Prizes and Awards

Health & Human Kinetics Major of the Year Award, presented to the student who has demonstrated superior academic performance and high engagement in the department. 

Richard B. Alexander Award for Excellence in Environmental Studies, this award of $1,000 is given to the graduating major in Environmental Studies or Environmental Science who displays academic excellence along with enthusiasm and dedication to environmental activism.

Ernest F. Amy Prize, established with various contributions in Dr. Amy’s memory. Awarded to the most outstanding junior English major.

The Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies Senior Book Prize, presented to graduating majors and/or minors in the Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies Program who have shown the highest level of academic achievement and intellectual promise.

The Daniel E. Anderson Memorial Award, Named in honor of Professor Daniel E. “Andy” Anderson, this award goes to the graduating student who has exhibited exceptional promise in philosophical writing research.

Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Studies, given to the outstanding senior International Studies Major.

Garry A. Bahrich Memorial Award for Excellence in Research, presented to the student judged to have displayed the greatest proficiency in a research project.

Jan W. Baran and Kathryn K. Baran Endowed Fund for the Encouragement of Post Graduate Fellowships, established in 2013 to support and encourage outstanding freshmen, sophomores, or juniors in the humanities, arts, and social sciences to engage in educational experiences and independent research and study that will better prepare them for education at the next level after they graduate from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Harry P. Bahrick Professional Development Award, presented to a senior who possesses the intellect, motivation and temperament to become an outstanding academic psychologist.

The Ralph A. Bowdle Award, established in 1990. Awarded for exceptional contribution to the Department by a senior Zoology major.

The Burns/Shirling Award, established in 1979 in honor of Dr. George Burns and Dr. Elwood Shirling. Given annually to the outstanding junior or senior major in Botany or Microbiology.

The Comparative Literature Spirit Award established in 2013 to celebrate the new Department of Comparative Literature. Awarded to an outstanding graduating Comparative Literature major each year who has demonstrated a true understanding of the department’s learning objectives both in terms of academics and in terms of spirit.

The Esther Carpenter Awards, established in 2002 in honor of Esther Carpenter, Class of 1925. Awarded to one outstanding senior woman Botany or Microbiology major for research and academic excellence, and one senior woman Zoology major who best exemplifies the ideals of a liberal arts education and shows potential for future contributions to her profession and society at large.

Class of 1870 Memorial Prize, established in 1921 by members of this class for awards for original compositions.

The Edwin G. Conklin Award, established in 1987 to honor an early alumnus, faculty member, and biologist of international stature. Awarded to a senior Zoology major for outstanding independent studies in zoology.

Susan E. Conwell Memorial Art Award, established in December 1996 by the family and friends of Susan E. Conwell ‘91. Awarded annually to a Fine Arts student who is about to enter his/her sophomore, junior or senior year of study, who has demonstrated significant achievement and potential for continued creative production in more than one area of the fine arts program.

Corns Business and Entrepreneurial Scholars Program, named in memory of the former president of Roadway Express, Richard W. Corns, and funded through a $1 million endowment from the GAR Foundation. Each academic year the program provides a scholarship to at least ten junior and senior students. Criteria are a minimum GPA of 3.3 and proven leadership in campus or community service organizations.

L. Dana Latham/Robert R. Crosby Service Award, given to an upperclass theatre student in recognition of significant service to the department and its programs.

Mary Elizabeth Davies and W. W. Davies Prizes, established in 1921 for awards in German. Each year, the awards go to those students who have excelled in their regular German courses during both the fall and spring semester of the academic year, showed considerable improvement, and/or demonstrated a strong commitment to German.

The E. Rolland Dickson Scholarship, established in 2007 by E. Rolland “Rollie” Dickson. Awarded to an outstanding junior or senior planning to enter the medical profession. Dr. Dickson, a Pre-Med major of the Class of 1955, established this scholarship in memory of OWU Professor of Chemistry, Dr. W.A. Manuel, and Instructor of Mathematics, Mrs. J.W. Page.

William R. Diem Outstanding Journalism Graduate Award, established in 1978 with an endowment provided by the family and friends of the late William R. Diem ‘47.

