Individual Awards

A number of awards honor individual members of the College community for special achievements in scholarship, athletics, and leadership. These are  awarded at commencement or appropriate occasions during the academic year.

Phi Beta Kappa

The Phi Beta Kappa Society was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary as the nation’s first academic honor society. Over two centuries later the Society’s mission continues to be to honor and advocate the ideals of a liberal arts education. Society members prize freedom of inquiry and expression, rigorous scholarship within and among the disciplines, breadth of intellectual perspective, the cultivation of skills of deliberation and ethical reflection, and the pursuit of wisdom. Among the programs of the national Society are academic and literary awards, lectureships, fellowships, visiting professorships, and publication of The American Scholar, an award-winning quarterly journal.

Membership in Phi Beta Kappa is widely considered to be the most highly regarded mark of academic distinction for undergraduate students in liberal studies. Only about ten percent of the nation’s institutions of higher learning shelter chapters of Phi Beta Kappa, and only about ten percent of those institutions’ graduates in liberal studies are offered membership. Washington College’s chapter, the Theta Chapter of Maryland, was founded in 2007.

Invitations to join Phi Beta Kappa are extended each spring to Washington College students, usually seniors, of exceptional academic achievement in liberal studies, the area of focus of the Society. To be eligible for consideration for membership, students must complete at least 96 credit hours in courses deemed by the national Society to be “liberal studies” (as opposed to “vocational” in nature). The diversity of one’s college program, academic excellence, and exceptional character are the primary factors considered in deliberations among Phi Beta Kappa resident members (faculty and staff) who vote by secret ballot on candidates for membership.

In addition to sponsoring campus events that are consistent with the overall mission of the Society, each fall Washington College’s Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa recognizes students who achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in their first year at the College, and each spring presents the Gerda Blumenthal Award to a first- or second-year student for special scholarly work in the humanities.

Honorary Fraternities and Societies

Phi Beta Kappa, Theta of Maryland, sheltered at Washington College, is the oldest undergraduate honors organization in the United States. It celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.

Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society recognizing and encouraging the achievement of exemplary character and superior quality in scholarship and learning. ODK identifies, honors and develops leaders in collegiate and community life; encourages collaboration among students, faculty, staff and alumni to advance leadership; and promotes, publicizes and enhances its ideals. ODK expects adherence to the highest standards of Scholarship, Service, Integrity, Character and Fellowship.

Order of Omega is the national Greek leadership honor society for juniors and seniors who attain a cumulative grade point average above the All-Greek average and who embody a high standard of leadership.

Lambda Alpha is the national collegiate honor society for anthropology. It was founded for the purpose of encouraging and stimulating scholarship and research in anthropology by recognizing and honoring superior achievement in the discipline among students, faculty and other persons engaged in the study of anthropology.

Beta Beta Beta, Rho Iota Chapter, is a national honor society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

Sigma Beta Delta is a national honor society in business, recognizing students in the top 20% of their class who aspire toward personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.

Gamma Sigma Epsilon, Gamma Eta Chapter, is the national honor society in chemistry recognizing outstanding students demonstrating exceptional ability and interest in the field of chemistry.

Delta Eta Pi is a national dance honor society sponsored by the National Dance Society to recognize students for outstanding achievements in dance, including performance, choreography, scholarship, technology, and community service. DEPi recognizes artistic and academic achievement and promotes dance education within the college and the local community.

Omicron Delta Epsilon is an international honor society recognizing high achievement and strong personal interest in economics.

Pi Lambda Theta is a national honor society that serves to recognize outstanding students who intend to pursue careers in education.

Sigma Tau Delta is an international honor society whose central purpose is to confer distinction upon outstanding students of the English language and literature.

Pi Delta Phi is the national honor society recognizing outstanding scholarship in the French language and its literature. Its purpose is to increase the knowledge and appreciation of the French-speaking world and to stimulate and encourage French cultural activities. Students must be either a French studies major or minor with sophomore or better class standing, have a minimum 3.00 GPA in French courses and in their overall coursework, and demonstrate a commitment to the study of French language and literature.

Delta Phi Alpha is the National German Honor Society. Delta Phi Alpha seeks to recognize excellence in the study of German and to provide an incentive for higher scholarship. The Society aims to promote the study of the German language, literature and civilization and endeavors to emphasize those aspects of German life and culture which are of universal value and which contribute to humanity's eternal search for peace and truth.

