Purple & Old Gold Award

The Purple and Old Gold Award is the highest award given by the University of Northern Iowa. Named after the university colors, the traditional awards were first presented at commencement ceremonies in 1939. Recipients of this honor wear a bronze medal to symbolize their outstanding achievements, are noted in the Commencement Program, and a permanent notation is made on their academic transcript.

Departments submitting student names for recognition should complete the form online here.

Office of the Registrar

Process:

The Purple and Old Gold Meritorious Award is awarded to one graduating student in each academic department (or major academic field when unique disciplines are combined into a school or merged department). There is not one award per academic major but one award per content area.

The areas recognized will be reviewed each year by the Office of the Registrar and the Office of the Provost. Adjustments will be made to the qualifying areas when departments or colleges are added and/or disbanded. A thorough explanation (in writing) of how an academic field distinguishes itself from other similar areas is the responsibility of the academic unit requesting an additional award.

To maintain the prestige of this award, consideration of additional awards is rarely approved and must be made in writing to the Office of the Registrar one year in advance.

Procedure for Selection:

Office of the Registrar provides a list of the eligible candidates to each of the appropriate departments/colleges. The department selects one nominee in the identified categories. The name of the selected nominee must be submitted online at least one month prior to the spring commencement. For Spring 2025, the form must be submitted no later than Monday, March 31.

The Purple and Old Gold Award for Meritorious Scholarship

The Purple and Old Gold Meritorious Award is awarded to one graduating student in each academic department (or major academic field when unique disciplines are combined into a school or merged department) who has demonstrated outstanding academic success at the university. Candidates are identified by the Office of the Registrar and departments select one recipient.

Students graduating at the end of the fall semester are also eligible for consideration for the awards at the following spring commencement.  Students must have earned at the University of Northern Iowa at least 60-89 undergraduate semester hours with a UNI cumulative grade index of 3.60 or 90 semester hours with a UNI cumulative grade index of 3.50.

The Purple and Old Gold Award for Conspicuous Achievement

The Purple and Old Gold Award for Conspicuous Achievements is granted to one graduating student in each of the following extra-curricular fields (Athletics, Art, Digital Media, Forensics, Journalism, Music, Performance Studies, and Theatre) who has completed an outstanding public performance, show, event, or publicly displayed piece that distinguishes their ability from their peers. Candidates are identified by leaders in identified areas and nominations are given to the Office of the Registrar.

  • Athletics (Men)
  • Athletics (Women)
  • Art
  • Digital Media
  • Forensics
  • Journalism
  • Music
  • Performance Studies
  • Theatre