�¼������ϲʹٷ���վ

Behavioral Science Award

For a graduating senior with a 3.6 grade point average and at least a 3.75 grade point average in the major.
 

Henry F. Gromoll Service Award

For a junior or senior, majoring in the behavioral sciences and active in service to others. Recipients will have their names engraved on the Gromoll Service Award plaque displayed in the Behavioral Sciences Department.

Dr. Henry “Hank” F. Gromoll was a professor of psychology and chair of the Behavioral Sciences Department at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ University from 1961 to 1995. This award was established by Dr. Gromoll’s family, friends and colleagues to honor a man who had contributed substantially to �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s reputation in the Behavioral Sciences, and who, through his teaching and private practice, lived his life according to the Estel Percy Andrus quote that concluded his 1991 Honors Convocation Distinguished Faculty Lecture:

What we spend, is gone.
What we keep, is lost.
But what we give away
Will be ours forever.

Biology Honors Award

For outstanding biology major.

This award was established by Mrs. Shirley Miller Billings, (and friends) class of 1948.

Dr. Neil Baird Biology Lab Assistant Award

For outstanding biology major.

This endowed award was established in 2012 by family and friends in memory of Dr. Neil Baird, Associate Professor of Biology Emeritus, who taught at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ from 1970-2005.  The recipient is chosen by the biology department faculty.  A graduate of the �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ class of 1965, Dr. Baird wanted this award to recognize the outstanding contributions to the laboratory experience made by those students who serve as lab assistants.

Clyde Dennis Award

For contributions to the University and the Biology Department.

This award was also established by Shirley Miller Billings’48 to honor her biology professor and former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Clyde Dennis. Mrs. Billings of Durham, N.C., was a biology major. Dr. Dennis served as a professor and chairman of the Biology Department from 1948-1950, and 1956-1962. In 1962, he became the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, serving until his retirement in 1965.

George and Rick Glasscock Memorial Biology Award

For an outstanding biology student, as determined by the Biology Department.

This award was established by Mary Glasscock in loving memory of her two sons, George and Rick. George graduated from �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ in 1973. He was a practicing dentist in Wausau, Wisconsin until his death in March of 2003. His daughter Ali Oja-Haus graduated from �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ in 1997 and lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. Rick Glasscock was a member of �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s class of 1984. He lived in Windsor, Illinois and worked at ADM until he passed away in 2002. His wife Elaine Glasscock is a member of �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s Class of 1985.

Each of Mary Glasscock’s four children graduated from �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ University, where she herself was once employed. Her son David’72 is a physician in Denver, Colorado. David’s wife Paula Collins Glasscock is a 1971 �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ graduate. Mary’s daughter Vicki Glasscock Ehrmann graduated from �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ in 1977 and is a teacher in Brighton, Colorado.

John and Ula Leighty Research Award

For outstanding research in biology.

One step into �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s Leighty-Tabor Science Center and you’ve been exposed to the lasting impact of one of �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s most notable science alums, Dr. John Leighty’31. Always passionate about science research, Dr. Leighty was a member of the team that first developed penicillin for the Eli Lilly Company. He was a co-recipient of the Alumni of the Year Award in 1971, an award shared with his wife, Ula, who was also a �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ graduate and a member of the class of 1933. He received an honorary degree in 1964 and served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1967-1970. With a $1 million gift, he established the John and Ula Leighty Research grant/scholarship program funding science study and summer science research. And during �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s last capital campaign, Advancing the Vision, he donated more than $4.5 million for the Leighty-Tabor Science Center and its endowment.

Alpha Epsilon Delta Award

For outstanding contributions to Alpha Epsilon Delta.

Alpha Epsilon Delta is a pre-professional honorary fraternity founded in 1926 by 15 pre-medical students at the University of Alabama. Today, Alpha Epsilon Delta is the world’s largest body devoted to the education of students who aspire to careers in health care. AED’s membership exceeds 144,000 in 186 chapters.

American Chemical Society Award in Analytical Chemistry

For an outstanding junior chemistry major who has demonstrated talent and ability in analytical chemistry.

With more than 161,000 members, the American Chemical Society (ACS) is the world's largest scientific society and one of the world's leading sources of authoritative scientific information.  A nonprofit organization, chartered by Congress, ACS is at the forefront of the evolving worldwide chemical enterprise and the premier professional home for chemists, chemical engineers and related professions around the globe.

American Institute of Chemists Award

For an outstanding senior majoring in chemistry.

One of the significant activities of the American Institute of Chemists Foundation (AICF), administered by the American Institute of Chemists (AIC), is the annual student awards program to honor outstanding seniors, post-baccalaureate, and post-doctoral students majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering or biochemistry.  Such awards are given in recognition of a demonstrated record of ability, leadership, and professional promise.  Candidates are chosen and nominated by their faculty members.

Chemical Rubber Company Prize

For the highest grade point average in general chemistry.

