual VIP Dinner.
Nomination Process
Nominations can be made online by any UAA member (See button below). To complete the nomination form, you will need to:
1. Provide the name, institutional affiliation and email address of the individual you wish to nominate;
2. Provide the names and email addresses of three individuals who may be willing to write letters of support. You may include yourself in this group.
Re-Nomination Process
Individuals who have been previously nominated, but not selected for the award, may be re-nominated at any time. There are no limits on the number of times a person is nominated. To re-nominate an individual, simply follow the nomination procedures listed above.
Award Selection Procedures
All nominations will be reviewed by the Recognitions Committee of the UAA, which is appointed by the Chairperson of the Governing Board. The Committee will seek additional information (i.e., three letters of support) from a shortlist of selected nominees. The Committee will review these materials and inform the UAA Executive Office of the outcome. The UAA Executive Office informs the recipient of the award decision.
Make a Nomination
Questions?
Please contact the UAA Executive Office at awards@uaamail.org.
Previous Winners
(2010) Mary Helen Callahan