College of Human Sciences announces 31st annual International Quality of Life Awards honorees

After celebrating a milestone 30th anniversary of the International Quality of Life Awards (IQLA) in 2023, the College of Human Sciences is excited to announce a return to the iconic Rainbow Room on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center in New York City on Monday, Dec. 9, to honor two transformative individuals who have made a profound global impact on quality of life through their life’s work.

2024 IQLA Laureate recipient Scott Hamilton

Through the IQLA, the College of Human Sciences proudly honors people and partnerships who have made significant and lasting contributions to individual, family and community well-being locally and around the world.

In its 31st year, the college will honor two remarkable individuals as Scott Hamilton, highly decorated male figure skating luminary and cancer patient support advocate and activist, will be honored as the 2024 IQLA Laureate recipient and Billy Reid, most famously known as a multiple award-winning fashion designer and founder and designer of the iconic Billy Reid brand, will be honored with the 2024 IQLA Lifetime Achievement Award.

“After the immediate highly favorable reaction of our guests last year to being back in New York City for the International Quality of Life Awards, we knew our return there this December would be received with great enthusiasm,” said Susan Hubbard, dean of the College of Human Sciences. “Now, as we announce the honorees, to know we will be in the presence of Olympic great Scott Hamilton and fashion icon Billy Reid, this will no doubt be another highly impactful evening of celebrating the philanthropic spirit.”

With the stunning New York skyline serving as a picturesque backdrop for the 2024 IQLA, Hamilton is no stranger to the bright lights, as this year marks the 40th anniversary of his 1984 Olympic Gold Medal win. In all, Hamilton has won 70 titles, awards and honors including an Emmy Award nomination, induction into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and a member of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

While his accolades are noteworthy, Hamilton’s work off the ice as an activist and cancer survivor perfectly aligns with the College of Human Sciences' mission statement to enhance quality of life and change the world.

As a cancer and pituitary brain tumor survivor, Hamilton launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship). He founded several education and survivorship programs including Chemocare.com and the 4th Angel Mentoring Program. In addition to those programs, Hamilton wrote Fritzy Finds a Hat to help ease the conversation with children about cancer, with proceeds benefitting the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation. Events such as Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer and An Evening with Scott Hamilton & Friends galas fund research into treatments that beat the cancer while sparing the patient.

2024 IQLA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Billy Reid

The IQLA Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor reserved for outstanding individuals who have achieved success in their chosen professions and brought honor to Auburn University and/or the state of Alabama.

While Hamilton is celebrating what he calls 40 years of impact since winning the gold, Reid is celebrating his own milestone achievement, as 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Billy Reid brand.

Billy Reid is a modern Southern design studio based in Florence, Alabama. The iconic Billy Reid brand that includes clothing for men and women exemplifies a spirit of family and integrity. His unique approach to fashion—blending sustainability with artisanship—mirrors the values the College of Human Sciences holds dear, serving as home to the No. 1 Apparel Design and Merchandising program in the South and No. 4 in the nation among public institutions.

Reid is a recipient of four Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards, making him only one of four designers to have achieved this honor. Reid’s company has 11 of its own retail shops in the United States, an e-commerce business and wholesale specialty store partners in North America, Europe and Asia. The first Billy Reid shops opened in Dallas, Houston and Florence, where the store was in an old home with Reid’s design studio upstairs, highlighting Reid’s value for Southern hospitality.

Reid has collaborated with American Brands Levi’s, Coach, J. Crew, K-Swiss, Gibson Guitar Company and Williams Sonoma. As for star power, his designs have been worn by Matthew McConaughey, John Legend, Austin Butler, Ryan Reynolds, John Batiste, Leon Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, Drake and Scarlett Johansson among others.

Reid believes strongly in community and showcases that through the Shindig festival. Created in 2008, Shindig brings music, art, food and fashion together for a weekend of inspiration and good times. By weaving his southern roots into fashion, the Shindig festival is a complete celebration of fashion, and its power to transform lives and the world.