Awards According to Department
Chair: Susan Weiss
Outstanding Student Award
This award is given annually by the Department of Accounting to a senior in accounting who has the highest-grade point average.
Chair: Peter Little
James Houston Award in Anthropology
This award is presented annually to a graduating senior majoring in anthropology who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and who has had significant involvement in the department and the concerns of the discipline. This award is made possible by contributions from the faculty of the Department of Anthropology and by a generous gift from Alice and James Houston, whose interests in researching, recording and teaching about the cultures and habitats of native America have been a constant inspiration.
Chair: Natasha Seaman
Mary Ball Howkins Art History Award
The Art History Award was renamed in 2012 in honor of Dr. Mary Ball Howkins, who taught for 37 years with outstanding commitment and high standards in the Department of Art. Celebrating achievement in art history, this award goes to a senior student whose work exhibits the highest degree of excellence, including oral and written forms of presentation. To be eligible, a student must have attained an overall grade point average of at least 3.33 and 3.67 in art history courses. Art history faculty base their selection on class work and research as well as academic achievement.
Studio Art Award
This award for excellence in studio art is made annually to a senior student. It is a competitive award for which eligible graduating seniors present their work to a faculty jury appointed by the Department of Art chair.
Bachelor of Professional Studies Excellence Award
Chair: Dana Kolibachuk
W. Christina Carlson Award
The W. Christina Carlson Fund was established by friends and colleagues in memory of Chris Carlson, who taught biology at Ƶ from 1925 (prior to her graduation) until 1954 when she became the institution’s registrar. Her principal interest was botany, but she was knowledgeable and taught successfully in all areas of biology. The recipient of this award must be a biology major who has demonstrated exceptional potential for research in the biological sciences.
Theodore Lemeshka Award
As a faculty member, Theodore Lemeshka won high esteem and admiration from faculty, staff and especially students during his 20 years of service to Ƶ. Ted came to the college in 1956 to teach biology and initiated courses in microbiology in 1960. The Theodore Lemeshka Award is given annually in his memory to a graduating senior biology major. The recipient must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all courses taken at the college and must have a minimum of 3.5 in the following Ƶ courses: Chemistry 103 (General Chemistry I), Chemistry 104 (General II), Biology 231 (Human Anatomy), Biology 335 (Human Physiology) and Biology 348 (Microbiology).
Program Director: Eric Hall
Certificates of Excellence
(Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiologic Technology)
In Fall 2010, approval was granted from the state Board of Education to Ƶ to offer a B.S. in Medical Imaging, which includes concentrations leading to certification in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) and Radiologic Technology. These certificates of excellence are awarded to the students attaining the highest GPA in their respective programs.
Chair: Rebecca Sparks
Eleanor M. McMahon Award
The Eleanor M. McMahon Award was established in February 1982 by the late President David E. Sweet and the executive officers of Ƶ as a farewell gift to the late Eleanor McMahon on the occasion of her appointment as the first commissioner of higher education in Rhode Island. This award is presented to a graduating senior in the College Honors Program on the basis of overall scholastic achievement and the quality of the senior honors project.
Chair: Brian Knoth
Communication Achievement Award
(Mass Media, Public and Professional; Public Relations; Speech, Language, and Hearing Science Award)
These awards are made possible through the generosity of the Department of Communication alumni and is presented to graduating seniors who have demonstrated achievement in scholarship and have contributed significantly to the department through service or performance. The award is given each year in each of the concentrations offered by the department.
Chair: Suzanne Mello-Stark
Outstanding Student Award
This cash award is given annually by the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems to a senior in computer science and information systems who has the highest-grade point average. Funds are from the Dean’s Discretionary Fund.
Chair: Suzanne Mello-Stark
Richard A. Howland Computer Science Award
This award of a significant book, subscription or professional membership is presented to a graduating senior for outstanding performance in the field of computer science. It is named as a memorial to Richard A. Howland, an inspiring teacher and scholar of both mathematics and computer science.
