The Winston-Salem State University Foundation Champion of Education Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of education over an extended period of time. The award seeks to honor, encourage, and reward an individual that has exhibited excellence, innovation, and effectiveness in teaching, and a commitment to student success.

Nominate a Champion of Education

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, social class, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Advocates for students as well as in the public sphere through direct action or participation in professional organizations       
• Interacts enthusiastically and professionally with students, parents, community members, and colleagues      
• Models professional behavior that demonstrates respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence       
• Actively seeks knowledge regarding best practices in creating educational excellence

The Winston-Salem State University Foundation’s Community Business Partner Award is given annually to a community business partner who has demonstrated excellence in partnering with the WSSU Foundation by making significant contributions to the university, provides opportunities for students to engage and learn, and contributes to the overall good of the community. The Community Business Partner Award is presented to a community business partner to honor and recognize their commitment and vital role in successful collaboration that brings the campus closer to the community.

Nominate a Community Business Partner

Selection Criteria

• Business must be located in the Forsyth County area       
• Business must have contributed to the overall good of Winston-Salem State University Foundation through philanthropy/ community involvement, delivery of unique or specialized products or services, or recognition through significant business achievement       
• Recognized as being innovative and providing sustainable partnerships between campuses, communities, and corporations that enrich student learning/engagement and enhance community life       
• Engages in mutually beneficial relationships with Winston-Salem State University Foundation through collaborative work that addresses identified community needs and exceeds educational objectives

The Simon Green Atkins Philanthropy Award recognizes distinguished philanthropic contributions to Winston-Salem State University Foundation and the power of philanthropy to change lives. The award is presented to an individual, group, corporation, or nonprofit organization which demonstrates a commitment to philanthropy and serves as a role model to encourage philanthropy for Winston-Salem State University.

Named after Simon Green Atkins, for his history-making commitment to WSSU college students, the award was established in 2023 and is awarded annually to recognize extraordinary philanthropic contributions to the Winston-Salem State University Foundation.

Nominate an SGA Philanthropic

Selection Criteria

• The award is presented to an individual, group, corporation, or nonprofit organization who meets all of the following criteria at a high standard:       
• Provides direct financial support to Winston-Salem State University Foundation. The expectation is that the nominee will have made the largest financial contribution, in the course of the previous calendar year, to the WSSU Foundation       
• Displays a leadership role, volunteers, and/or provides other benefits to help to achieve the mission of Winston-Salem State University       
• Demonstrates commitment to philanthropy and acts as a role model to encourage philanthropy in others in support of the Winston-Salem State University Foundation

The Winston-Salem State University Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes recipients for outstanding achievements in their professional lives, personal integrity and stature and service to the university. This award is presented to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated long-term success in his or her career and who exemplifies the attributes of an Winston-Salem State University graduate, such as leadership, citizenship, community service and/or service to his or her business or industry. 

Nominate a Lifetime Achiever

Selection Criteria   

• Must have attained prominence in their business, profession or vocational endeavors, and performed distinguished community service locally, regionally, nationally or globally  
• Recipients must be a graduate of Winston-Salem State University and demonstrate a love and commitment to the university that inspires others to live the WSSU spirit       
• The individual must be a person of such integrity, stature and proven ability that the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Winston-Salem State University will take pride in, and be inspired by their accomplishments