Salute to Business Achievement Awards

Celebrating Ed G. Smith College of Business alumni whose leadership, innovation and service make a lasting impact.

Each spring, the UMSL Alumni Association and the Business Alumni Chapter honor outstanding graduates of the Ed G. Smith College of Business. The Salute to Business Achievement Awards recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves through leadership, entrepreneurial innovation and commitment to their communities.

Awards Criteria

All alumni of the Ed G. Smith College of Business are eligible for nomination. Self-nominations are welcome; however, letters of support are strongly encouraged. 

Nominations may be submitted by an individual, organization, association, corporation, partnership or institution.

Award recipients are selected based on demonstrated achievement or contribution in three or more of the following areas: 

• Professional leadership or career accomplishment 
• Entrepreneurial success 
• Outstanding service to UMSL and/or its business alumni community 
• Financial success and economic innovation 
• Social impact addressing major contemporary challenges 
• Philanthropic contribution or voluntary service 
• Politics or government service 
• Legal reform 
• Corporate, scientific, or technological contributions

Nominate a 2026 honoree

Know an alum whose work stands out? Submit a nomination for the 2026 Salute to Business Achievement Awards by March 13, 2026. Individuals, organizations or businesses may submit nominations, and all Ed G. Smith College of Business alumni are eligible.

Nomination deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026

Submit a Nomination

About the 2026 event

The 2026 Salute to Business Reception and Awards Presentation will be held at the Business Celebration Event on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Registration will open in late February 2026. Further event details, including registration information and past awardees, will be updated on this page.

For more information, contact alumni@umsl.edu.

Past Awardees

The Salute to Business Achievement Awards have recognized a distinguished group of alumni whose leadership and impact continue to advance their fields and communities.