Chair: Kemal Saatcioglu
Outstanding Student Award
This award is provided annually to a graduating senior by the faculty of the Department of Economics and Finance. The award is granted on the basis of the student’s overall scholastic achievements and service to the department, the college, and the community.
Chair: Charles McLaughlin
Mary Alice Grellner Educational Studies Senior Award
Established as the Educational Studies Award in 1997, the award was fully endowed in 2006 by Mary Alice Grellner, professor emerita of English and secondary education. The award is given annually to a graduating senior who demonstrates academic success and concrete evidence of his or her commitment to teaching.
Katherine Murray Prize
This award was established to honor the memory of Katherine Murray who taught for many years in the Department of Secondary Education and in the Department of Anthropology. The award was endowed by her husband, David Thomas, and son, John-David Thomas. The purpose of the award is to honor a student who embodies qualities and values Katherine Murray sought to foster in her teacher education students: excellence in preparatory teaching, commitment to the profession of teaching, a strong academic record, an emphasis on interdisciplinary preparation beyond general education, strong commitment to the advancement of intercultural understanding and an active commitment to promoting greater equity in society.
Chair: Leslie Sevey
Elementary Education Award
This award is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies enthusiasm for learning and dedication to teaching and who has demonstrated leadership. The recipient of the award shall also be articulate and have a strong academic record in all courses taken at the college. This award is funded by members of the Department of Elementary Education and includes a gift in memory of Doris Hackett Lusardi.
Sister Mary Francis Ryan, R.S.M. Early Childhood Education Award
This award is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies enthusiasm and dedication to teaching in early childhood education and who has demonstrated leadership. This award is given in memory of Sister Mary Francis Ryan, R.S.M. in honor of her dedication to students, early childhood education and the college.
Chair: Alison Shonkwiler
Jean Garrigue Award
The Jean Garrigue Award is presented each year by the Department of English to a graduating senior who is majoring in English and who has excelled in the area of creative writing. The award is named in honor of Jean Garrigue, the distinguished American poet, who was a visiting professor of English at Ƶ in 1972, the year of her death.
Spencer and Marguerite Hall Award (a Ƶ Foundation Award)
The award recognizes a student graduating with a B.A. in English or a B.A. in secondary education with a major in English who has achieved academic excellence as measured by the completion of an honors project in English and/or overall grade point average.
Jennifer S. Cook Award in Educational Studies and English
This award recognizes a student who embodies the characteristics of a teacher as demonstrated by Dr. Jennifer S. Cook, a revolutionary teacher and writer who saw her work as a calling. She was a truly reflective practitioner, who modeled both the intellectual and human work of teaching every day in her classroom. Dr. Cook was a champion of change, empowerment, voice, patience, perspective and empathy in our classrooms and in our schools.
Director: Vincent Bohlinger
Mark W. Estrin Film Studies Award
The Film Studies Faculty Award was renamed in 2004 in honor of Mark W. Estrin, who founded the Film Studies Program in 1976 and served as its first director from 1976 to 1993.The award recognizes Estrin as a gifted teacher, an outstanding scholar and a leading figure in the field of film studies. The award is presented annually to a graduating senior majoring in film studies who, in the judgment of the program’s faculty, has demonstrated outstanding achievement.
Chair: Leslie Schuster
Gender and Women Studies Awards
These awards are supported through the generosity of the Women’s Studies Organization and are presented to graduating seniors in the Gender and Women’s Studies Program. The award for scholarship recognizes consistent scholarly excellence and keen ability to inspire teachers and peers through academic innovation, and for turning the core principles of social justice into daily practice, encouraging others to do the same and courageously speaking truth to power. The award for service recognizes consistent scholarly excellence and success in modeling the passion and persistence of a true scholar. The award celebrates thoughtful efforts to re-imagine community borders, a fervent desire and inspired work to create inclusive communities, and a bold vision of possibilities.
Chair: Susan Clark
Health and Physical Education Award
Presented annually by the faculty of the Department of Health and Physical Education, this award recognizes a graduating senior in the health education, physical education and/or community health and wellness programs who has distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement, professional accomplishments and service.
