Carleton Prizes, Awards, and Honors -- a Partial Listing
The following is a listing of some of the more public prizes and awards at Carleton College. Many of the prizes have a cash award (they range from $100 to $4,000), depending in part on the number of recipients per award. If you know of a student who fits one of these awards, please call or e-mail the pertinent contact person.
THE JOHN K. BARE PRIZE IN PSYCHOLOGY was established in 1983 by students, colleagues, friends, and family of Dr. John Bare to honor him for his many contributions to his students, to Carleton’s Department of Psychology, and to psychology teaching in America. This prize is awarded annually to a member of the senior class who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the study of psychology. Contact: Neil Lutsky
THE JAMES S. BERGLUND SOCIAL SCIENCE PRIZE was established in 1962 by friends and classmates of James S. Berglund, who died shortly after his graduation in 1961. The prize is awarded annually for the best essay or research paper written in the social sciences. Contact: Nader Saiedi
THE SCOTT TYLER BERGNER PRIZE FUND was established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. Carsten Retrum in memory of Scott Tyler Bergner, son of Susan Retrum Bergner, Class of 1969, and Jeffrey T. Bergner, Class of 1969. The prize is awarded each year to a member of the senior class who has an outstanding academic record and who has demonstrated excellence of thought and character. The prize will be used to further the pursuit of excellence. Contact: Kate Spurgeon
WARREN L. BESON MEMORIAL AWARD was established in memory of former Carleton football coach, Warren L. Beson. This award is for athletic and academic excellence to seniors who have achieved one or more accolades in any sport and have a high scholastic average. Contact: Gerald Young
THE CATHERINE E. BOYD PRIZE IN MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE STUDIES was established in 2001 by an anonymous donor. The prize is awarded for the best research essay in any relevant field. Contact: Bill North
THE CARLETON TONI AWARD IN THE ARTS was established in 1996 to honor the memory of Antoinette Sostek, dance instructor at Carleton from 1971 to 1996. The prize is awarded annually to a junior or senior who most aptly reflects the spirit of Toni’s teachings: finds the fun in shared experience; understands that major challenges are overcome through small steps and small triumphs; exults in the joy of personal achievement; and does not let personal limitations or conventional wisdom discourage creative expression. Contact: Karen Moldenhauer
CHARLES CARLIN PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY was established in 2011 by Charles H. Carlin, Charles "Jim" and Marjorie Kade Professor of the Sciences, Emeritus. The prize honors senior chemistry majors whose enjoyment of chemistry and gracious good humor has inspired and assisted others in the field. Contact: Deborah Gross
MIKE CASPER AWARD was established in 2011 by the environmental studies (ENTS) program to honor the memory of Mike Casper, professor of physics from 1966 to 2003 and long-time cornerstone of the environmental studies program at Carleton. This prize honors the graduating ENTS major who best personify Professor Casper's commitment to superior academic achievement and his energy and leadership in support of understanding and protecting the environment. Contact: Kim Smith
THE CLASS OF 1885 PRIZE is awarded annually to the student submitting the best work of imagination in prose. Contact: Connie Walker
THE CLASS OF 1966 DIVERSITY OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is given to Carleton students who have made a unique or distinctive contribution to the College or the community. The recipients have demonstrated excellence in their own way in such diverse areas as the arts, community service, student government, academic research, or other areas of contribution. Contact: Kate Spurgeon
THE MARGARET DALTON CURRAN PRIZE was established in 1986 by family and friends of Margaret Dalton Curran, Class of 1926. In recognition of the lifelong interest in excellent writing she developed while she was a student at Carleton, this prize is awarded annually to a student submitting the most accomplished academic essay. Contact: Connie Walker
THE DANA AWARD FOR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT was established in 1949 by Ellis H. Dana, Class of 1924, in memory of his grandfather, the Reverend Malcolm McGregor Dana, Trustee of Carleton from 1878 to 1888. The award is given annually as a recognition to a male student in the senior class who, during four years at Carleton College, has shown superior personal achievement in developing a balanced combination of high scholarship, exceptional leadership abilities, and outstanding Christian character, and as a symbol of confidence in the promise of future attainment in his chosen field of public service. Contact: Kate Spurgeon
