Awards for Excellence in Disciplinary Studies

Contact Program Chairperson for information on these and other awards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources:

Kathleen S. and Frederick C. Crawford Award for Excellence

Endowed award established by Kathleen Crawford Estate for excellence in scholarship, preferably in the filed of natural history, forestry, conservation or preservation of wildlife.

Delta Tau Alpha Awards

Certificates are awarded to the graduating Agriculture and Natural Resources major who has achieved the highest cumulative overall scholastic standing and the sophomore Agriculture and Natural Resources student for outstanding performance in the freshman year.

Edd C. Hogg Memorial Scholarship

Established by family and friends in recognition of Dr. Hogg’s many years of service to Berea College. The scholarship is given annually to students demonstrating Christian faith, economic need, and academic achievement. Recipients are chosen from among second-term juniors majoring in Agricultural and Natural Resources or Nursing at Berea College. The award is presented to two students, one in each major.

David F. Kinder Award

Awarded annually to a senior Agriculture and Natural Resources student who has shown exceptional productivity, initiative, and leadership in their labor program. The student should also demonstrate a successful academic program.

Joe Van Pelt Agricultural Leadership Award

Awarded to a junior student majoring in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Selection is on the basis of active interest in scholarship and sincere concern for social problems beyond the Department and whose efforts are above and beyond performance in the Labor Program.

Martin Aaron Wilson Award

Awarded annually to one or more students who show excellence in labor, service and academic skills combined with a strong interest in a career related to dairy production.

Art:

Art Major Award: A Design for a Summer

Awarded annually to art majors for the purpose of continuing study, museum visits, travel, books, and materials to be used during the summer.

James R. Bobbitt Art Scholarship

Awarded to assist an outstanding graduating senior or recent graduate in continuing study in fine or applied arts, including the visual arts, within the framework of the Appalachian Studies Program.

Child and Family Studies:

Helen and Jean Barkley Memorial Scholarship in Child and Family Studies.

This prize was established by the family and friends of Key Lee Barkley, a 1926 Berea College graduate, and his wife, Helen Roberts Barkley, Class of 1927, and their daughter, Jean Eloise Barkley. Recipients are Child and Family Studies majors “who show promise that they will become worthy citizens of their communities after their graduation from Berea College.”

Jacqueline Hensley Combs Memorial Award

Given to a junior or senior Child and Family Studies major who has shown a high degree of character, scholarship, and professional maturity. It is given in memory of Jacqueline Hensley Combs, a member of the Class of 1965, who was killed in an automobile accident a few days before graduation.

Ann Grant Memorial Award

Awarded annually to an outstanding major in Child and Family Studies, based on scholarship, character, and need.

Opal Stamm Huskey Scholarship

The Opal Stamm Huskey Scholarship Fund was established to foster excellence in students majoring in Child and Family Studies with Teacher Certification. The scholarship honors Miss Eunice True, former Professor of Home Economics at Berea College.

Frances Finnell Vandivier Scholarship

Awarded to assist Berea College graduates, women and men, to continue their education in the field of child development, childcare and/or advocacy for children, youth and families. This award was established in 1988 to honor Frances Finnell Vandivier, a graduate of Berea College and a compassionate advocate for children in her teaching, writing and community service throughout her life.

Virginia Palmer Widener Memorial Child and Family Studies Award

This award is given to an outstanding Child and Family Studies major commemorating the life of Mrs. Widener, Berea College, Class of 1966. The award honors Mrs. Widener’s contribution to the field of home economics and her interest in her students. Preference is given to students from the counties of Lee (Kentucky) and Washington (Virginia); or the city of Bristol, Virginia.

Classical, Creative, and Liberal Arts:

Florence Prize for Essays

The Florence Prize for Essays was endowed in 1919 by a gift from Edmund C. Westervelt of Corpus Christi, Texas. Prizes are offered for the best essays by students on a subject of public interest. A committee of the faculty, consisting of the chairpersons of the English and social science departments, administers the essay contest. The committee will designate the number and amount of the prizes to be offered.

Francis S. Hutchins Awards

These awards for creative work in the humanities honor President Emeritus Francis S. Hutchins; the awards go to juniors and seniors who have meritorious, creative, or critical works and are awarded on the basis of merit by a panel of judges.

Paul Vernon Kreider Jr. Award

Presented to the junior or senior student who has developed a personal library of good quality and writes the best essay on this library.

Mary Macauley Smith Memorial Scholarship in the Humanities

Awarded annually to a graduating senior from the humanities. The student must demonstrate a commitment to her or his chosen field of study and the liberal arts through academic excellence in major courses and in general education.