Phi Alpha Theta is a national honor society for students in the upper third of their class who have demonstrated excellence in research and writing in the field of history.

Alpha Mu Alpha, the national marketing honorary, recognizes qualified undergraduate students for their outstanding scholastic achievement in the area of marketing. Graduating students who have (1) declared and met the requirements of the Marketing minor and (2) who have achieved an overall GPA of at least 3.25 as of the semester prior to graduation will be invited to join.

Phi Sigma Tau, Delta Chapter, is a national honor society recognizing high scholarship and personal interest in philosophy.

Pi Sigma Alpha is a national honor society in political science recognizing students in the upper third of their class who have demonstrated productive scholarship and personal interest in government, international relations, or public administration.

Psi Chi is an international honor society in psychology, awarding distinction to students in the upper 35% of their class who have demonstrated productive scholarship in psychology.

Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, was founded in 1886 as an honor society for science and engineering. Today, Sigma Xi is an international research society whose programs and activities promote the health of the scientific enterprise and honor scientific achievement. In addition, Sigma Xi also endeavors to encourage support of original work in science and technology and promote an appreciation within society at large for the role research has played in human progress. Among its chief mission Sigma Xi seeks to foster worldwide interactions among science, technology, and society. Membership is awarded to students who have accomplished substantive research achievements and, in the judgment of the members of the Washington College Chapter of Sigma Xi, have demonstrated exceptional promise as research scientists.

Alpha Kappa Delta is an international honor society dedicated to the investigation of humanity for the purpose of service and the acknowledgment and promotion of excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology.

Sigma Delta Pi, Sigma Zeta Chapter is a national honor society in Spanish recognizing students in the upper 35% of their class who have demonstrated superior academic achievement and commitment to the study of Spanish language and Hispanic literature and culture.

Pi Mu Epsilon, Maryland Iota chapter, is an honor society whose purpose is the promotion of scholarly activity in mathematics among students in academic institutions. It aims to do this by electing members on an honorary basis according to their accomplishments in mathematics and engaging in activities designed to promote the mathematical and scholarly development of its members.

Academic Honors and Prizes Conferred by the Entire Faculty

The Louis L. Goldstein '35 Award is awarded to a graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated unusual interest, enthusiasm and potential in the field of public affairs.

The Eugene B. Casey Medal is awarded to a senior woman voted by the faculty to be outstanding in the qualities of scholarship, character, leadership, and campus citizenship.

The Henry W. C. Catlin 1894 Medal is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated significant growth and perseverance in and out of the classroom.

The Clark-Porter Medal is awarded to the student whose character and personal integrity, in the opinion of the faculty, have most clearly enhanced the quality of campus life. Created by Charles B. Clark ‘34 in memory of Harry P. Porter, Class of 1905.

The George Washington Medal and Award is awarded to the senior who shows the greatest promise of understanding and realizing in life and work the ideals of a liberal education.

Other Academic Honors and Prizes

The First-Year Scholarship Medal is awarded to the first-year student who attains the highest academic average in the class.

The Alumni Medal is awarded by the alumni of the College to the member of the sophomore class who attains the highest cumulative average in the class.

The Visitors and Governors Medal, given by the trustees of the College, is awarded to the junior with the highest cumulative average in the class.

The American Studies Program Senior Capstone Experience Award is awarded to a graduating American studies major with the most outstanding senior research project.

The Anthropology Achievement Award is given to the graduating major or majors who, in the opinion of the department, have demonstrated superior scholarship in the field of anthropology.

The Anthropology Service Award is given to the graduating major who demonstrates the greatest dedication to leadership, service, and public education in anthropology at Washington College.

The Lambda Alpha Gamma of Maryland Chapter Senior Award is awarded to the graduating senior in anthropology who, as a member of Lambda Alpha, demonstrates exceptional promise as a research scientist in anthropology.

The Lynette Nielsen Professional Practice Award is awarded annually by the department faculty to a studio art senior who demonstrates exceptionally engaged, dedicated, and consistent creative practice over the course of the SCE year.

The Lynette Nielsen Juror’s Choice Award is awarded annually by an invited guest juror to the artist presenting the most outstanding work of art in the Thesis Exhibition.

