Frequently Asked Questions

Stanford Associates is an honorary organization of over 2,200 alumni volunteers who have been identified as the University's top volunteers.

The business of Stanford Associates is overseen by a Board of Governors made up of 20 Stanford Associates. Stanford Associates operates an annual awards program recognizing the efforts of alumni volunteers in a number of different categories—from a single significant achievement (Award of Merit) to a lifetime of service (Gold Spike). In addition, Stanford Associates sponsors the STARS Assembly, a biennial Leadership Assembly for current leaders, and provides financial grants to campus departments that undertake innovative projects that include alumni volunteers.

• Award of Merit
• Governors' Award
• The Stanford Medal
• The Gold Spike
• The Degree of Uncommon Man/Woman

Details about specific award criteria may be found at:
http://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/saa/volunteering/awards/home

Each summer, University staff members from across campus are invited to submit nominations for the different Stanford Associates award categories. Candidates for awards must have demonstrated excellence in volunteer service to Stanford. The Board of Governors reviews the nominations at its October meeting and makes the final selections.

University staff members identify Stanford's top volunteers with at least 10 years of excellent volunteer service. The Board of Governors reviews the nominations and elects the members each year.

Stanford Associates does accept contributions, which go into a special gift account. The gift account is used to fund campus projects involving alumni volunteers. Each year Stanford Associates awards grants for innovative programs that include alumni volunteers. Last year, for example, the Associates awarded $53,000 to seven different projects.

A complete list of members appears on the Stanford Associates web page:
http://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/saa/volunteering/recognition/members