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

The Alumni Awards provide Sofia Alumni Affairs Department the opportunity to recognize and celebrate alumni who have made important contributions in 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 awards and is given to alumni who bring distinction to their alma mater through professional achievements and who have enjoyed a high level of success in their careers. This award is to honor an alumnus/alumna who has led an extraordinary career since their Sofia University (formerly known as Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, or ITP) graduation. This alumnus/alumna is a person of such integrity and stature that the university will take pride in bestowing this recognition. This alumnus/alumna is loyal 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 university efforts, promote student success or positively contribute to the university culture. This individual has made a commitment to helping others and has been making a positive and lasting impact on campus, in the local community, in their hometown, 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 Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, or ITP) who has achieved a high degree of success in their chosen field of endeavor. This alumnus/alumna has showed 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 Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, or ITP) who has achieved a high degree of success in their chosen field of endeavor. This alumnus/alumna has showed 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 closed for the 2022 Sofia Alumni Awards. Please stay tuned and find out who this year’s award recipients are, and we look forward to receiving new nominations next year!

Award Benefits

Tuition Discount

Exclusive Virtual Session with Sofia's President

As an award recipient, you will be able to have an exclusive one-on-one session with Sofia’s President: Dr. Allan Cahoon.

Get Featured on our Platforms

You will also be presented opportunities to be invited to Sofia’s in-person networking and student events as a panelist, and as a guest speaker on Sofia’s promotional platforms such as the Pathways to Heart podcast.

Alumni Recognition Status

In the year following the awards ceremony, Alumni may be invited by their local campus to be recognized at commencement, attend college events as a VIP, or be celebrated as an ambassador of the college.

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.

Selection Timeline

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.

Nominations Open for 2022 Alumni Awards

Nominations are accepted year-round from Sofia alumni, faculty, students, and staff members.

Nominations Close for 2022 Alumni Awards

Acceptance for nominations (self-nominations included) will close on June 30, 2022 for 2022 Alumni Awards.

Nominations are Reviewed and Awardees Notified

The Awards Committee will review nominations, and award recipients will be notified by the end of July 2022.

Awardees Invited to 2022 Commencement

Recipients will be awarded at the Class of 2022 Commencement on September 17, 2022 at our Costa Mesa campus.