Marie Drennan Prize for poetry, established in 1980.

The Loyd D. Easton Prize Named in honor of Professor Loyd D. Easton, this award goes to the graduating major who has exhibited superior overall work in philosophy, established in 1980.

Hastings Eells Prize in History, established in 1979 by Mr. William Eells. Awarded to the most outstanding senior History major.

Senior Dance Award, given to a graduating senior for their contributions to the dance program and Performing Arts Department in the areas of performance, choreography, leadership, and service over the course of their four years at Ohio Wesleyan.

The Fairhurst Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a Fine Arts major who is receiving financial aid. The award expresses departmental recognition for outstanding work or artistic potential.

The Fine Arts Recognition Award, awarded to one or two Fine Arts Majors who have demonstrated outstanding productivity and significant potential for future development. These students must be eligible for/or currently receiving financial aid.

Emily Fitton Writing Award, established in 1976 for a meritorious Sociology/Anthropology student paper.

The Robert Flanagan Prize in Creative Writing is awarded annually to the student who submits the best original work in fiction and poetry in open competition.

Founders Award for Expository Writing, established in 1979 to encourage expository writing among Ohio Wesleyan students and to recognize outstanding writers of expository prose in each of three academic areas—the social sciences, sciences, and humanities.

The Dorothy Getz Fellowship, awarded to a student majoring in the Department of Fine Arts who has demonstrated academic and creative excellence in both the liberal and fine arts.

The R. Eugene Glendening Scholarship, established by his daughter and son-in-law in 2004, in honor of Dr. Glendening’s long service to the Delaware community, is awarded to an outstanding junior or senior planning to enter the dental profession.

The Lucy Hall Gordon Memorial Poetry Prize is awarded annually during the Spring Semester to a full-time Ohio Wesleyan student, in his or her junior year, for a work of poetry judged to be the best submitted in competition for the Prize. All OWU juniors are eligible to compete for the Prize irrespective of their academic major or area of study.

Hawthorne Family Award for Community Engagement. This award of $500 recognizes an outstanding graduating student at Ohio Wesleyan University who shows a commitment to community engagement in all their work.

Robert A. Griffith Music Achievement Award, awarded to a graduating senior Music major who has demonstrated excellence in the area of music specialization, as well as initiative and leadership in departmental organizations and activities.

Blaine E. Grimes Grant Program, created to encourage and support summer internships and activities that will have an impact on the life of the student participants.

Grothe Award, established in 1987. Awarded for outstanding performance in modern foreign languages.

The Ralph E. Hall Fellowships, presented to Chemistry majors entering their final year who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship.

The Tom D. Halliday Memorial Scholarship, given by his wife and children in 1990 in memory of Dr. Halliday ‘55, supports a graduate attending Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.

The Hallenbeck Prize, established in 2003 in honor of professor Jan T. Hallenbeck. Presented annually to an outstanding senior specializing in the Ancient, Medieval & Renaissance Studies Program.

The Joann Harvey Accounting Award, established in 2010. Awarded to the most outstanding senior Accounting major who intends to pursue a CPA.

The George B. Harris Award, established in 1990, for outstanding academic achievement by a senior Zoology major.

The Paul W. Hawks Memorial Art Award, established in 1987 with an endowment provided by the family and friends of the late Paul W. Hawks ‘78. Awarded annually to a Fine Arts student who is about to enter his/her junior or senior year of study and has shown distinction in studio art—preferably photography.

James J. Hearn Award, established in 1953 to encourage wider participation by students in affairs of government.

The Dorothy Herbst Classics Prize, intended for declared majors in Classics.

The Dorothy Herbst Comparative Literature Prize, intended for declared majors/minors in Comparative Literature. Awarded to students who plan to participate in a travel program or study during the summer related to their Comparative Literature major/minor.

Julian Higley Memorial Prize, established by Professor G.O. Higley for meritorious scholarship in chemistry and promise of professional attainment.

Corinthia and Orasmus D. Hough Award, established in 1903. Granted to a graduating Sociology/Anthropology major to engage in an experience that allows “practical acquaintance with the underprivileged class.”