Chair: Elisa Miller
Claiborne deB. Pell Award
This award is made possible through the generosity of the estate of the late Senator Claiborne Pell and recognizes excellence in the study of U.S. history. The award consists of a gold medal and a certificate attesting to the high achievement of the recipient.
Evelyn Walsh Prize
The Evelyn Walsh Prize is given in memory of Evelyn Walsh, who retired in 1978 as a faculty member of the Department of History after 21 years of service to the college. The prize consists of a certificate and a cash award in recognition of both academic excellence and, particularly, the contribution that the recipient has made to the life and work of the department.
Director: Donald Tencher
John E. Hetherman Award
This endowed award was established as a memorial to the late John E. Hetherman, Class of 1940, who was killed in action during World War II. The award is presented to a male graduating senior in recognition of his scholastic success and his achievements as an athlete, gentleman, and participant in campus activities.
Helen M. Murphy Award
This endowed award was established in honor of Helen M. Murphy, Class of 1939, who was a distinguished faculty member at the Henry Barnard School. The award is given to a woman member of the May graduating class in recognition of her scholastic success, as well as her achievements as an athlete, and a participant in campus and community activities.
Paul Bourget Student Athlete Awards
Established in 2011 by Paul Bourget ’69 and Denise Bourget, this postgraduate scholarship is awarded to a male and female student athlete. The awards are based upon outstanding scholastic and athletic achievement.
Chair: Justin Feeney
John Silva Memorial Scholastic Award
Given in memory of John Silva, a bright and talented management student and athlete in the Class of 1980 who tragically died shortly before his graduation, this award is presented annually to the senior with a major in management who achieves the highest-grade point average.
Constance Milbourne Award
This award memorializes the contributions of Dr. Connie Milbourne to the college, school, and most of all her students. The award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding student in the marketing major who has the highest-grade point average in marketing.
Program Director: Marianne Raimondo
Distinguished Student in Health Care Administration Award
This award is given annually by the Health Care Administration program to a senior who has the highest-grade point average in Health Care Administration.
Chair: Rebecca Sparks
Christopher R. Mitchell Award
This award is given each year to the outstanding mathematics major among the graduating class. It is funded by the department faculty and named in honor of Christopher R. Mitchell, who was an esteemed and revered mathematics faculty member known for his excellence in teaching.
Chair: Eliani Basile
Nelson A. Guertin Memorial Awards
The Nelson A. Guertin Memorial Awards in French and Spanish were established by the Department of Modern Languages in 1978. Guertin served Ƶ as a member of the Department of Modern Languages for 37 years, retiring in 1973.There are two awards, one for French and one for Spanish. The prize recipients have been selected by the faculty of the department on the basis of their academic work and their demonstrated interest in foreign language study.
Tegu Polyglot Award
The Tegu Polyglot Award honors and distinguishes a member of the senior class who has demonstrated outstanding interest and achievement in foreign language study with particular emphasis on oral proficiency. This award is the gift of the late Steven Tegu, professor emeritus of modern languages, whose life and work were dedicated to the promotion of human understanding through the mastery of languages.
Premio Em Estudos Portugueses
The Prémio em Estudos Portuguese is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in Portuguese Studies. The recipient is recommended by the faculty of Portuguese Studies in the Department of Modern Languages based on excellence in academic achievement, communication skills in the Portuguese language and knowledge of Lusophone cultures. The cash award and commemorative tray are sponsored by the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Ƶ.
Chair: Todd Borgerding
Peter Jeffrey Archambault Memorial Award
This award is given in memory of Peter Jeffrey Archambault, who was a Ƶ student majoring in communications, but who had a keen interest in theatre. The award is given annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated scholarly achievement as well as creative ability in theatre. The recipient of this award shall also have displayed humanistic concerns.
Cantor Jacob Hohenemser Award
Jacob Hohenemser came to Rhode Island as a refugee from Nazi Germany, graduated from Ƶ in 1948 and later served as cantor at Temple Emanu-El until his death. Through the generosity of Temple Emanu-El in Providence to the Ƶ Foundation, the Cantor Jacob Hohenemser Award was established in 1968 and is presented annually to an outstanding graduating student of music.
