Notable Alumni Nomination Form
Notable Alumni Criteria
Speech and debate alumni who are included on our Notable Alumni page should meet the following criteria. The Notable Alumni page is not a ranking, but a confirmation that speech and debate has the power to unleash the true potential of young people. These leaders are just a few examples from our diverse alumni community.
Overarching Criteria
- Regional, national, or international recognition
- Holds a prominent position in an organization, company, community, or government
- Is a recognized expert or leader in their profession or specialty
- Devotes time and effort to improving lives and communities
- May include active, former, and retired roles
- Previous speech and debate competitor (non NSDA members welcome)
Examples by Category
Authors & Filmmakers
- Individuals who have made significant contributions to literature, the visual or performing arts. Includes authors, producers, writers, and filmmakers
- Editor-in-Chief or publisher of a national publication
Business & Economics
- Leaders and executives of major international, national, or regional corporations; entrepreneurs who have founded and established major business enterprises; owners or primary shareholders of privately held companies
- President/Chairman/CEO of a nationally recognized company
- Top-ranking corporate officer of a Fortune 500, NYSE, or Nasdaq company
Community & Social Services
- Individuals who have made important contributions to the betterment of society and their communities as either executives or volunteer leaders of major not-for-profit institutions
- Individuals who have made major philanthropic commitments to the betterment of an institution and their communities
Communication & News
- Individuals who have made major contributions in journalism and other media.
Culinary Arts
- Individuals who have made major contributions in the culinary arts. Own and operate one or more notable restaurant(s), created a signature innovation, received culinary awards and recognition
Education
- Individuals who have made significant contributions to research and their scholarly discipline; individuals who have assumed national or regional leadership positions in education
- College or University President
- Dean or higher level position at an accredited, nationally recognized college, or university
Entertainment
- Individuals who have made significant contributions to the performing arts or the entertainment and arts industries and communities
- Lead actor on a nationally broadcast tv show, movie, or Broadway production
- Producer/Director of a nationally recognized film or TV show
- Radio or television personality in a major media market
- National Award Winner (Pulitzer, Academy, Grammy, Emmy, Tony, etc.)
Government
- Individuals who have been elected to major political office, including: U.S. Congress; leaders in state government and state legislatures; and mayors of large cities
- Individuals who have served in high-level appointed or elected positions in national or state government, including the military
Law
- Individuals who have made major contributions in law
Technology
- Individuals who have made major contributions in technology
Buiness & Economics
- Leaders and executives of major international, national, or regional corporations; entrepreneurs who have founded and established major business enterprises; owners or primary shareholders of privately held companies
- President/Chairman/CEO of a nationally recognized company
- Top-ranking corporate officer of a Fortune 500, NYSE, or Nasdaq company
Community & Social Services
- Individuals who have made important contributions to the betterment of society and their communities as either executives or volunteer leaders of major not-for-profit institutions
- Individuals who have made major philanthropic commitments to the betterment of an institution and their communities
Communication & News
- Individuals who have made major contributions in journalism and other media.
Culinary Arts
- Individuals who have made major contributions in the culinary arts. Own and operate one or more notable restaurant(s), created a signature innovation, received culinary awards and recognition
Education
- Individuals who have made significant contributions to research and their scholarly discipline; individuals who have assumed national or regional leadership positions in education
- College or University President
- Dean or higher level position at an accredited, nationally recognized college, or university
Entertainment
- Individuals who have made significant contributions to the performing arts or the entertainment and arts industries and communities
- Lead actor on a nationally broadcast tv show, movie, or Broadway production
- Producer/Director of a nationally recognized film or TV show
- Radio or television personality in a major media market
- National Award Winner (Pulitzer, Academy, Grammy, Emmy, Tony, etc.)
Technology
- Individuals who have made major contributions in technology
Government
- Individuals who have been elected to major political office, including: U.S. Congress; leaders in state government and state legislatures; and mayors of large cities
- Individuals who have served in high-level appointed or elected positions in national or state government, including the military
Law
- Individuals who have made major contributions in law