THE DIMSDALE PRIZE FOR UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL RESEARCH was established in 2008 by Dr. Joel Dimsdale, Class of 1968, to support off-campus research by Carleton students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Contact: Pam Middleton
THE MIKE EWERS AWARD is awarded to juniors involved in space-related research who best exemplify Mike Ewers’s ’04 vision for the exploration of space and his enthusiasm for public outreach. Contact: Cindy Blaha
THE DAVID JOHN FIELD PRIZE was established in 1984 by Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Field as a memorial to their son. The prize is awarded each year to a member of the senior class whose non-athletic activities best exhibit the qualities of imagination, ingenuity, energy, verve, and zest for life which David Field, Class of 1964, exemplified while living with his fellow students at Carleton. Contact: Kate Spurgeon
THE JAMES FINHOLT PRIZE IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY was established by friends and colleagues in honor of the 42 years of service of Professor James E. Finholt to the Department of Chemistry at Carleton. The prize is awarded each year to a graduating senior who excelled in the study of inorganic chemistry and who shares the type of enthusiasm and love of the molecular world exhibited by Professor Finholt. Contact: Marion Cass
THE WINFIELD A. FOREMAN JR. '37 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR ACADEMICS was created in 2005 by Mr. Foreman's wife, Alice, in honor of her husband's 90th birthday. The scholarship encourages students to pursue community-inspired business and service, as modeled by Winfield A. Foreman Jr. Contact: Steve Strand
THE STEVEN P. GALOVICH PRIZE IN MATHEMATICS was established in 2009 by the generosity of alumni and friends to honor the memory of Steve Galovich, professor of mathematics from 1974 to 1994. The prize honors the graduating mathematics major who best reflects Professor Galovich’s enthusiasm for and love of mathematics, zestful joy in life, sense of humor and compassion for others. Contact: Deanna Haunsperger
THE GOODSELL AWARD is given to the graduating senior(s) whose service and enthusiasm best exemplify support for the astronomy program at Goodsell Observatory. The award honors the long-standing tradition of astronomical observing and public outreach at Carleton College. Contact: Cindy Blaha
THE LAURENCE MCKINLEY GOULD PRIZE IN NATURAL SCIENCE was established in 1979 in recognition of the contributions made to scientific research and to liberal education by Dr. Laurence McKinley Gould, who served as Carleton’s president from 1945 to 1962. This prize is awarded annually to a member of the senior class who has demonstrated excellence in experimental scientific research in either biology, chemistry, geology, physics, or psychology and who has studied one of the humanities at a level well beyond the minimum College requirement. Contact: Susan Singer
THE ELE HANSEN AWARD was established by friends, colleagues, and former students of Dr. Ele Hansen at the time of her retirement in 1986. The award is given annually to two senior female students who bring to sport the joy of participation and who have influenced others through their example, service, and leadership in the athletic or recreation program. This award publicly honors Professor Hansen, Chair of the Women’s Physical Education Department from 1952 to 1986, in appreciation of the generosity, enthusiasm, and warmth she shared with generations of Carleton students. Contact: Amy Erickson
THE A. M. HARRISON PRIZE IN ECONOMICS was established in 1979 by former students, friends, and colleagues of Dr. A. M. Harrison at the time of her retirement. The prize recognizes each year the outstanding academic achievements of a graduating economics major at Carleton. It also honors Professor Ada M. Harrison for 30 years of distinguished service to Carleton economics. Contact: Steve Strand
HONORS IN INDEPENDENT STUDY Outstanding independent work may be cited for “Honors in Independent Study” at Honors Convocation. Such recognition is based solely on the excellence of the special project and is considered independently of a student’s academic average or other qualifying factors. The independent study project need not be in the student’s major field and is available to all students in any class, not just to seniors. Contact: Karen Moldenhauer
