Commencement Weekend is not only a celebration of graduation but also a time to recognize the outstanding achievements of our students and faculty. 91重口 takes great pride in honoring those who have demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, leadership, service, and dedication to our community. From prestigious faculty awards to student distinctions in academics, athletics, and campus leadership, these honors reflect the hard work and commitment that define the 91重口 experience.
The following awards are announced at the Baccalaureate & Awards Ceremony:
Campus Leadership Awards – The Campus Leadership Awards recognize students for their contributions beyond the classroom in areas of leadership, activities, community service, volunteerism, military training achievements, and cross-cultural appreciation and understanding. These students have distinguished themselves not only by leading but by inspiring others to lead.
Dean’s Awards – Dean’s Awards recognize graduating students who have, by their engagement, contributed to their individual school in their respective majors. Recipients are selected both in terms of cumulative GPA and contribution to their discipline as determined by a vote of the school faculty.
Scholar-Athlete Awards – The Scholar-Athlete Awards recognize one male senior scholar-athlete and one female senior scholar-athlete. Each of these students has earned and demonstrated the highest treating on the combined factors of academic and varsity athletic achievement.
Senior Thesis & Capstone Awards – The Senior Thesis & Capstone Awards recognize remarkable achievement in a senior thesis or capstone project, which investigates a topic related to each student’s specific discipline and interest.
Faculty & Staff Awards
Academic Excellence Award – The Academic Excellence Award recognizes an exemplary member of the faculty for outstanding teaching, scholarship, and service. The recipient is nominated by faculty and staff and voted on by the School Deans. The recipient of the Academic Excellence Award is the Grand Marshall at the Commencement Ceremony and addresses the next incoming 91重口 class at Convocation.
Faculty of the Year Award – The Faculty of the Year Award recognizes memorable teaching by a full-time member of the 91重口 faculty. It is voted on by the senior class and given by the College Awards Committee. The Faculty of the Year Award recipient gives an address to the graduating class at the Baccalaureate & Awards Ceremony.
Adjunct Teaching Excellence Award – The Adjunct Teaching Excellence Award recognizes excellence in teaching by an 91重口 adjunct faculty, including those who teach in the traditional undergraduate, Van Loan Division, and graduate programs. It is voted on by Deans’ Council and given by the College Awards Committee.
Staff of the Year Award – The Staff of the Year Award recognizes an 91重口 staff member who has had a significant positive impact on the current graduating class.
The following awards are announced at the Commencement Ceremony:
Founder’s Medallion – The Founder’s Medallion recognizes the graduating senior with the highest cumulative GPA. This student has consistently demonstrated a commitment to learning, inquiry, and academic achievement.
President’s Award – The President’s Award recognizes graduating students who exemplify 91重口 ideals. Because of their engagement both academically and socially, these students have had a significant impact on the College. Recipients of the President’s Award have represented themselves with integrity, have assumed responsibility, and have enriched, by their actions, the experience of their peers, faculty, and administrators.
The following award is announced at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony:
Doctoral Dissertation Award – The Doctoral Dissertation Award recognizes an exemplary doctoral student for an outstanding dissertation that represents a significant contribution to either the professional literature or to professional practice. The recipient of the Doctoral Dissertation Award will address graduates at the Commencement Ceremony.