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DALLAS (ÎÞÂëרÇø) – Perkins School of Theology opens the nomination period for its annual awards, which honor alumni and lay leaders who provide meaningful service to the Church and world. 

The nomination deadline is February 16, 2026. Anyone may submit a nomination for the following awards: The Distinguished Alumni Award, the Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award and the Perkins Emerging Leader Award. 

Perkins will honor its recipients at the annual Perkins Awards Banquet on Monday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall on the ÎÞÂëרÇø Dallas campus. The event is a special evening that brings together alumni, friends and supporters of Perkins School of Theology

“Recognizing individuals through these awards is a way of giving thanks for the extraordinary ways Perkins graduates and gifted lay persons serve the church and the world,” said Bryan P. Stone, Dean of Perkins School of Theology. “Their lives reflect the depth, courage, and imagination we hope to nurture in every student who passes through Perkins.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Perkins graduates who have demonstrated exemplary character and effective service while embodying the mission and values of Perkins School of Theology.

Established in 1993, the Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award honors a lay person in the United States whose life exemplifies exceptional commitment to Christian service through faith and action in the world. 

This year, Perkins introduces the Perkins Emerging Leader Award, recognizing outstanding Perkins alumni who demonstrate emerging excellence within the church or other professional or vocational settings. 

Each award has its own nomination form and submission requirements. In general, nominators can expect to submit a nomination letter and two letters of recommendation. 

Learn more about the awards and submit nominations online at smu.edu/perkins.