Sofia Alumni Awards

Sofia University is one of the first transpersonal universities in California, founded by Robert Frager, PhD, in 1975. We continue to be a leader in transformative education by providing access to rigorous education based on transpersonal teachings and we’re dedicated to bringing our unique perspective to contemporary challenges, giving our students the tools to make a difference in their lives, careers, and communities.

Purpose and Philosophy

On behalf of Sofia University, the Alumni Affairs Office would like to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate alumni who have made important contributions to their communities and whose actions honor the legacy of excellence at Sofia University.

Award Information and Eligibility

Award Information

Sofia Distinguished Alumni Award

Total Number of Awards: 1 Recipient

It is the University’s highest alumni award that is given to an alum who brings distinction to Sofia University through professional achievements and who has enjoyed a high level of success in their career. This award is to honor an alumnus/alumna who has led an extraordinary career since graduation from Sofia University (formerly known as the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology or ITP). This alumnus/alumna is a person of such integrity and stature that the university will take pride in bestowing this recognition. An additional consideration for a strong candidate in this award includes the individual’s loyalty to Sofia University with their alumni involvement and philanthropic support.

Dedication to Community Service Award

Total Number of Awards: 1 Recipient

This award recognizes exceptional service to the community. This alumnus/alumna dedicates personal time and energy towards their community and uses their education and experiences gained at Sofia University (formerly known as Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, or ITP) to promote public service causes, advance community efforts, and apply the education received for the betterment of their communities. This individual has committed to helping others and has been making a positive impact in the local community, in their hometown, in their profession and practice, and beyond.

Sofia Professional Achievement Award

Total Number of Awards: 1 Recipient

This award recognizes an outstanding alumnus or alumna of Sofia University (formerly known as the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, or ITP) who has achieved a high degree of success in their chosen field of endeavor. This alumnus/alumna has shown dedication and commitment to the betterment of their practice and profession incorporating Sofia’s transpersonal psychology. They exemplify the qualities of intellect, integrity, leadership, and responsibility that Sofia University fosters.

Sofia Professional Achievement Award (International)

Total Number of Awards: 1 Recipient

This award recognizes an outstanding alumnus or alumna of Global College at Sofia University (formerly known as the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, or ITP) who has achieved a high degree of success in their chosen field of endeavor. This alumnus/alumna has shown dedication and commitment to the betterment of their practice and profession incorporating Sofia’s transpersonal psychology. They exemplify the qualities of intellect, integrity, leadership, and responsibility that Sofia University fosters.

Eligibility and Criteria

Awardees must be graduates of Sofia University, having received a degree, or a certificate.
Alumni who are currently enrolled in another program are also eligible to be nominated for an award.

Nomination Link

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Alumni Awards starting May 1st! To submit your nominations for this year’s awards, click on the button below.

Submit Your Nominations Here

Award Benefits

Exclusive Tuition Discount

The awardee may receive a tuition discount for the program if they plan to enroll in another degree program at Sofia. For more information about the tuition discount, please reach out to alumni@sofia.edu.

Get Featured on our Platforms

Awardees may be invited to future Sofia in-person networking and student events as a panelist and a guest speaker on Sofia’s promotional platforms such as the Pathways to Heart podcast and/or Sofia Alumni Spotlight Video on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

Alumni Recognition Status

In the year following the awards ceremony, Alumni Awardees may be invited by their local campus to be recognized at commencement and attend college events as a Sofia representative.

Additional Alumni Gifts

As an Alumni Awardee, you will also be presented with an additional gift package. This gift package may include items such as a Visa Gift Card, Sofia Branded Items, and more!

Selection Timeline

Nominations Open for 2023 Alumni Awards

Nominations are accepted during May 1st to June 16th, 2023 from Sofia alumni, students, staff, faculty, and community members.

Nominations Close for 2023 Alumni Awards

Acceptance for nominations (self-nominations included) will close on June 16 for the 2023 Alumni Awards.

Nominations are Reviewed and Awardees Notified

The Awards Committee will review nominations, and award recipients will be notified at the beginning of August 2023.

Awardees Invited to 2023 Alumni Awards Reception

Recipients will be awarded at the 2023 Alumni Awards Reception on September 22, 2023 at our Costa Mesa campus.

Nomination Procedure and Selection Process

Nomination Procedure

Nominations will be accepted from alumni, Sofia University faculty, staff, current students, and community members. Alumni may self-nominate if so desired.

Selection Procedure

The Awards Committee selects the Award recipients from among the nominations that it receives. The selection of Award recipients is subject to the approval of Awards Committee, the President of Sofia University and to such University approvals, if any, as may be necessary.

Preference will be given to nominees who have participated in community activities as well as activities supporting Sofia University and have given distinguished service to their profession, to Sofia University, and/or to their community.

Only complete nomination forms will be considered.

Previous Sofia Alumni Award Recipients

2022 Sofia Alumni Award Recipients

From left to right:

Sofia Professional Achievement Award: Tyffany Howard
Dedication to Community Service Award: Dr. Meghan Lewis
Sofia Professional Achievement Award (International): Feng Xu
Sofia Distinguished Alumni Award: Dr. Mariana Bozesan