HONORS IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE The Music department faculty may select one or more seniors (majors or non-majors) for Honors in Music Performance, which is awarded for excellence in performance and significant contributions as a performer. Contact: Ron Rodman
THE HUNTINGTON POETRY PRIZE was established in memory of Dr. George Huntington, poet and novelist, professor of logic, rhetoric, and elocution at Carleton from 1879 to 1906. The prize is awarded to the student whose submitted poem, or group of poems, is judged to be the best. Contact: Connie Walker
THE JARCHOW AWARD was established in 1986 and is awarded annually to an outstanding second-year resident assistant who has demonstrated leadership, integrity, love of the institution and people of Carleton, and other qualities represented by former Dean of Men, Merrill E. “Casey” Jarchow. Contact: Steve Weisner
THE JEFFERSON NATURAL SCIENCES TEACHING AWARD is given annually to a current student who has demonstrated an interest in and capacity for teaching children or adults in the natural sciences. The award may be used for any purpose that would further the student’s teaching career. Contact: Deborah Appleman
THE URSULA HEMINGWAY JEPSON MEMORIAL AWARD was established in 1968 by Jasper Jay Jepson, Class of 1925, in honor of his wife Ursula Hemingway Jepson, Class of 1925. The fund provides an annual cash award to the outstanding junior studio art student. Contact: Karen Moldenhauer
THE IAN KRAABEL MEMORIAL PRIZE was established in 1987 by classmates and friends of Ian Kraabel, Class of 1985, who died in an avalanche on Mount Baker in the summer of 1986. This award honors Ian Kraabel’s unusual intensity, originality, and athletic ability, and is given each year by the History Department to the student who best reflects Ian’s personal qualities, including his desire to pursue understanding and knowledge. Contact: Susannah Ottaway
THE PAT LAMB AWARD was established in 1994 by former students, colleagues, and friends of Patricia A. Lamb. This award is given annually to two outstanding senior female athletes who have achieved athletic excellence and also a high level of academic achievement. One of those athletes has excelled in team sports, the other in individual sports. This award publicly honors Pat Lamb, Carleton’s first Director of Women’s Athletics (1970-1985). Professor Lamb was an influential leader in the early development of increased opportunities for women not only at Carleton, but also at the state, regional, and national levels. Contact: Amy Erickson
THE SIGRID AND ERLING LARSEN AWARD IN THE CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS was established in 1961 to honor the memory of Sigrid Larsen, Class of 1962, and her father Erling Larsen, Carleton professor of English from 1956 to 1974. The award is given annually to a student who has done the most memorable or distinguished work in literature, drama, music, art, dance, photography, or film, either as a creator or performer. Contact: Stephen Mohring
THE DAVID MAITLAND—ROBERT WILL PRIZE was established by Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell ’75, and his wife Suzette, to honor two professors who had a major impact on him. This prize is awarded to a student completing their sophomore year who, in the judgment of the Economics Department and the College Chaplain, has shown the greatest capacity to transform a community during their time at Carleton. Contact: Carolyn Fure-Slocum
THE ADELAIDE H. MATTESON SERVICE INTERNSHIP is awarded annually to a junior or senior who has exhibited a high degree of academic achievement, motivation with respect to problem solving, and desire to pursue an environmental career. Contact: Kim Smith
THE JERRY MOHRIG PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY was established in 2006 by Jerry Mohrig to recognize a chemistry major who has excelled in the study of chemistry and in undergraduate scientific research. Faculty members of the Chemistry Department participate in the annual selection of candidates. Contact: Deborah Gross
THE DACIE MOSES AWARD was established in 1981 by the Alumni Association as a celebration of the warmth, generosity and hospitality of Dacie Moses, who contributed much to the lives of Carleton students. The award is given annually to a student or students who continue to express the hospitality, caring, and concern characteristic of Candace Kelley Moses. Contact: Julia Uleberg Swanson
THE WILLIAM MUIR FUND was established in 1985 to support the Biology Department. The fund provides for ACM Wilderness Field Station scholarships, a stipend for outstanding juniors interested in plant sciences, the maintenance of the Carleton greenhouse, and a speaker program. Contact: Stephan Zweifel