Sallie Thomson Humphreys Student Prize, by bequest from Miss Humphreys for meritorious work in the Department of Fine Arts.

Frederick L. Hunt Prize, for proficiency and promise in creative writing.

International Studies Program Award for Excellence, presented to the outstanding senior major in the International Studies Program and based on academic performance.

Christian Kamm Scholarship, awarded annually to one or more senior students majoring in the Department of Economics and Business. Selection criteria includes evidence of demonstrated scholarship and community service.

The Janet King Award, established by alumnus Janet King. Given to the Sociology/Anthropology major who has performed significant work that connects research or other academic work to public service.

The Molly LaRue Memorial Art Award, established in honor of Molly LaRue ‘87. Granted each year to a Fine Arts student about to enter his/her junior or senior year of study. Awarded to a student who has achieved distinctive production in studio art—preferably ceramics, jewelry-metals and/or sculpture. 

L. Dana Latham Prize, established by Mr. Latham in 1945, is given annually to rising juniors and seniors who have demonstrated significant creativity in the department’s theatre program.

The Leadership Award in Classics, French and Spanish, presented to students who have contributed much to the betterment of the World Languages and Cultures department and have exhibited outstanding leadership in co-curricular activities.

Florence Leas Prize, established in 1947 for first- and second-year students studying mathematics or computer science.

The Donald E. Lenfest Award in Spanish, established in 2008. Awarded to a highly motivated junior or senior Spanish major or minor and intended to help students further their academic development in Spanish by supporting their study abroad. The student must also demonstrate leadership and engagement within the language/department.

Norman H. Leonard Essay Competition Award, established in 1990 in honor of Dr. Norman H. Leonard, Professor Emeritus in Economics, awarded annually for the outstanding essay on a topic in either economics, management or accounting selected specifically for the competition.

Norman H. Leonard Research Award, established in honor of Dr. Norman H. Leonard, Professor Emeritus in Economics. The purpose of this grant program is to provide a tangible reward to students who, in the tradition of his ideals, possess a motivation for learning and a talent for its application, and who demonstrate accomplishment in a faculty supervised project beyond standard class work.

The Norman I Taylor Scholarship is awarded Senior year to the Economics or Business major with the highest GPA at the end of their Junior year.

The Allen and Ruth Theis Endowed Scholarship. This award is open to all majors in the Department of Economics and Business.

The Alice Empkey Batchelor Graduate Scholarship. Alice Empkey Batchelor was a 1931 Ohio Wesleyan graduate and majored in Economics. Alice wanted to make sure to reward talent and initiative. This scholarship allows Ohio Wesleyan University to award a selected junior a full tuition scholarship for their senior year. In addition, the selected student will receive a minimum gift of $10,000 to pursue graduate studies in Business Administration. 

The Economics Management Fellows Program (EMF) is intended for the best of the best. Only 15-20 students are accepted each year. Fellows are quickly introduced to all of the faculty and resources with the Economic and Business Department, as well as to alumni and professional mentors. 

The Accounting Fellows program will allow a select group of students to combine classroom knowledge with real-world accounting research and application. 

The Latham Entrepreneurial Scholars program (LESP) will allow a select group of students from across campus disciplines to explore entrepreneurship at their own pace, accommodating each student’s knowledge and experience in the field of entrepreneurship. Students will benefit from this program by participating in academic activities outside of the traditional classroom, self-study development, and professional development activities funded by the endowed program. 

The Richard A. Lerman ‘68 Memorial Award, established in 2001 to assist junior or senior Psychology majors who have achieved honor status.

Ülle Lewes Prize for Non-Fiction Writing, for proficiency and promise in non-fiction writing.

The Meek Leadership Awards, endowed in 1997 by Phillip J. and Nancy LaPorte Meek, both graduates of the Class of 1959, to fund awards for seniors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership service during their years at Ohio Wesleyan and encourage them to sustain that commitment throughout their lives.

The T’ai Ananda Merion ‘96 Memorial Scholarship Award, established in 2000, is awarded to juniors and seniors who demonstrate excellence in the fields of playwriting and screenwriting. Recipients will be chosen at the end of the sophomore year and will hold the award for both their junior and senior year.

