Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award

Selection Process

• Nominations are accepted during the nomination period open each fall
• The Academic Awards Committee will review all eligible candidates
• Top candidates are presented to the University Provost for review
• The University President grants final approval

To honor APUS Trustee Mary Kim Ward’s lifelong dedication to education and public service, APUS established the Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award. The Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award recognizes resilience, patience, and determination, and a student’s impact and influence on public service, social justice, and inclusion.

Established in 2020, the Board of Trustees presents the award annually during Commencement weekend to one APUS undergraduate or graduate student in the current graduating class. Each graduating class includes six conferrals: August 1, October 1, December 1, February 1, April 1, and June 1.

Selection Criteria:

• A student of the university in the current graduating class, undergraduate or graduate, who demonstrated a dedication to their academic pursuits through maintaining a 3.5 GPA
• Demonstrates resilience and determination through obtaining their education despite personal setbacks or challenges
• A leader who has made a significant impact on their community, industry, or the world
• Work with or for public service or education with an emphasis on supporting mental health needs, or championing inclusion

For more information and to submit a nomination visit the award page.