Individual Achievement Awards
Celebrating Excellence in Advancement
Each year, CASE honours individuals and institutions that demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, innovation, and impact in education and the advancement profession.
From senior leaders through to rising stars, the CASE Awards celebrate inspirational individuals making a difference.
In keeping with CASE’s commitment to inclusivity, we seek a diverse range of nominations from across Europe and Africa to reflect the varied lived experiences and contributions that strengthen our global community.
The 2026 Awards are now open for nominations! Submit your nominations by 30 June 2026.
CASE Europe Leadership Award
The CASE Europe Leadership Award celebrates a CASE member institutional president or CEO for outstanding efforts in promoting and supporting education and institutional advancement.
CASE Europe Distinguished Service
The CASE Europe Distinguished Service Award celebrates the work of individuals whose professional accomplishments have made a significant and lasting impact and whose life and character have earned the respect and admiration of their peers, inside and outside their own institution/organisation.
Iain More Award for Emerging Fundraising Professionals
The CASE Europe Iain More Award recognises the outstanding achievements of an emerging development professional who has made a significant impact early in their career while demonstrating CASE's values, including innovation, professional excellence and collaboration.
Martin Bojam Emerging Marketing and Communications Professional Award
The Martin Bojam Emerging Marketing and Communications Professional Award recognises the outstanding achievements of an emerging Marketing and Communications professional who has made a significant impact early in their career while demonstrating CASE's values, including innovation, professional excellence and collaboration.
Emerging Alumni Relations Professional Award
The Emerging Alumni Relations Professional Award recognises the outstanding achievements of an emerging Alumni Relations professional who has made a significant impact early in their career while demonstrating CASE's values, including innovation, professional excellence and collaboration.
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli
As Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Sir Anton embedded philanthropy, civic engagement, and global partnerships into the heart of the University of Glasgow's strategy. He also championed widening participation, with more than 8,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds graduating from Glasgow during his tenure. Sir Anton also served as Chair of the CASE Europe Board of Trustees and a member of the Global Governance Steering Committee, playing a pivotal role in shaping CASE’s volunteer leadership model. Find out more about Sir Anton's contributions.
Karen Cairney
With a career spanning more than 30 years, including over two decades in education, Karen Cairney has transformed institutions and inspired professionals worldwide. She has led advancement teams across the UK, US, Canada, and Asia, raising more than £200 million. In 2016, she founded Cairney & Company, a consultancy recognised for its innovative approach and collaborative ethos. Under her leadership, the firm has guided universities, schools, and charities globally to achieve ambitious philanthropic goals. Find out more about Karen's contributions.
Michaela Seeger
For more than 20 years, Michaela Seeger has been a leading voice in advancing philanthropy and development within international and independent schools. She has held multiple roles across the sector, bringing strategic expertise and a deep commitment to cultivating a culture of philanthropy. Michaela spearheaded the creation of the CASE Europe International Schools Forum, founded a monthly advancement group for European peers, and has regularly contributed to CASE publications and conferences. Find out more about Michaela's contributions.
Sarah Jayne Smith
Since joining Queen’s, Sarah Jayne's role has been to develop and lead a North America–focused strategy around philanthropy and alum engagement, creating a strong network of alumni, donors, and partners across the United States and Canada. Her work also supports areas such as research partnerships, student recruitment, and reputation building. Her leadership has led to significant philanthropic growth and a deeper sense of community among Queen’s global supporters.
Joe Perry
During his time at the University of Leicester, Joe has strengthened student communications and internal culture through thoughtful strategy and collaboration. His efforts have set new standards for clarity, engagement, and accessibility in university communications, ensuring that their students are heard, and that platforms are available for feedback, concerns or issues.
Jovana Panić
Through strategic innovation and community-building, Jovana has revitalised ESMT’s alumni network into a dynamic, inclusive, and mission-driven community. Jovana developed a new value proposition for ESMT's alumni network, focusing on rebuilding after the challenging times of the pandemic. As a result of expanding their offer, ESMT has seen an increase in event attendance, launched a mentoring programme, improved their database, launched the Alumni Employment Report, and restructured their Alumni Council.