Founded as the Chemical Rubber Company, CRC originally manufactured and distributed laboratory supplies for chemists.  It first distributed its Handbook of Chemistry and Physics in 1913.  The first edition of the "Rubber Handbook" had 116 pages.  The electron had been known for only 17 years and the Bohr theory of the hydrogen atom was still in press.  Eighty-four years later, the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics remains the definitive reference for chemists, physicists, and engineers throughout the world.  CRC Press is a preeminent publisher in life science, medicine, pharmaceutical science, food science, environmental science, forensic science, engineering, business, technology, mathematics, and statistics.

Dr. and Mrs. William Henderson Prizes

For the best essays concerning applications in chemistry or other evidence of excellence in the field.

This essay contest and prize was established in 1937 by Dr. Henderson and his wife, both graduates of �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ. Following his graduation from �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ in 1914, Dr. Henderson served as an instructor in �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s chemistry department for six years. He went on to receive graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and The Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh. He later worked as a research chemist for Vis-king Corporation in Chicago where he was responsible for perfecting the cases on sizzling sausages.

Carl and Lucile Weatherbee Chemistry Award

For chemistry majors who have done noteworthy research under the direction of a �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ University faculty member and who have made the most outstanding contributions to the University in other areas.

Carl and Lucile Weatherbee Graduate Studies Award

For a graduating senior chemistry major who has done outstanding work and plans to attend graduate, medical, or dental school.

Dr. Carl “Stormy” Weatherbee began his tenure at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ as a professor of chemistry in 1952. His research led to the development of several treatments for cancer. He served as chairman of �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s Chemistry Department until his retirement in 1982. His portrait is on display in the Carl Weatherbee Laboratory in Leighty-Tabor Science Center. He is remembered by his students for his assistance in getting them into graduate school.

Dr. Everett J. Brown Prize

For excellence in creative contributions to communication; in recognition of commitment to forensics growth and promise in promoting the democratic expression of ideas in a free society.

One of �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s oldest awards, the Dr. Everett J. Brown Prize was established in 1906 by its namesake to showcase �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ students’ public debate talents about historical or sociological subjects. Dr. Brown, a life-long Decatur resident, a renowned Illinois physician, and a strong supporter of the creation of what is now known as Decatur Memorial Hospital, was greatly interested in the annual debate which bore his name, and his desire to know that it would continue prompted him to secure funding for this award in perpetuity. The Brown debate stands as a memorial to one of Decatur’s finest citizens, who expressed in a material way his deepest interest in �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ University.

Dr. and Mrs. W. J. Darby Prize

For outstanding senior communication majors.

Dr. W.J. Darby was �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s first president of the board of managers, serving from 1902 until 1908. He continued to be a member of the board, serving once again as its president in 1914 until 1920. Before �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ University was a reality, Dr. Darby took an active part in its planning and was recognized as one of the most forceful characters associated in the building of the university. After his sudden death in 1921, Dr. Darby was well remembered by the student body, “because of his kindly manner and his genuineness.” On his last visit to �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ, he announced, to the surprise of President Holden, that he and his wife were making a $1,000 gift to �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ. By 1925, the Darby Oratory Contest was established with prizes divided equally between winners of the men’s and the women’s division.

Dr. Grace Patten Conant Awards

Born in 1874, Grace Conant was already quite accomplished before coming to �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ. She graduated from Bates College in Maine in 1893, and received an A.M. degree from Cornell in 1897. She held positions as Fellow at Cornell and the University of Chicago, and was an instructor in a Vermont academy as well as at Goucher College in Baltimore. Conant left her position as Head of the English Department at Western College in Oxford, Ohio, to take on the same position �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ in the fall of 1906. Upon arrival at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ, she built the English department around two basic courses- World Literature and English Literature from the beginning to Keats. In 1920, she initiated �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s first English Club. Conant was also a notable leader in the Decatur community and founded the Decatur branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) which went on to become the third largest branch of the AAUW in Illinois in the 1950s.

Dr. Grace Patten Conant Writing Award

For literary creation.

Dr. Grace Patten Conant Writing Award

For literary interpretation.
 

Dr. Grace Patten Conant English Department Award

For a senior with the highest cumulative grade point average who is planning graduate study.

Dr. Grace Patten Conant Society Achievement Awards

For outstanding English major(s).
 

Outstanding Journalism Award

For outstanding service to the Decaturian.

Dr. J. Graham Provan History Award

For an outstanding junior or senior history major selected by the History Department.

Dr. Graham Provan began his tenure at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ in 1968 as a professor of history. His reputation for dynamic lectures made his classes popular for community members as well as students and alumni. In addition to this award, several non-traditional students established a scholarship in his honor. Upon retiring, Dr. Provan was named professor emeritus of history in 1997.  He died in 2002. Dr. Provan was in the Charter Class of the �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ Medallion Society, recognizing during the University’s Centennial Celebration, those who had the greatest impact on �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ during the first 100 years.

Albert T. Mills Prize

For outstanding history students.

Dr. Albert Taylor Mills was the first professor of history and political science at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ, serving as chairman of the department until his retirement in 1943. He returned part-time in 1944 until 1946 to assist the influx of students following World War II. Mills Hall, built in 1960, is named in his honor.

