The Distinguished Staff Awards program was established in 1997 to honor outstanding University of Washington staff. Those nominated for the award each year are recognized for their achievements at a campus-wide reception. From this group, five individuals or teams are selected to be the recipients based on their extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the University. Cash awards of $5,000 each are presented, and each awardee is recognized at the annual University of Washington Recognition Ceremony. The recipients of a team award receive a single $5,000 prize to share.