Awards and Prizes

Prizes for Academic Achievement
Awards and Prizes for Athletic Achievement
Awards and Prizes for Special Accomplishments

Prizes for Academic Achievement

General

Faculty Scholarship Prize (1922)
Awarded to a member of the junior class who has shown exceptional ability both in scholastic pursuits and in at least one extra-curricular activity (e.g., athletics, music, dramatics, college publications or governance, religious or humanitarian service).

E. Inman Fox Prize (1982)
Awarded to the senior student whose scholarly achievement and pursuit of a truly liberal education are exceptional among peers and who has demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and well developed habits of rational inquiry and intellectual discourse, as well as a desire to understand varieties of human expression. Established by gifts received to honor Fox, President of Knox College, 1974-82.

Elbridge Pierce Prize for Scholastic Improvement (1957)
Awarded to the senior who has made the greatest scholastic improvement since the end of the freshman year. Established by Mr. Pierce, Knox College Trustee 1956-60.

John C. Weigel Prize (1961)
Awarded to the member of the graduating class with the highest scholastic achievement. Amount of prize is increased if the winner plans to attend graduate school. Established anonymously in honor of Weigel, Lombard Class of 1908.

American Studies

Hermann R. Muelder Prize (1974)
Awarded for academic excellence in American Studies. Established by gifts of friends and colleagues to honor Professor Muelder, Class of 1927, upon his retirement.

Anthropology and Sociology

Howell Atwood Award (1980)
Awarded to the graduating senior doing the most outstanding work in anthropology and sociology. Established by an anonymous donor in memory of J. Howell Atwood, professor of sociology 1930-60, and subsequently endowed by a gift from Mrs. Atwood.

Art

Beverly Bender Prizes in Sculpture (1968)
Awarded at the Blick Art Materials Student Exhibit. Established by Bender, Class of 1940.

Beverly Bender Scholar in Art (1968)
Awarded at the Blick Art Materials Student Exhibit for scholarly work in art. Established by Bender, Class of 1940.

Blick Art Materials Student Prizes
Awarded at the Blick Art Materials Student Exhibit. Prizes are awarded in the areas of ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, and non-traditional media. Established by Blick Art Materials.

Blick Senior Award
Awarded at the Blick Art Materials Student Exhibit. Established by Blick Art Materials.

Elda Crichton Campbell Print Prizes (1966)
Awarded for excellence in printmaking at the Blick Art Materials Student Exhibit. Established by Dr. James A. Campbell, Class of 1939, in honor of his wife.

Matthew Dale Gunther Prize in Drawing (1982)
Awarded at the Blick Art Materials Student Exhibit. Established by Marie Maltby Gunther, Class of 1936, in memory of her grandson.

Isaac O. Peterson Studio Award (1973)
Awarded to an art student at the Blick Art Materials Student Exhibit to recognize and encourage exceptional promise. Established by his former student, Gale S. Hurd, Class of 1965, in honor of Peterson, Knox faculty 1948-79.

Asian Studies

Mikiso Hane Asian Studies Prize (1992)
Awarded to the Knox student who has done the most distinguished work relating to Asian Studies. This interdisciplinary field encompasses a variety of subjects, including history, political science, anthropology, economics and Japanese language. Established by colleagues and friends to honor Professor Hane, Knox faculty, 1961-92.

Biology

Alvah Peterson Biology Prize (1972)
Awarded to a junior or senior student majoring in biology who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance in biology courses and/or research. Established by Mrs. Peterson, family and friends in memory of Alvah Peterson, Class of 1911.

David "Burney" Dunn Fund for Students' Field Research (1994)
Provides resources needed by students who are conducting field research in biology, ecology and/or environmental science. The fund was established by family and friends in memory of Dunn, Class of 1990.

Inn-Siang Ooi Prize (1986)
Awarded to the Knox student who has demonstrated skill in field biology, a commitment to conservation, and a concern about human coexistence with the other species of this planet. Established by the International Club to memorialize Ooi, Class of 1984.

Chemistry

Leland Harris Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research in Chemistry (1989)
Awarded to the graduating senior chemistry major who, in the judgment of departmental faculty, has conducted the best undergraduate research in chemistry. Additional awards are available for selected other students to carry out independent research activities. Established by colleagues and former students in honor of Leland Harris, Knox faculty 1957-87.

Russell P. Sutton Prize in Organic Chemistry (2000)
Awarded to a sophomore or other student(s) with the highest achievement in Knox's organic chemistry course sequence. Established with gifts from family, colleagues, friends, and former students of Sutton, professor emeritus of chemistry (faculty 1958-91), following his death in 1998.

Classics

Lawrence Prizes in Latin and Greek (1894)
Awarded to students in recognition of academic excellence in the study of first-year Latin, first-year Greek, advanced Latin, and advanced Greek. Established by George A., Class of 1875, and Ella Park Lawrence, Class of 1878.

Computer Science

Paul's Prize in Computer Science (1982)
Awarded annually to a senior showing great potential for a distinguished career in computing or computer science (CS). Recipient need not be a CS major but must have exhibited problem-solving skills and an enthusiastic interest in CS. Established by Cecile Smith, longtime employee of Knox, in honor of her brother, Paul H., 1927-97.