Burton Morgan Award, established with an endowment grant by the Burton Morgan Foundation to the Woltemade Center. Awarded for best research paper by a junior or senior in the area of entrepreneurship and/or small business.

The Robert and Elizabeth Muller Award for Promise in Physics, The Muller award began in 2000 from a generous donation by Robert and Elizabeth Muller, recognizing a student that shows promise in physics early on in their education.

Music Performance Award, awarded to a graduating senior Music major who has demonstrated excellence in music as a performer.

NCAC Scholar Athlete Award, for outstanding scholar-athletes.

The Phi Gamma Delta Academic Achievement Award is presented to pledges/members of the fraternity to encourage academic excellence.

Phi Sigma Iota Award for Highest Academic Achievement in the Dept. of World Languages and Cultures, given to an outstanding senior with a major in French, Spanish, or Classics. The student must be a member of Phi Sigma Iota.

Psi Chi Honor Society Award for Outstanding Department Citizenship, presented to the student who has contributed most to the betterment of the Psychology department and has exhibited outstanding leadership and achievement in curricula and co-curricular activities.

Putnam Baseball Trophy, established by the Putnam family. Awarded to a senior based on scholarship and recommendations by the baseball coaches.

The Edward L. Rice Scholarship, established in 1929 in Dr. Rice’s honor, for awards for summer experience at a biological field station or a similar field site.

The Dwight Nelson Robinson Prize in Classics is intended to support postgraduate work in Classics. Recipients must be of Phi Beta Kappa rank.

The Dwight Nelson Robinson Prize in Comparative Literature is intended for graduating seniors who have declared a major or minor in Comparative Literature. The award is given to provide significant financial support to a graduating senior to support postgraduate studies (graduate school program or internship) related to Comparative Literature.

The Annie Rogers Rusk Prize in Art, established in 1986 with an endowment provided by Dr. Rogers D. Rusk, Class of 1916. Awarded annually to a Fine Arts major who is about to enter his/ her junior or senior year of study and has shown distinction in studio art – preferably painting.

The Rogers D. Rusk Prize in Physics, endowed by Dr. Rogers D. Rusk, Class of 1916. Awarded annually to a senior major in the Department of Physics and Astronomy for “distinction in physics.”

Anna H. Rusoff Memorial History Prize, endowed in 1983 by Robert H. Rusoff. Awarded annually to the best history essay written during the current year by graduating history majors.

Clarice Satchell Scholarship Fund - It is also known as the Methodist Medical Missionary Scholarship. The financial aid office, in consultation with the pre-med advisor, will select recipients based on career goals in medicine and missionary work.

The Charles H. and Magdalen Schafer Chemistry Scholarship In Honor of Professor G.O. Higley, presented to the Chemistry majors entering their third year who have exhibited excellence of personal character and achievement in chemistry.

Robert E. Shanklin Distinguished Scholar Award in Geology. This is an award of $500 given to an outstanding student in Geology.

Robert E. Shanklin Distinguished Scholar Award in Geography. This is an award of $500 given to an outstanding student in Geography.

The Eloise King Shaw Special Recognition Award, awarded each year to a Fine Arts student who has demonstrated academic excellence in art history.

Sigma Xi Student Research Award, awarded to a senior demonstrating excellence and promise in scientific research.

The Ralph V. Sinnett Award, for excellence in chemical research on the part of undergraduates.

The Slocum Prizes, established by Charles Elihu Slocum in 1903 for graduating seniors having the highest cumulative grade point average in classics, science, music, and literature.

Sociology/Anthropology Faculty Award, established in 1978. Awarded to the most outstanding senior major.

Ralph W. Sockman Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion, given to the outstanding senior Religion major.

The Emma Sparks Memorial Prize, established by William L. Sanders to provide awards for superior accomplishment in 19th Century English literature.

The Benjamin T. Spencer Awards, given to encourage the standard of excellence set by Dr. Spencer in almost 40 years of teaching at Ohio Wesleyan. Funded by an English department grant, the awards recognize superior talent in imaginative writing.

David H. Staley Award, given to recognize academic excellence in mathematics and computer science among juniors.