Communication:

Hugh O. Porter Memorial Forensics Award

Awarded to an upperclass student demonstrating excellence in speech and debate.

Economics and Business Administration:

Chin-Wang Prize

Established by Dr. and Mrs. Rockwood Chin in the name of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry I. Sheu Chin and Dr. and Mrs. C.C. Wang, this prize is to be awarded annually to seniors of character who have excelled in Economics and Business Administration.

Joel Dean Scholarship in Economics

Awarded annually to the graduating senior economics major for academic performance in the field. The recipient will be known as the Joel Dean Scholar.

Education Studies:

Beldon Graduate School Fellowship

Awarded annually to Berea College outstanding graduating seniors who have met the requirements for teacher certification or recent (last five years) outstanding graduates, who have taught at the pre-college level with skill and devotion, and plan to enroll in graduate school for further professional development. The students selected must have a superior academic record. This award is supported by a gift from the Harriet Poynter Beldon Memorial Fund.

George and Elgetha Bell Scholarship in Education

The Bell family and Alma Powell established a scholarship in honor of their predecessors, George and Elgetha Bell. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding junior student preparing for the teaching profession.

Mildred A. Bolt Award

Awarded annually to the student judged by the Education Studies Department to be outstanding in scholarship and in teaching potential.

Lucille Bush Duncan Award in Education

The Lucille Bush Duncan Award in Education was established by William A. Cook, a former professional associate, in recognition of Lucille Duncan’s contributions as a teacher, humanitarian, and benefactor of educational causes. The award is given annually to the junior members of Kappa Delta Pi judged by the Education Studies faculty to be outstanding in scholarship and potential service to society.

May Harrison Lambert Memorial Award in Elementary Education

Awarded to an outstanding graduating senior who shows great promise as an elementary teacher. Her son, Dr. Dean Warren Lambert, and her friends established this award.

Dr. Lee E. Wickline Scholarship

Given in honor of Dr. Lee E. Wickline, class of ’49. The recipient must be a full-time enrolled junior or senior with a major or minor in education who shows evidence of being well-rounded, demonstrates an enthusiastic interest in school and community activities, and has an awareness of universal human values.

English:

Dr. William Taylor Center Memorial Award

Awarded to the student writing the composition that, in the opinion of the judges, best illustrates or analyzes the idea of service to others. The Award is in the memory of Dr. Center, an alumnus of Berea College.

Emily Ann Smith Scholarship

The Emily Ann Smith Scholarship was established by friends and students of Miss Smith to honor excellence in the study of the English language. It is given annually to junior or senior English majors.

May B. Smith English Composition Award

Awarded to a student enrolled in an English course who demonstrates unusual skill in writing non-fiction prose.

Health and Human Performance:

Health and Human Performance Award

Awarded annually to the senior Health and Human Performance major who has the highest overall grade point average in his or her career at Berea.

History:

Blanton Prize in History and Political Science

This prize was established by Dr. Jack Blanton (Knapp Hall, ‘49, Foundation ‘53, College ‘57) to honor the Blanton family, including his grandfather, his parents, and his sister, all with Berea ties. This is to be given to a senior History and/or Political Science major. This student should be the most outstanding senior majoring in one or both of these subjects with strong writing skills. The selection of recipient would be upon the recommendation/agreement of the chairs of the History and Political Science Programs.

E. Taylor Parks Award

The E. Taylor Parks Award is given for excellence in History or Political Science. Mr. E.R. Brann established the award in memory of Dr. E. Taylor Parks, former Chairman of the Department of History and Political Science.

Robert B. Street Prize in American History

Robert B. Street, a graduate of 1910, established an endowment fund to provide prizes for oratorical and essay contests of American history and American democracy.

Law and Pre-Law:

Walter Morris Gay Memorial Award

This award is given to a senior pre-law student chosen on the basis of high academic achievement, excellence of character, and patriotism. The endowment, which sustains this award, has been donated in memory of Walter Morris Gay ’65 by his parents; by friends in Avon Park, Florida; by students and faculty of Berea College; and by interested citizens of Berea, McKee, and the surrounding area.

Library Science:

Elizabeth D. Gilbert Fellowship in Library Science

This fellowship is awarded to aid seniors or recent graduates of Berea College for graduate studies in Library Science. Friends and admirers of Miss Gilbert, Berea College Head Librarian for many years, established this fellowship in 1973.

Mathematics:

Ballard-McConnell-Willis Mathematics Scholarships

Given annually to students who demonstrate excellence in mathematics, upright moral character, potential for accomplishment, and an ability to instill in others an appreciation for mathematics.