Alice K. Pellegrino Music Education Award
The fund that supports this award was established in August 1992 by the Henry Barnard School faculty and was presented on the occasion of Alice Pellegrino’s retirement, “in recognition of and respect for her significant contribution to the field of music education.” The Alice K. Pellegrino Fund provides an award to a graduating senior in music education who demonstrated outstanding musicianship and excellence in teaching music during the student teaching field experience.
Ƶ Theatre Award
This award is presented to a graduating senior chosen by the theatre faculty as having displayed overall achievement in and contribution to the theatre program.
Yetta Rauch Melcer Dance Award
This award is presented to a graduating senior who has made outstanding contributions to the Ƶ Dance Company while an undergraduate at the college. The award was established by the late Fannie Helen Melcer, professor emerita of health and physical education, in memory of her mother, Yetta Melcer, a first-generation American who exemplified all parents who foster and sponsor their children’s aspirations in the arts.
Sharon Galloway
Nursing Awards (Academic Excellence, Service Excellence, Registered Nurse)
The Nursing Awards are given to graduating seniors, recognizing both generic student nurses and a student registered nurse. The awards are given for excellence in nursing theory and practice and are made on the basis of scholarship,
excellence in clinical practice, leadership within the School of Nursing and service to the college and community.
Chair: Glenn Rawson
Thomas J. Howell Award
The Philosophy Faculty Award was established in 1977 and renamed in memory of Thomas Howell in 1996. Each year the award is presented to a student majoring in philosophy who, in the judgment of department faculty members, has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the pursuit of philosophical study.
Chair: Andrea Del Vecchio
American Institute of Physics Award
The recipient of this award, given by the American Institute of Chemists Inc., is a senior majoring in chemistry who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, leadership ability and character.
Ronald J. Boruch Award
This award, given in memory of Ronald J. Boruch, is presented to a graduating senior majoring in chemistry, physics or general science who, in the judgment of the faculty, demonstrates outstanding scholarly achievement, leadership and professional promise.
Departmental Physics Award
This award is given annually to the graduating physics student who best combines academic ability with commitment to the discipline. The recipient is selected by the physics faculty.
Chair: Michelle Brophy-Baermann
Herbert R. Winter Award for Academic Excellence in Political Science
The Herbert R. Winter Award for Academic Excellence in Political Science memorializes the career of the late Herbert R. Winter, the first chair of the Department of Political Science and one of Ƶ’s most gifted and effective teachers. The award is given to the graduating senior in political science with the highest grade point average.
North Providence League of Women Voters Award
This award was made possible by the North Providence League of Women Voters. After 14 years of existence, the organization voted to disband its membership. Efforts were made to identify a worthwhile project in which the remaining funds from the chapter’s treasury could be invested. Based on the organization’s concern for informed political participation, a prize to be awarded by the Department of Political Science of Ƶ presented an opportunity to continue the organization’s support in this field and to keep its role and mission in the public awareness. The award recognizes an outstanding senior who has majored in political science at Ƶ and who is a resident of North Providence. The recipient must have demonstrated academic excellence and should have a history of leadership in school, community or state affairs.
Chair: Tom Malloy
Justice Victoria Lederberg Psychology Award
Presented annually by the faculty of the Department of Psychology, this award recognizes a graduating senior psychology major who has shown distinction through outstanding academic achievement and accomplishments in related activities and services. This award was renamed in 2004 in memory of Victoria Lederberg, a distinguished colleague who taught in the psychology department from 1968 to 1993. During that time, Lederberg also earned a law degree and served as a senator and representative in the Rhode Island State legislature. In 1993 Lederberg became an associate justice of the Rhode Island State Supreme Court, where she gained a reputation for her work ethic and intelligence.
Robin K. Montvilo Award in Chemical Dependency and Addiction Studies
The Robin K. Montvilo Award was made possible through the generosity of Robin Montvilo in October 2021. The recipient of this award models a personal code of ethics, developed professional leadership skills, including initiative and perseverance, and has strengthened the CDAS Program through his or her role in creating a culture of mutual respect and community partnerships.