Harriet Stewart Award, established in 1988 in honor of Dr. Stewart and her contributions to physical education at Ohio Wesleyan. The award is given annually to the Health & Human Kinetics major who best exemplifies strong academic performance in addition to superior service in the department.

William D. Stull Award, established in 1977 in Dr. Stull’s honor. Given annually to a student who performs curatorial duties in the Ohio Wesleyan Museum of Zoology.

The Norman Taylor Award, established in 1985 in memory of Norman I. Taylor, Class of 1903. Awarded to the major with the highest GPA upon entering the senior year.

The Barbara Van Sittert Scholarship, established in 1972 by the parents and classmates of Barbara Van Sittert ‘55. Awarded to an outstanding junior or senior woman planning to enter the medical profession.

The Earl E. Warner Award for Academic Excellence, established in 1978 to honor the senior Politics and Government major maintaining the highest grade point average during four years at Ohio Wesleyan.

The Edward J. Wheeler Poetry Prize, established by bequest from Mr. Wheeler in 1924, is awarded to a student for the most meritorious poem or group of poems.

The Walter L. Whithaus Golf Scholarship Award, established in 2000 to assist senior members of the golf team with their postgraduate education.

The Richard H. Williamson Wesleyan Players Award, established in 1959 by Professor Clarence Hunter and named in honor of one of his former students five decades later. It is awarded to a senior (or seniors) major(s) for outstanding contributions to the theatre program in academics, service, and production work at OWU.

The Richard H Williamson, ‘37, Theatre Scholarship, from an endowment established by Dr. Williamson’s family in 2017. Given to an outstanding upper-class student in theatre or theatre education who exemplifies the qualities of this alumnus.

The Elizabeth Cass Wills Prize, established in 1990 by J. Henry Wills in memory of his wife. Given to a senior or recent graduate entering graduate school in zoology.

Robert L. Wilson Computer Science Prize, given to the outstanding senior Computer Science major.

Robert L. Wilson Mathematics Prize, given to the outstanding senior Mathematics major.

The Dr. Charlotte Wolf Academic Achievement Award, established in 2002 in her memory. Presented to a senior student with outstanding scholarship, who, in the opinion of the sociology faculty, has the greatest potential for a career in academic sociology.

The Woltemade Prize, established in 1997 in memory of Uwe J. Woltemade to honor his legacy of service to Ohio Wesleyan University. Awarded annually to the junior or senior student who exhibits academic excellence in comparative and/or international studies.

Helen Beal Woodward Journalism Award, for outstanding writing by a Journalism student.

World Languages and Cultures Academic Achievement Award in Classics, French, and Spanish. Awarded to the graduating senior with the highest GPA in each of the three majors.

The Gilson Wright Award for Journalistic Enterprise, established in 1964 by Mr. Wright to award students who demonstrate journalism activity beyond the routine.

The Lawrence E. Young, M.D. Award, established in 1994 by his family to support students interested in health-related careers as they undertake influential experiences.

Jane Decker/Allan Ichida Junior Award, for highest Junior GPA recognizes the academic excellence of a junior major declared in the Botany/Microbiology Department. 

Jane Decker/Allan Ichida Senior Award, for highest Senior GPA recognizes the academic excellence of a senior major declared in the Botany/Microbiology Department. 

ACS Top Senior Award, given by the Chemistry Department. 

Chemistry Faculty Chemistry Prize, given by the Chemistry Department. 

General Chemistry Achievement Award, given by the Chemistry Department. 

Kim A. Lance Prize an award, to the student who displays a passion for Chemistry. 

The Laureate Award for Expository Writing This award recognizes outstanding writers in the freshman composition course. 

Libuse Reed Award, given by the English Department.

The Libby Reed Scholarship in the Geosciences, given by the Environment and Sustainability Department to a rising junior who exemplifies academic excellence and who shows promise and dedication to the study of the geosciences. 

Shade-Knop Award, given by the Department of Health and Human Kinetics.

Corinne Lyman Award for Academic Excellence, given by the International Studies Department. 

Sean Kay Award for Outstanding Achievements in International Studies, given by the International Studies Department.