THE EDWARD H. “TED” MULLIN HISTORY PRIZE was established in 2007 in memory of Ted, who lost his life to cancer in September 2006 while a student at Carleton. The prize is awarded by the History Department during winter term to the junior history major who most exemplifies Ted’s love of history, academic excellence, selflessness, courage, and tenacity. The award is to be used to support travel and/or research opportunities that enhance the student’s academic or broader learning journey. Contact: Bill North
THE PHILIP H. NILES PRIZE IN MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE STUDIES was established in 2001 by an anonymous donor. The prize is awarded for the best short essay in any relevant field. Contact: Bill North
THE DAVE OKADA MEMORIAL PRIZE IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES, established in 1972, is awarded annually to the social science major who has demonstrated the most remarkable intellectual achievement in his or her studies. Contact: Nader Saiedi
THE WARREN RINGLIEN MEMORIAL PRIZE honors a graduating physics major who has demonstrated the ability to construct complicated scientific instrumentation, and then use them in real applications. Warren Ringlien was Carleton's instrument maker for many years, and had the ability to build wonderful devices for use in the sciences. This prize recognizes a student who has similar skills. Contact: Cindy Blaha
THE RACHEL A. ROSENFELD PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE STUDY OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY was established in 2011 in the memory of Rachel A. Rosenfeld '70, Professor of Sociology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The prize is awarded each spring by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to the senior who exhibits the most promise in making professional contributions in the areas of sociology or anthropology, a high level of intellectual curiosity, courage in the face of challenges, devotion to community, and a willingness to make connections between social theory and social practice that is equaled or exceeded only by his or her ability. Contact: Liz Musicant
THE JEAN SCHMIDT PRIZE, created in memory of Jean Schmidt, Class of 1973, is awarded annually to that student who embodies Jean’s enthusiasm for learning and love of people. Contact: Jack Bryce
THE SECOND CENTURY STUDENT AWARD honors a member of the Carleton student body who has made an outstanding contribution to the College through significant service to others. The award is not intended to recognize academic or political success, but rather to honor service on- or off-campus which in other ways enriches and strengthens the institution and the lives of its members. Contact: Kate Spurgeon
HARRIET SHERIDAN ENDOWED PRIZE was established by Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell '75 and his wife, Suzette, in honor of Harriet Sheridan, former acting president, dean, and professor of English, who had a major impact on Pastor Caldwell when he was a student. Additional funding has been provided by John Bullion '74 and his wife, Betty. The purpose of the prize is to recognize qualities that are important in defining a Carleton education-in this instance, writing ability. Contact: Carol Rutz
THE LEE SIGELMAN PRIZE honors Professor of Political Science Lee Sigelman, who graduated from Carleton College in 1967 and served as the editor-in-chief of the American Political Science Review from 2001 to 2007. The prize recognizes the best paper written by a junior political science major. Contact: Rich Keiser
THE BARDWELL SMITH PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION, established in 2006 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Carleton’s Department of Religion, celebrates the leadership and career of the John W. Nason Professor of Religion and Asian Studies, Bardwell L. Smith. The prize is awarded each year by the Department of Religion to a student who exhibits a passion for the life of the mind, a willingness to take intellectual risks, and a desire to grow and change as a young scholar. Contact: Michael McNally
THE ELLEN ROGERS STEIF MEMORIAL AWARD was established by the family and friends of Ellen Steif who died of cancer in the fall of 1979, two years after her classmates had graduated from Carleton. Ellen’s interest in history and her personal courage in the face of death were an inspiration to her many friends at Carleton during her long and painful illness. The prize is awarded each year to the student who best reflects Ellen’s personal qualities and academic achievements. Contact: Susannah Ottaway
