Call for Nominations: Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award (US)

Deadline: 15-Jun-2026

The Wells Fargo Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award recognizes U.S. teachers whose inspirational teaching has led former students to make significant societal contributions. Eligible nominees include current or former educators in colleges, universities, or technical schools, with preference for psychology, medicine, or law. Nominations must be submitted electronically as a single PDF by June 15, 5:00 p.m. ET, and award recipients receive a one-time cash prize.

Overview of the Award

The Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award honors teachers in the United States whose influence inspired former students to create organizations, concepts, procedures, or movements that provide lasting public or societal benefit. The program focuses on recognizing educators whose guidance leads to measurable community impact and advances education and public service.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominees must be current or former teachers, professors, or instructors at colleges, universities, junior colleges, community colleges, or technical schools in the U.S.

• Preference is given to educators in psychology, medicine, or law.

• Nominees must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens.

• Previous award recipients are not eligible for re-nomination.

• The award is intended to recognize influence that results in former students establishing organizations or creating enduring societal impact.

Who Can Nominate

• Any individual may submit a nomination.

• Nominators should highlight how the nominee inspired a former student whose actions had a clear community benefit.

Award Details

• One-time cash award, taxable, usable at the recipient’s discretion

• Recognizes educators whose impact extends beyond the classroom into meaningful societal contributions

• Awardees are selected by the trust’s advisory committee

Nomination Application Requirements

The complete nomination package must be compiled as a single PDF file in the specified order:

1. Completed and signed nomination application form

2. Optional cover letter

3. Former student’s personal narrative, in two parts:

   • The nominee’s inspirational role

   • The resulting societal or community impact

4. Supporting letter from an individual personally affected by the former student’s work

5. One piece of supporting material related to the organization or initiative

• All documents must be typed, signed, and properly organized

• File must follow the specified naming convention

How to Submit

1. Compile all required documents in the designated order as a single PDF.

2. Submit the nomination package via email.

3. Ensure submission is before June 15, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing or incomplete nomination documents

• Failing to include the former student’s personal narrative

• Omitting supporting letters or material related to the organization or initiative

• Not following the required PDF format or naming convention

• Submitting after the June 15 deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible for nomination? Current or former educators at colleges, universities, junior colleges, community colleges, or technical schools in the U.S., preferably in psychology, medicine, or law.
2. Can a nominee be a previous award recipient? No, prior recipients are ineligible.
3. Who can submit a nomination? Any individual may submit a nomination package.
4. What does the award recognize? Teachers whose influence led former students to create organizations, ideas, or movements with lasting societal benefit.
5. What is the award amount? A one-time taxable cash award, with use at the recipient’s discretion.
6. How should the nomination package be submitted? As a single PDF via email, in the required order, following the specified naming convention.
7. What is the submission deadline? June 15 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Conclusion

The Wells Fargo Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award celebrates U.S. educators whose teaching inspires former students to achieve significant societal impact. By highlighting influential teaching and measurable community benefit, the award recognizes educators whose work extends beyond the classroom to create enduring positive change.

For more information, visit Wells Fargo.