The Art History Award is presented annually to acknowledge excellence in the field of art history.

Washington College Pre-Allied Health Professional Award is awarded to the graduating biology major who has demonstrated academic excellence, who is pursuing an allied health degree, and who has a strong potential for success in an allied health field.

Washington College Pre-Medical Professional Award is awarded to the graduating biology major who has demonstrated academic excellence, who is pursuing a medical or veterinary degree, and who has a strong potential for success in the medical or veterinary fields.

Washington College Pre-Pharmacy Award is awarded to the graduating biology major who has demonstrated academic excellence, who is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy and who has a strong potential for success in the field of pharmacy.

Washington College Pre-Nursing Award is awarded to the graduating biology major who has demonstrated academic excellence, who is pursuing a nursing degree, and who has a strong potential for the field of nursing.

The Department of Biology Research Award is awarded to the graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in academics and undergraduate biological research.

The Department of Biology Academic Achievement Award is awarded to the graduating senior who has demonstrated excellent academic achievement and exceptional depth of understanding in the field of biology.

The Department of Biology Award of Special Recognition is awarded to the graduating senior who has demonstrated academic strength in the field of biology and has shown outstanding engagement in classroom, laboratory, and the department.

The Department of Biology Teaching Award is awarded on special occasion to the graduating biology major who has demonstrated academic excellence and exceptional dedication to science education.

The Department of Business Management Award is given to a graduating business major who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of scholarship, character, and leadership.

The Department of Business Management Senior Capstone Experience Award is awarded to a graduating business major with the most outstanding senior research project, demonstrating high scholarship and analytical skills.

The Rebecca Corbin Loree Business Leadership Award is awarded to a Washington College senior who has demonstrated outstanding academic ability and leadership potential for business.

The Joseph H. McLain ‘37 Prize is awarded to the graduating senior who shows the greatest promise for making a future contribution to human understanding of chemistry. Endowed in 1982 by members of the American Pyrotechnics Association.

The James R. Miller ‘51 Award for Excellence in Chemistry is given annually to an outstanding senior majoring in chemistry or a premedical senior student who has demonstrated special interest and high academic achievement in chemistry.

The Communication and Media Studies Outstanding Scholar Award is awarded to the graduation senior major in Communication and Media Studies who has demonstrated high academic achievement; superior oral and written abilities; a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and interventional work; and leadership among their peers.

The Communication and Media Studies Senior Capstone Experience Award is awarded to the graduating senior major in Communication and Media Studies whose Capstone project best encompasses CMS’ commitment to original research that contributes to public discourse by embracing difference and fostering progressive social change.

The Outstanding Dance Minor Student Award is awarded to a graduating dance minor for excellence in their education, including service activities, scholarship, and artistry.

The Economics Department Award is awarded for outstanding academic performance and the potential for high achievement in the field of economics.

The Dr. Davy H. McCall Prize in International Economics is awarded to a graduating senior majoring in economics who has demonstrated special interest, high academic achievement, and superior oral and written abilities in international economics.

The Rachel Scholz Leadership Award is awarded to a graduating senior who, in the judgment of the education department, has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of an outstanding teacher-leader.

The Sean O Connor Teaching Award is awarded to a graduating senior who, in the judgment of the education department, has consistently displayed outstanding performance in teaching and authentic student engagement.

The Education Department Award is awarded to a graduating senior who, in the judgment of the education department, has shown the promise of meaningful contributions to diversified pedagogy, cultural sensitivity, and global awareness within the fields of education and the liberal arts.

The Maureen Jacoby Prize is given to the graduating senior who has demonstrated dedication to student publications at Washington College and has strong potential for a future in the field of editing or publishing.

The Anna Melvin Hague 1905 Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student whose demonstrated qualities of scholarship, character, and dedication will make the most effective contribution to the field of public education.

The Veryan Beacham Prize is awarded to a junior or student who is two semesters from graduation who has produced a body of writing on any intellectual subject or in any creative genre. The prize is the publication of that manuscript in a fine edition, which will be distributed by the College and others to professionals and alumni who are interested in exceptional students graduating from Washington College.

The Emil J. C. Hildenbrand Memorial Medal is awarded to the senior who attains the highest average in English during the four years of study. Given by the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the Alumni Association.