John E. Vrooman History Prize

For excellence in history.

Mr. Vrooman was a 1960 history graduate with a career in real estate.  He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Sigrid A. Stottrup History Award

For a senior history major who has demonstrated ability in historical research in a British or European topic.

This award was established by the friends and family of Sigrid A. Stottrup, a 1977 �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ University history honors graduate.

Mathematics and Computer Science Award

For an outstanding junior or senior majoring in either mathematics or computer science.

Lavern J. Meyer, Ph. D. Math Education Award

For an outstanding senior mathematics education major.

This award was established by the family and friends of Dr. Lavern J. Meyer in his memory. A former chairman of the Math and Computer Science Department, Dr. Meyer served on the �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ Faculty from 1985 to 1996.

Linda Weatherbee Mathematics Award

For an outstanding junior mathematics major.

This award was established by the family and friends of Linda Weatherbee, Class of 1977, in her memory.  Linda was the daughter of Dr. Carl and Lucile Weatherbee.  Dr. Weatherbee was the chairman of the chemistry department.

Modern Languages Linguistic Excellence Award

For outstanding oral and written proficiency in a modern language.

Modern Languages Literary Criticism Prize

For outstanding work in literary analysis of a text or texts written in a modern language.

Margaret Burkhardt Johnson Modern Language Excellence Award

For an outstanding senior in modern languages.

A retired teacher from Houston, TX, Mrs. Margaret Burkhardt Johnson, a 1941 graduate with a major in Latin, established this award. She is a member of Alpha Chi Omega.

Thomas W. and Mary R. Adney Memorial Award

For an outstanding student in pre-law.

This award was established by 1972 graduate and attorney John Adney and his wife Sue. Originally from Wood River, IL, Mr. Adney established this award to honor the memory of his parents. Mr. Adney is a former Chairman of the �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ Board of Trustees and a past recipient of �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s highest alumni honor, Alumnus of the Year.

Dr. Robert McIntire Political Science Award

For an outstanding sophomore or junior political science major, having maintained at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, for travel and study abroad.

Former chairman of the Political Science Department, Dr. Robert McIntire served with distinction as a �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ faculty member from 1968 to 2000. He then served as acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences until 2002. This award was established by the family, friends, alumni and students of Dr. Robert McIntire on the occasion of his retirement. It promotes the late Dr. McIntire’s commitment to encouraging students to study internationally.

T. W. Samuels Award

For an outstanding student in pre-law.

Attorney Thomas W. Samuels served the Decatur community with distinction as a lead partner in the law firm of Samuels, Miller, Schroeder, Jackson, and Sly. This award was established by the family and friends to honor Mr. Samuels who lived to age 103 and was instrumental in Decatur and �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ receiving the Lincoln statute “At 21 I came to Illinois” that sits on the front lawn of the campus. Attorney Samuel’s sons William and Tom, Jr., class of 1945, established the endowment which provides for the annual T.W. Samuels lecture series held each spring.

Outstanding Political Science Major

Recipient must be a graduating political science major with a minimum 3.5 grade point average in the major, and 3.0 grade point average overall. Recipient must have demonstrated a high level of service through a variety of activities, including participation in one of more political science student groups, mentoring or tutoring of peers, consistent civic participation in and around Decatur, or other contributions that add substantively to the department and the community.

Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz Philosophy Award

For the philosophy major who has demonstrated excellence in philosophy, with preference given to juniors and seniors.

The Philosophy Department’s most famous alumna is certainly Dr. Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz. In 1928, she was the first student to graduate from �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ with a straight “A” average. She received her Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin in1932. That same year, she traveled to England to do post-doctoral research at Cambridge University where she studied under perhaps the most important philosopher of the 20th century, Ludwig Wittgenstein. She received a second doctoral degree from Cambridge, and in 1935, she left England and accepted a teaching position at the University of Michigan, which she held for two years. In 1937, she went to Smith College and spent the remainder of her career in the Smith Philosophy Department. After her death in 2001, she left �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ the funds that endow this award.

Rev. Robert S. and Doris Steward Prize in Religion

For the best research paper in a religion class.

The award was established by friends of Reverend and Mrs. Stewart.  Reverend Stewart served as Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church for more than 17 years prior to his retirement in 1983.  While Pastor of Westminster, Reverend Stewart was a guest lecturer for �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ religion classes and served as minister at numerous chapel services.  He took a strong interest in �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ students and helped arrange for meals to be served at Westminster during the construction of Richards Treat University Center.  Reverend and Mrs. Stewart were members of the �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ Associates.

Outstanding Physics Award

For a physics major who has completed at least 21 hours in physics coursework with a minimum 3.0 grade point average both in physics courses and overall. Recipient must have demonstrated a high level of service to the department through a variety of activities, including tutoring or mentoring of other students, working as a lab assistant, serving as an officer in the Society of Physics Students, or other contributions that add substantively to the department.