The Duke Global Health Institute is proud to recognize alumni whose accomplishments, leadership, and service exemplify the impact of a DGHI education. Through the Distinguished Alumni Award, Early Career Award, and Community Builder Award, we celebrate graduates who are making meaningful contributions to global health, strengthening communities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Explore the awards below to learn more about each honor and submit a nomination.

This is the inaugural year for each of our three alumni awards, and the winners will be announced at DGHI's 20th anniversary event on Friday, October 9. 

Established in 2026 by the DGHI Board of Advisors, the DGHI Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor presented by the Duke Global Health Institute. The award recognizes alumni from across DGHI's education programs who have distinguished themselves through exceptional contributions to the field of global health, exemplary leadership and service that advances the mission and values of DGHI, and meaningful impact on the health and well-being of communities around the world. 

The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented every 5 years here after. 

Eligibility

• Nominees must have graduated with a degree and/or certificate from one or more of DGHI's education programs (Undergraduate Global Health Certificate, Global Health Minor, Global Health Major, Global Health Graduate/Doctoral Certificate, MS in Global Health) to be eligible to receive this award.   
  • Prior Distinguished Alumni Award winners and active members of the DGHI Board of Advisors are ineligible to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award.
• Nominations may be submitted by any member of the Duke and Duke Global Health Institute community, including current and former faculty and staff, partners, student mentors, and alumni. For the Distinguished Alumni Award, alumni may nominate fellow alumni for the award, but self-nominations are not permitted. 

Awarded annually, the DGHI Early Career Alumni Award recognizes an emerging leader whose achievements, service and impact reflect the values and mission of the Duke Global Health Institute. Presented to an alumnus/a who is early in their career, this award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional promise, leadership, innovation, and commitment to improving health and well-being in their communities or around the world. Through their professional accomplishments and dedication to global health, recipients exemplify the next generation of leaders advancing meaningful change. 

Eligibility

• Nominees must have graduated with a degree and/or certificate from one or more of DGHI's education programs (Undergraduate Global Health Certificate, Global Health Minor, Global Health Major, Global Health Graduate/Doctoral Certificate, MS in Global Health) during the current calendar year or the previous five graduating classes to be eligible to receive this award (2021–Spring 2026 for the 2026 award cycle).
  • Prior Early Career Alumni Award winners and alumni who graduated more than 5 years prior to the call year are ineligible to receive this award.
• Nominations may be submitted by any member of the Duke and Duke Global Health Institute community, including current and former faculty and staff, partners, student mentors, and alumni. For the Early Career Alumni Award, alumni may nominate fellow alumni or themselves for this award.  

Awarded annually, the DGHI Community Builder Alumni Award recognizes alumni who exemplify the spirit and values of the Duke Global Health Institute through meaningful engagement, service and leadership. This award honors alumni who strengthen communities through meaningful engagement with DGHI, leadership or engagement within the alumni community, mentorship, volunteerism, advocacy, partnership or service that advances health equity and well-being. Recipients demonstrate a dedication to fostering connections, supporting others, and carrying forward the mission of global health in ways that create lasting impact.

Eligibility

• Nominees must have graduated with a degree and/or certificate from one or more of DGHI's education programs (Undergraduate Global Health Certificate, Global Health Minor, Global Health Major, Global Health Graduate/Doctoral Certificate, MS in Global Health) to be eligible to receive this award.
• Nominations may be submitted by any member of the Duke and Duke Global Health Institute community, including current and former faculty and staff, partners, student mentors, and alumni. For the Community Builder Alumni Award, alumni may nominate fellow alumni or themselves for this award.