Joan H. Rollins Community Service Award
In the spirit of Dr. Rollins' long history of service to the profession of psychology and society, the honoree selected serves as a role model for compassion and service, determined to make the world a better place. Consistent with Dr. Rollins' work, the honoree's community service is characterized by a genuine respect for the strengths each person possesses, an inclusive and collaborative attitude and an exceptional code of ethics. The Joan H. Rollins Community Service Award is given annually as part of the Cap & Gown awards to honor a graduating psychology senior who is making significant contributions to his or her community through his or her time, actions, creativity and dedication.
Chair: Carse Ramos
Rachel Filinson Award in Sociology
The Rachel Filinson Award was created in 2020 to honor longtime faculty member, Rachel Filinson. Dr. Rachel Filinson was a valued member of the Sociology Department from 1987 to 2020, also serving as the Coordinator of the Gerontology Program and, for eight years, as Chair of the department. She inspired generations of students who remember her classes and her support fondly and was a superior mentor to new colleagues. Her excellent teaching, including innovating in what was then the cutting-edge practice of online learning, was coupled with an extensive record of scholarship and service to both Ƶ and the surrounding community. The Rachel Filinson Award in Sociology is to be awarded to the graduating senior majoring in sociology who excels in sociology and in service to the department, college, and/or community.
Program Director: Jill Harrison
Mary Ann Hawkes Award in Justice Studies (a Ƶ Foundation Award)
This award honors Mary Ann Hawkes, professor emerita of sociology, who directed the minor in criminal justice for many years prior to her retirement and who provided valuable assistance to Rhode Island justice-related agencies. The award is based on academic achievement and involvement in national, regional or local problems of justice and their solutions.
Chair: Paul LaCava
Elisa F. Bonaventura Award
The Elisa F. Bonaventura Award was established in 1994 in memory of Elisa F. Bonaventura, Ph.D., by family, friends, faculty, students and admirers. A faculty member in the Department of Special Education for 30 years, she was recognized for her passion for teaching, dedication to students and insight into the needs, abilities and interests of persons with developmental disabilities. This award is presented to a graduating senior in the field of special education who has made a significant contribution to the education of persons with developmental disabilities from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Bonaventura’s concern for persons of diverse backgrounds represented her understanding of the society that we are today and the one we are always in the process of becoming.
Josephine A. Stillings Award
In her more than 15 years of service to Ƶ, Josephine Stillings was a model for all teachers. She possessed the qualities of an excellent teacher and was a warm human being. This award is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding performance in special education student teaching and who has a high grade point average in special education course work.
Rose Butler Browne Award
This award will be given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated leadership potential through effective, current performance in a leadership role and through recognition of leadership skills by their peers or supervisors. Most importantly, recipients are expected to have a commitment to develop their leadership potential.
Bertha Christina Andrews Emin Award Scholastic Excellence
This endowed award was established in honor of Bertha Christina Andrews Emin, a 1912 graduate of Rhode Island State Normal School, who devoted her life to contributing to the schools and community of Smithfield, Rhode Island. The award is presented to a resident of Smithfield who has the highest-grade point average at the end of the seventh semester and who is scheduled to graduate in May.
Bertha Christina Andrews Emin Award Outstanding Achievement
This second award in honor of Mrs. Emin is given to a woman member of the May graduating class who has distinguished herself by attaining an honors baccalaureate and by active leadership in student affairs.
Chair: Joshua Diem
Bachelor of Social Work Community Service Award
This award is presented to the graduating B.S.W. student who best combines academic excellence and outstanding community service, with emphasis on vulnerable and oppressed populations.
Anthony E. Ricci Social Work Practice Award
Anthony E. Ricci taught in the School of Social Work from 1985 until his death in 1989. He came to the college after a long and accomplished career at the state Department of Human Services and its predecessor, Social and Rehabilitation Services. Ricci was widely recognized for his sincere commitment to high-quality social work practices. This award is presented to the student who best exemplifies his dedication to academic excellence and professional social work practice.