The establishment of the Edward A. Dickson Alumnus of the Year Award is UCLA's oldest and highest alumni tribute. This award has been bestowed annually since 1946 upon a distinguished son or daughter of UCLA in recognition of exceptional merit. In the words of Regent Dickson, the recipient is to be an individual who has rendered "a special and outstanding service to UCLA; or who, by personal achievement, has brought great honor and distinction to the University."

First presented in 1967, the Community Service Award honors those alumni who have unselfishly and generously contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others and the betterment of their communities. This award bestows recognition on those individuals who have given of themselves in support of various civic, charitable, philanthropic and social welfare organizations. In the instance where candidates are employed in community service-related professions, the individuals shall have an extraordinary record of service well above and beyond the job description of the position held.

Established in 1962, the Professional Achievement Award pays tribute to the superior achievements of Bruin alumni in their chosen fields of endeavor. The hallmark of each recipient is a sterling record of distinguished career accomplishments, complemented by a history of outstanding contributions to their profession. Without exception, awardees have set down new standards of excellence to which others in their fields may aspire.

The Public Service Award, inaugurated in 1982, is presented to those outstanding individuals who may be singled out for their records of service as government officials or public servants. The recipients must be alumni of UCLA who have distinguished themselves or the University in the performance of elected, appointed or commissioned positions, local, national, or international in scope, involved in addressing public sector or governmental needs.

Established in 2011, the Recent Graduate Achievement Award pays tribute to the superior achievements of young alumni (within twelve years of graduation from UCLA or under 33 years old, whichever is greater) in recognition of outstanding achievement in his/her chosen field. This award is designed to recognize established and future leaders among UCLA’s young alumni who demonstrate leadership capability, exceptional achievement, innovation and continued potential in their chosen field, a substantial indication of commitment in service to others in the community and/or demonstration of continued leadership/potential distinction in the long term. The Recent Graduate Achievement Award recipient brings pride, prestige and/or enrichment to UCLA through active involvement with the university or through extraordinary accomplishments and potentially elevates the stature of UCLA, setting an example for others to follow.

The UCLA Award in University Service is designed to honor those alumni and friends whose dedication and volunteer commitment have significantly enriched the substance of UCLA, their efforts adding depth and stature to its reputation. Appropriately, current university employees are not eligible for this award. However, former employees shall be considered where service significantly exceeds and goes beyond the duties of their employment.

The UCLA Alumni Association President’s Award was established in 2016 to recognize the significant contributions made by one alumni volunteer to UCLA over the course of several years. Such contributions may include participation in informal activities or fulfillment of formal leadership positions. The President’s Award is to be bestowed upon an individual who consistently demonstrates loyalty, dedication and contribution to the Bruin family.

Established in 2016, the Chancellor Gene and Mrs. Carol Block Regional Volunteer Awards are presented annually to outstanding alumni volunteers serving UCLA’s vast regional networks. Aligned with Chancellor Block’s goal of “developing UCLA as the model public research university for the 21st Century,” recipients of this award will foster a welcoming UCLA community in their regions and pursue opportunities for civic engagement within the Bruin family. The goal is to grant two to five recipients with the Chancellor Gene and Mrs. Carol Block Network Volunteer Award annually.

The UCLA Alumni Volunteer Organization of the Year Award was established in 2016 in recognition of outstanding contributions by an alumni organization to the UCLA community. The honored organization must demonstrably support the overall mission of UCLA. The organization will display strength in organization formation, membership growth, retention and involvement, overall development, quality and creativity of programming, communications, successful fundraising initiatives and leadership.