THE DUNCAN STEWART FELLOWSHIP was established in 1976 by Daniel Gainey, Class of 1949, in honor of Duncan Stewart, Professor of Geology at Carleton for nearly 25 years. Each spring two or three students from the junior class are selected to serve as Stewart Fellows during their senior year. The principal criteria for selection are excellence in scholarship, a high level of intellectual curiosity, potential for scientific growth, a demonstrated ability to work independently, and involvement in department activities. The Fellowships provide outstanding students an opportunity to pursue projects that will aid in their intellectual and scientific growth to a degree not possible without the Fellowship. Contact: Bereket Haileab
THE STEWSIE SUSTAINABILITY AWARD is given to a Carleton student and faculty/staff member whose character reflects the determination, conviction, and innovation of the lifelong service of Dresdon Blake Stewart, better known as “Stewsie.” As an employee and later as superintendent of grounds, Stewsie served the College for more than 50 years, eventually receiving the title “landscape architect.” Never found without a shovel in hand, he was dedicated to improving his community’s environment, keeping strong his deep convictions about preserving the natural order of the local habitat. Contact: Martha Larson
THE STIMSON PRIZE, established in 1873 by the Reverend Henry A. Stimson, D.D., Minister of Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis, is intended to encourage public speech. This prize is awarded to a student who contributes most to the quality of debate or public speaking at the College. Contact: Kate Spurgeon
THE STRANG PRIZE was established in 2004 by William and Lee Strang to support juniors with an interest in world politics and Asian studies. The prize enables an adventuresome and intellectually promising student to have a significant experience in Asia. Contact: Roy Grow
THE SAMUEL STRAUSS PRIZE was established in 1982 by Robert S. Strauss, Class of 1973, in memory of his father. The prize is awarded annually to recognize accomplished humorous writing. Contact: Connie Walker
THE TECHNOS INTERNATIONAL PRIZE is awarded each year to a graduating senior with a record of academic excellence and an interest in promoting international understanding. It is balanced by a similar award given by Carleton to a student at Technos International College in Tokyo. Contact: Kate Spurgeon
THE ANN GOODSON WEINER PRIZE IN THEATER AND DANCE was created in 2004 by Professors Carl and Ruth Weiner to honor Carl’s mother and Ruth’s mother-in-law. The prize will be awarded annually to the senior student who, in the judgment of the Chair of the Department of Theater and Dance, has contributed the most significant performance in theater or dance. The purpose of the prize is to honor Ann Goodson Weiner and recognize the hard work, dedication, and inspiration involved in creating a truly unique performance. Contact: David Wiles
THE MARY WIESE ENDOWED PRIZE was established in 1992 to honor the memory of Maria Eugenia Wiese. This prize honors Mary’s respect for education, her profound love for students and her understanding of the place of education in their futures. Qualities Mary valued in others and that formed the core of her own character were: cultural pride, kindness, perseverance, self-reliance, discipline, and respect and care for other people. This prize is awarded to a graduating senior who embodies the above qualities and who has demonstrated perseverance in overcoming challenging circumstances. To honor the pride Mary had in her Latino culture, preference will be given to Latino students. Contact: Kate Spurgeon
THE ROBERT E. WILL ECONOMICS PRIZE is awarded to the senior economics major or majors who demonstrate excellent academic achievement and breadth of intellectual interests in the best tradition of the liberal arts education. Contact: Steve Strand
THE WILLIAMS-HARRIS ENDOWED PRIZE IN AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES was established on history professor Harry Williams’s 50th birthday to honor his mother, Edith Moselle Harris Williams (1931–1992); his grandmother, Patsy Harris Tunson (1914–1998); and his great-aunt, Ellen Harris Brooks (1909–1998). This prize recognizes their respect for the transformative power of education, the vast richness of their life experiences, and the strength of their characters. The prize recognizes a member of the senior class who has produced a distinguished integrative exercise on any aspect of the African American experience in the New World. Contact: Deborah Appleman