Pugsley Freshman Scholarship

This award, established in memory of Donald W. Pugsley, who was a Professor of Mathematics at Berea College, is given to freshmen for excellence in mathematics.

Steve Boyce Senior Mathematics Award

Awarded annually to a senior mathematics major demonstrating the greatest degree of excellence and maturity in his or her mathematics study.

Music:

Elsie Drukker Memorial Music Scholarship

Provides scholarships and financial aid to outstanding Music majors.

Marjory J. Flint Scholarship

The Marjory J. Flint Scholarship Fund was established through the bequest of her sister, Louie Key, in 1984. Income from the fund provides annual scholarships to piano or woodwind students for study of music at Berea or in graduate school. Recipients are selected on the basis of excellence of achievement and potential.

Irene Ziegler Hill Memorial Scholarship

The recipient of the Irene Ziegler Hill Memorial Scholarship is chosen on the basis of academic excellence and musicianship, with special preference given to those candidates who show outstanding potential as future music educators. The endowed fund was donated in memory of Irene Ziegler Hill, a former member of the Music faculty and one of the moving forces behind the establishment of a major in Music Education at Berea College.

Rolf E. Hovey Memorial Scholarship

The Rolf E. Hovey Memorial Scholarship was established in 1995 by the Hovey family and by former students in loving memory of Dr. Hovey, founder and director of the Berea College Chapel Choir and longtime Chairman of the Music Department.  This annual scholarship prize(s) is awarded to seniors or highly qualified undergraduate students who are majoring in music and intend to teach and perform.

Sherwood-Hill Award

This award honors the memory of several members of the Sherwood and Hill families. It is granted to Music majors that have demonstrated academic excellence and high potential in the field of music.

Underwood-Alger Music Scholarship

The scholarship is awarded to students who have declared a major in Music and who have exhibited excellence in scholarship, as well as financial need.

Natural and Physical Sciences:

John S. Bangson Biological Science Awards

Established by Mrs. John Bangson to honor Dr. John S. Bangson, former Chairman of the Department of Biology at Berea College. These awards are given annually to two students: a sophomore with the highest grades in biology and a graduating senior Biology major chosen on the basis of grades and leadership potential.

Guenther O. R. Brann Memorial Scholarship in Biology

Established by Mr. E. R. Brann, Class of 1942, in honor of Guenther O. R. Brann, this scholarship is awarded annually to a Biology major for outstanding scholarship, superior character, and financial need.

Lilli Brann Scholarship in Physical Sciences

The Lilli Brann Scholarship in Physical Sciences was given by Mr. E. R. Brann, Class of 1942, of Madison, Wisconsin, in honor of his mother. Awarded annually to the students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship in their chosen field, superior character in their everyday life, and have financial need.

Kathleen S. and Frederick C. Crawford Award for Excellence

Endowed award established by Kathleen Crawford Estate for excellence in scholarship, preferably in the filed of natural history, forestry, conservation or preservation of wildlife.

J. Stanton King Science Award

Awarded annually to a junior or senior majoring in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. The student must have exhibited excellence in both academic and personal life. The American Association of Clinical Chemistry established the award in honor of Dr. J. Stanton King, a Berea alumnus.

Waldemar Noll Prize in Physics

Presented annually to the senior Physics major with the highest scholastic standing in the major field, the prize is established in memory of Dr. Waldemar Noll, former Professor of Physics at Berea College.

Underwood-Alger Biology Scholarship

The scholarship is awarded to students who have declared a major in Biology and who have exhibited excellence in scholarship, as well as financial need.

Nursing and Pre-Medical:

W. H. and Mabel Simmons Dean Scholarship

Awarded annually to a sophomore student in nursing, pred-medical, or pre-dentistry fields who has at least a B average and demonstrates financial need and Christian leadership. The scholarship was made possible by a grant from the Dean family.

Edd C. Hogg Memorial Scholarship

The Edd C. Hogg Memorial Scholarship was established by family and friends in recognition of Dr. Hogg’s many years of service to Berea College. The scholarship is given annually to students demonstrating Christian faith, economic need, and academic achievement. Recipients are chosen from among second-term juniors majoring in Agriculture and Natural Resources or Nursing at Berea College. The award is presented to two students, one in each major.

Julia Braden Thompson Award

This award was established by Audine T. Adams in memory of her mother to provide an award to the pre-medical or Nursing student at Berea College who has achieved an outstanding academic record, who manifests professional promise, and who exemplifies excellent moral character.