The Bennett Lamond Senior Capstone Award in English is awarded annually to a student with a superior senior capstone in the department of English.

The Sophie Kerr Prize is awarded to the senior having the best ability and promise for future fulfillment in the field of literary endeavor.

The Writers’ Union Award is given for outstanding service to the Writer’s Union. A gift of David Roach '71, the Writers' Union first president.

The Environmental Science and Studies Award is given annually to the student who has demonstrated through action or scholarship an abiding interest in promoting environmental awareness.

Middendorf Award for Academic Excellence in the Study of the Environment is given annually to the student who has exhibited outstanding academic accomplishments in environmental science or studies.

The Department of Environmental Science and Studies Research Potential Award is awarded annually to the student who demonstrates excellent leadership, organization, initiative, and skill in laboratory, field, and/or computer modeling research.

The Gender Studies Award is awarded to a graduating senior who has displayed unusual interest and/or scholarship in the field of gender studies.

The Arthur A. Knapp ‘39 Memorial Prize in History is awarded to the graduating history major who, in the opinion of the department, has displayed unusual interest, enthusiasm, and ability in the field of history.

The Phi Alpha Theta Award is granted to the graduating senior history student whose dedication best supports the mission of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society to promote the study of history through research, teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians.

The Norman James Humanities Award for Excellence is given by the James family to the senior majoring in humanities who has shown academic distinction and represents the ideals of humanistic society.

The Inter-Fraternity—Pan Hellenic Loving Cups, given annually to the fraternity and sorority with the highest scholastic index for the preceding year, are inscribed with the names of the current winners.

The International Studies Award is given to the graduating major who, in the opinion of the International Studies Steering Committee, demonstrates an exceptional understanding and interest in the interdisciplinary field of international studies.

The Tai Sung An Memorial Prize is awarded to the graduating international student who, in the opinion of the faculty of the international studies interdisciplinary major, has exemplified in an exceptional manner the benefits of inter-cultural education on our campus.

The William Gover Duvall ‘30 Prize is awarded to a graduating senior who, in the judgment of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, has demonstrated outstanding achievement and shows great promise in the field of mathematics.

The Alpha Chi Omega Music Award is given to a senior in recognition of excellence in music.

The Garry E. Clarke Performance Prize is awarded annually to the graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in musical performance or music composition. The recipient must have shown leadership in departmental ensembles and excelled in the performance of their senior recital or in applied music composition, as part of their Senior Capstone Experience.

The Department of Music Award for Professional Promise in Research and Creative Achievement is presented to a graduating music major who demonstrates professional promise in the field of music. In addition to excelling in the classroom, recipients of this award will have independently pursued professional and creative co-curricular opportunities beyond the classroom.

The Clarence Hodson Prize — please see Fellowships section.

The Jane Huston Goodfellow Memorial Prize is awarded to a graduating senior, receiving a B.S. degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Psychology with a Concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience, or Neuroscience, who had an abiding appreciation of the arts and humanities and has shown scholastic excellence.

The Gold Pentagon Awards are awarded to one senior and one alumnus, faculty, or friend of the College, selected by the Omicron Delta Kappa Society, in recognition of meritorious service to Washington College.

The Department of Philosophy and Religion Award is given annually to a graduating senior majoring in philosophy, recognizing outstanding ability in, and engagement with, the field of philosophy and religion.

The Holstein Prize for Ethics is awarded each year to the graduating senior whose senior thesis, in the opinion of the selection committee, best demonstrates an interest in ethics and the application of ethics to their area of interest.

The Department of Physics Award is given to a graduating physics major who has demonstrated academic excellence and who shows promise for success in the physical sciences.

The Political Science Award is given to a graduating major who in the opinion of the department, demonstrates a superior theoretical and practical understanding of political life.

The Daniel L. Premo Award is given annually to the graduating senior in political science or international studies who shows the most promise in the field of public diplomacy.

The Psychology Department Award is given to the senior psychology major who shows outstanding promise in the field of psychology.

The Psychology Department Capstone Experience Award is presented to the graduating senior majoring in psychology who, in the opinion of the department, should be recognized for successful completion and presentation of an exceptional capstone project.

The Virginia M. Conner ‘85 Psychology Award is presented annually to the outstanding graduating senior or seniors majoring in psychology who, in the opinion of the department, have demonstrated superior scholarship and service to the department and to the College.

