The Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award recognizes graduating students who have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Named in honor of Mary Kim Ward, whose career reflected a lifelong dedication to public service, leadership, and education, this award celebrates students who have overcome significant personal or professional challenges while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through their determination, compassion, and commitment to service, recipients exemplify the values that define both Mary Kim Ward's legacy and the mission of American Military University (AMU).
One graduating student is selected annually to receive this distinguished honor.
The Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award may be presented annually. However, if no application sufficiently meets the established criteria, the award may not be presented.
Applicants must:
- Have conferred a degree, or submitted a graduation application for a degree expected to be conferred, between August 1, 2026 and June 1, 2027.
- Have completed or be completing an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
- Demonstrate resilience and determination by overcoming significant personal, academic, or professional challenges while pursuing their education.
- Demonstrate meaningful contributions through public service or education, with an emphasis on supporting mental health needs or championing inclusion.
- Be in good academic and conduct standing with the University.
Eligible individuals may apply directly, or an application may be submitted on their behalf by a faculty member, staff member, student, alum, supervisor or another individual familiar with their accomplishments.
Whether applying directly or having an application submitted on their behalf, a complete application must include:
- Completed application form.
- Current professional résumé.
- One faculty letter of recommendation.
- Personal reflection: A reflection of no more than 500 words describing how the applicant’s experiences demonstrate resilience, leadership, service and meaningful impact. The reflection should address the following areas:
- A significant personal, academic or professional challenge the applicant has overcome while pursuing their education.
- How the experience shaped the applicant’s growth, perseverance or approach to leadership.
- Examples of the applicant’s contributions to public service, education, mental health support, inclusion or the well-being of others.
- How the applicant plans to use their education and experiences to continue creating positive change after graduation.
- Optional supporting documentation that highlights the applicant's service and impact. Examples may include awards, volunteer activities, community initiatives, publications, testimonials, or other relevant accomplishments.
Applicants are not required to disclose sensitive personal, medical or family information. Reflections should focus on growth, commitment, service and impact.
All application materials must be submitted in PDF format unless otherwise specified. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Applications are reviewed by the University Awards Committee using established evaluation criteria.
The committee evaluates applicants based on:
- Demonstrated resilience and perseverance.
- Commitment to public service and improving the lives of others.
- Leadership through service, advocacy, or community engagement.
- Positive and lasting impact on individuals or communities.
- Academic achievement and commitment to educational excellence.
- Alignment with the mission and values of AMU
The University Awards Committee selects the top applicants and forwards them to the University President for final review and approval.
- Applications Open: September 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
- Committee Review: February–March 2027
- Recipient Notified by: April 1, 2027
- Recognition: Commencement Weekend 2027
Recipient receives:
- Recognition during Commencement weekend.
- An engraved plaque.
- Travel and hotel accommodations in accordance with University award guidelines.
- Recognition in University communications.
Attendance at Commencement is encouraged but not required.
Mary Kim Ward served in program development for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for the State of Maryland. She was invited by Secretary Stephen Moyer to join his team in June of 2015 in support of his anti-corruption initiative.
Prior to this assignment, Colonel Ward served in the Baltimore County Police Department. She worked in several assignments throughout her thirty-three year career. These assignments included numerous precinct locations at various ranks. From 2000 to 2006, Colonel Ward led the agency's Operations Bureau.
Colonel Ward was active in many local and national forums and seminars, including the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the Kennedy School of Government. Colonel Ward graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. In addition, Colonel Ward was a member of numerous organizations focusing on law enforcement and leadership.
Colonel Ward held a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education degree from Towson State University, Towson, Maryland, and a Master of Applied Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University.
Questions regarding eligibility or the application process may be directed to the University Awards Committee at universityawards@apus.edu.