Norman C. and Rose B. Wheeler Scholarship

The award was established by family and friends as a memorial in honor of Dr. Norman C. Wheeler ’36 and his wife, Rose B. Wheeler ’38. Dr. Wheeler practiced medicine in Berea for a number of years and then devoted 15 years to medical research. The scholarship is given annually to a Berea pre-medical student with financial need and high scholastic achievement.

Martha E. Wylie Award

The Wylie Award is awarded annually to a junior Nursing student to recognize superior achievement in nursing. Martha E. Wylie was an Associate Professor of Nursing at Berea College.

Philosophy:

Millicent Bate Miller Scholarship

Provides financial support for a Philosophy or Religion major who shows exceptional academic ability, character, and leadership.

Fred Oscanyan Scholarship in Philosophy

The award for academic excellence is given to a junior or senior Philosophy major or minor chosen by the Philosophy faculty.

Political Science:

Blanton Prize in History and Political Science

This prize was established by Dr. Jack Blanton (Knapp Hall, ‘49, Foundation ‘53, College ‘57) to honor the Blanton family, including his grandfather, his parents, and his sister, all with Berea ties. This is to be given to a senior History and/or Political Science major. This student should be the most outstanding senior majoring in one or both of these subjects with strong writing skills. The selection of recipient would be upon the recommendation/agreement of the chairs of the History and Political Science Programs.

E. Taylor Parks Award

The E. Taylor Parks Award is given for excellence in History or Political Science. Mr. E.R. Brann established the award in memory of Dr. E. Taylor Parks, former Chairman of the Department of History and Political Science.

C. Louis Smith Scholarship

Awarded annually to the senior student in Political Science who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of scholarship and citizenship. Mr. E.R. Brann, Class of 1942, makes this award possible.

Religion:

Millicent Bate Miller Scholarship

Provides financial support for a Philosophy or Religion major who shows exceptional academic ability, character, and leadership.

Bishop Yu Yue Tsu Scholarship

The Bishop Yu Yue Tsu Scholarship Fund was established by friends and family of the Bishop on his 96th birthday. He served as Bishop in the Episcopal Church in China for many years. Awarded annually to a junior or senior Religion major who demonstrates achievement.

Social Sciences:

Fu Liang and Louise Chang Award

Awarded annually to the senior student majoring in Sociology who shows greatest promise in the field of sociology or social work. Although excellence in scholarship is important, promise for service is also a major consideration. The children and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Chang, on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary, established this fund.

Dallas and Betty Johnson Sociology Scholarship

Awarded annually to an outstanding graduating senior in Sociology who plans to enroll in graduate school for further professional development. Excellence in scholarship is important along with the senior’s future study plans and identification of goals for work and service upon the completion of an advanced degree. Ms. Elizabeth Ann Sears, along with friends and family of Dallas and Betty Johnson, established this endowed fund to honor Dallas Johnson’s remarkable career with Native Americans in the Southwest United States.

Albert G. Weidler Memorial Scholarship in Social Studies

Mr. E.R. Brann established this award in memory of Dr. Albert Greer Weidler, Dean of Labor and Chairman of the Department of Economics and Business for many years. The award is given for excellence in social studies or business administration.

John F. White Memorial Scholarship in Gerontology

This fund provides assistance and incentive for qualified students to pursue graduate study leading to careers in research or service in the field of gerontology. Funds can be used by the awardee for any expenses related to the pursuit of graduate study, including tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and educationally related travel. The scholarship is named for John White, a former professor of Psychology and Chairperson of the Psychology Department at Berea.

Technology and Applied Design:

Peterson Spring Award

Awarded annually to juniors and seniors majoring in Technology and Applied Design. Students must have a major GPA of 3.25 or higher and demonstrate a high level of scholarship, character, and professional involvement. This award is made possible by the Peterson Spring Company.

Theatre:

Thomas M. and Janet C. Kreider Theatre Award

The Thomas and Janet Kreider Fund was established in 1987. Dr. Kreider was the Chester D. Tripp Professor of the Humanities (1952-1987) and Mrs. Kreider was Director of Public Relations (1974-1984) at Berea College. Income from the fund enables full-time Berea students seriously interested in any phase of professional theatre to go to a major theatre-drama center to see professionally produced plays and other dramatic performances.

Paul Nelson Power Scholarship Award

Established in 1998 by students, friends, and family to honor his boundless energy and enthusiasm for theatre. The award will provide funds to enable students to pursue learning opportunities and experiences in the performing arts. Student-initiated projects may include, but are not limited to travel, study, apprenticeships, and producing or attending performances.