Selection of Recipient - The Purpose

Selection of the Washington Award is accomplished by a commission whose members are from engineering societies in "Chicagoland" (metropolitan Chicago). The award continues to be administered by the Western Society of Engineers, a 501(c)3 enterprise and one of the engineering societies represented on the commission.

Nomination Received

Once received, nominations are logged by date of receipt.

Nomination Screening

Nominations are checked for completeness and qualifications of nominee. Nominations lacking not become a part of the pool of candidates until the information is completed.

Nominee Pool

Qualified nominations enter a pool of candidates to receive the Washington Award. Candidates remain in for up to five years, which may be extended by the Selection Commission.

Final Ballot

At a late summer meeting, the Selection Commission meets to debate and cast secret votes to select the recipient from among the top candidates in the 'screening' process.

Screening Vote

During early summer prior to award, each Selection Commission provides an anonymous rank ordering of the personally preferred candidates to receive the award.

Nominee Reviews

At meetings held during the year, the Selection Commission reviews the relative merits of each candidate. the mission members speak to each other on behalf of candidates.