The Cal Aggie Alumni Association is taking nominations for its annual awards, including the brand-new “distinguished friend.”

Executive Director Richard Engel said the alumni association established the “distinguished friend” category as a means of recognizing nonalumni who have made significant and lasting contributions to UC Davis.

All the other awards are for alumni:

• Jerry W. Fielder Memorial Award — For service to and support of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association, the UC Davis Foundation and the university.

• Distinguished Achievement Award — For exemplary and outstanding performance and achievements since graduation.

• Emil M. Mrak International Award — For distinguished work outside the United States.

• Outstanding Alumnus(a) Award — For graduates at the midpoint of their careers, who have displayed outstanding achievement, promoted innovative change and made outstanding contributions professionally, to the community and to UC Davis. This award is for alumni who do not spe¬cifically qualify for the Distinguished Achievement Award or Young Alumnus(a) of the Year Award.

• Young Alumnus(a) Award — For alumni who are no older than 35 or who received their first degrees within the past 10 years, and have made outstanding contributions professionally, to the community or to UC Davis.

• Aggie Service Award — For exemplary Aggie Pride and dedication to UC Davis through personal commitment of time and energy, volunteerism and leadership, for the purpose or effect of furthering the Cal Aggie Alumni Association or UC Davis.

In his announcement, asking for nominations, Engel said: “We depend on you and others close to the university to submit the names of individuals whose notable accomplishments bring distinction to them and to the university.

“You all know remarkable alumni and friends; however, they can only be recognized for their excellence and service if you nominate them. Please feel free to discuss the awards with your colleagues and encourage their participation in the nomination process.”

The nomination packet and more information are available online. Nominations are due by Aug. 2, and the 2011 awards program is scheduled for Feb. 5.

For more information, contact Jennifer Thayer, (530) 754-9098 or jsthayer@ucdavis.edu.