The Psychology Department Outstanding Achievement Award is given to senior psychology majors in recognition of exceptionally high levels of performance in the field of psychology.

The Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society Award is presented to students who have accomplished substantive research achievements and, in the judgment of the members of the Washington College Chapter of Sigma Xi, have demonstrated exceptional promise as research scientists.

The Margaret Horsley Award is given to the graduating major or majors who, in the opinion of the faculty and students of the Department of Sociology, have shown in their work the clearest understanding of human social behavior.

The Sociology Service Award is awarded to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the department and its students, has made, through service, the greatest contribution to the sociology program and to Washington College.

The Mary Martin Prize is awarded by the Department of Theatre faculty to a student majoring in theatre who demonstrates great dedication in any area of the theater arts.

The Stewart Theatre Award is given annually to a senior who has made outstanding contributions to the College through dramatic and speaking ability. Endowed by Pearl Griffin Stewart, Class of 1905.

The Department of World Languages and Cultures Service Award is given to a graduating senior for outstanding service within the department.

The Erika and Henry Salloch Prize is given by the Department of World Languages and Cultures, in memory of Erika and Henry Salloch, to the student whose achievement and personal commitment have contributed to the understanding of other cultures.

The German Studies Alumni Award is given annually to the senior who, in the opinion of the faculty of the Department of World Languages and Cultures, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a depth of understanding in the field of German studies.

The W. Dennis Berry ‘87 Leadership Award is presented annually to the senior or seniors who most clearly exhibit those characteristics of charismatic leadership that distinguished Mr. Berry’s service to Washington College.

The Karen Kaitz Emerick Award is awarded to one or more senior students, chosen by the Executive Committee of the Student Government Association, who have demonstrated strong character and good academic standing, and who have been leaders in community and volunteer service.

The Penny J. Fall Award is given annually by the Washington College Student Government Association to the female athlete who most successfully continues, through service to the College, the tradition and legacy set by Professor Fall. The recipient is chosen for her leadership on campus and her ability to conceive, organize and execute academic and extracurricular activities that have benefited the entire Washington College community.

The Jonathan A. Taylor, Jr. Leadership Award is given to the member of the Washington College Student Government Association who diligently and effectively incorporates progressive thought when addressing the needs and demands of the modern collegiate environment.

The Non-Traditional Student Award was established in 1991 to celebrate academic success by a non-traditional student in the graduating class.

Outstanding Community Service Recognition is awarded to senior students who have committed themselves to community service.

Athletic Honors and Prizes

The Doris T. Bell ‘50 Award is given to the senior woman with the highest cumulative average who has won a varsity letter during the year.

The Alfred Reddish Award is given to the senior man with the highest cumulative average who has won a varsity letter during the year.

The Thomas Reeder Spedden ‘17 Medal is awarded to graduating students for academic standing and achievement in athletics.

The Eldridge Eliason Award is given annually to the male student and female student who, with scholastic standing in the upper half of the class, have accomplished the most in the field of athletics.

The Senior Athletic Award is given annually to the male student and the female student who, in the opinion of the Department, achieved the most in athletics at Washington College.

The Goose Nation Award is given annually to the male student and female student who, in the opinion of the department, by cooperation, loyalty, sportsmanship, spirit and industry, contributed the most to the development of athletics at Washington College.

Faculty and Other Awards

The Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes a tenured faculty member for excellence in teaching.

The Board of Visitors and Governors Faculty Leadership Award seeks to recognize a long-serving member of the Washington College faculty who has provided extraordinary leadership contributions across many dimensions of shared governance (e.g., committee work, co-chair of a college ad hoc committee, departmental leadership, etc.) that advance the excellence of the college, and/or the campus, and who exemplifies the College’s commitment to a culture of collaborative decision-making. This award is the highest accolade honoring a faculty member whose professional service has advanced progress toward Washington College’s mission. 

The Carolyn Emory Golding '74 Junior Faculty Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Award recognizes a tenure-track junior faculty member who has proven extraordinary promise as a teacher-scholar. The Award recognizes Washington College's fundamental commitment to being an institution that prioritizes the student-teacher relationship and seeks to reward a junior faculty member for his or her creativity and inspired, entrepreneurial approach to a student-centric educational experience.