Dance

John Hofsas Prize in Dance (1997)
Awarded to a junior or senior student deemed by the faculty to have given the most outstanding dance performance of the year, either in a public performance or in a dance performance class. Established by Daniel R. and Carol Klimick Cyganowski, in memory of their friend and fellow Knox alumnus Hofsas, Class of 1970.

Economics

Vinton C. Johnson Prize (1979)
Awarded to the outstanding senior economics major. Established by Johnson, Class of 1926.

Charles and Arvilla Timme Fellowship Award (1993)
Awarded to students for projects in economics and related fields. Established by estate gift of Colonel Charles Timme.

Sylvia and Irwin Jaffe Memorial Prize (2008)
Awarded to an outstanding female student majoring in economics based on academic achievement, participation in extra-curricular activities, leadership and service to others. Established by Kent and Theresa Jaffe to honor Sylvia and Irwin Jaffe, grandparents of Jaffe, Class of 2008.

Educational Studies

Educational Studies Department, Diana Beck Honor Award (2012)
Awarded to the graduating seniors (elementary and secondary) who best exemplify the following qualities: scholarship, good character, dedication to the field, success in student teaching, and consistently excellent classroom performance.

English

Lorraine Smith Prize in English (1929)
Awarded to the sophomore writing the best essay in an English course. Prize given in books. Established by Nellie Johnson Smith, Class of 1898, in memory of her daughter, Class of 1930.

A. Eugene and Ella Stewart Davenport Literary Awards (1960)
Prizes in creative writing of fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and poetry. Established by John Davenport, Knox faculty, 1945-72, in memory of his parents.

The Scripps Prize (1974)
Awarded to the graduating senior receiving the highest grades in English. Established by Mrs. Wayne Haynes in memory of her father, William Scripps, Class of 1878.

Howard A. Wilson Prize (1986)
Annual prizes awarded to the Knox students writing the best pieces of literary criticism during an academic year. Named in honor of Wilson, Knox faculty, 1946-80. Established by members of the faculty, former students, and friends.

Beverly K. White and Friends Creative Writing Prize (1987)
Awarded annually to a beginning writer for the outstanding piece of creative writing during the year. Established by friends and classmates in memory of White, Class of 1979.

Nina Marie Edwards Memorial Fund (1989)
Provides assistance to junior and senior students carrying out independent or honors projects in the fields of literature or creative writing. Established by colleagues to honor Edwards, Class of 1921.

Proctor Fenn Sherwin Short Story Award (1995)
Awarded to a senior student who submits the best original short story. Established by Mary-Louise Dilworth Rea, Class of 1936, in honor of Sherwin, Knox faculty, 1924-1957.

Elizabeth Haywood English Award (1997)
Research award created in memory of Haywood, Class of 1988, by her parents, husband, and sister. The fund provides a monetary grant to a worthy junior or senior female English major (not creative writing) who desires to continue her study of the English language and literature for a term or summer in England.

William E. Brady Award (2008)
Awarded each year to honor the senior literature major with the best performance in the senior seminar. Established in memory of Brady, Knox faculty from 1962 to 1994, by family, faculty, former students, and friends.

Audrey Collet-Conard Prize (2016)
Awarded annually to the student who submits a series of 3-5 poems reflecting both aesthetic excellence and spiritual resonance (broadly defined). Established by Jo Ann Robinson, Class of 1964, in memory of Collet-Conard, Class of 1965.

Environmental Studies

Lawrence L. DeMott Prize (1982 - Revised 2002)
Awarded to a senior with outstanding grades who has taken all available earth sciences courses and whose senior project is focused on a subject/research relevant to geological field. Established by family, friends and former students of DeMott, Knox faculty, 1962-82.

Desmond Fortes Environmental Studies Prize (2016)
Awarded annually to a junior or senior student who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance in environmental studies courses and/or research, with preference given to an international student. Established by friends and family in memory of Fortes, Class of 2000.

First-year Preceptorial

Proctor Fenn Sherwin Prize in Freshman Writing (1987)
Awarded to the student writing the best first-year preceptorial paper. Established by Robert H. Russell, Class of 1949.

History

Szold Prize in History (1943)
Awarded for extraordinary merit in the field of history. Established by Robert Szold, Class of 1909.

Dorothy Inness Stanford Award (1979)
Awarded annually to the student with the highest scholastic average in American history for the academic year. Established by bequest of Mabel Inness, Class of 1909, in memory of her sister.

Dennis E. Donham Prize in History (1982)
Awarded annually for the best essay written in a history class. Established by Donham, Class of 1966.

International Relations and Comparative Politics

Robert F. Seibert Prize (2013)

Awarded annually to the outstanding senior international relations major who has demonstrated scholarly and classroom excellence in international relations and comparative politics. Established by colleagues, family, former students, and friends in honor of Seibert, Class of 1963, Knox faculty, 1967-2013.

Journalism

Theodore Hazen Kimble Memorial Award in Journalism (1954)
Awarded in the spring to the Knox student who, during the preceding year, has contributed the best feature article or series. Established by Ralph A. and Ruth Hazen Kimble, both Class of 1918, to memorialize their son, Class of 1946.

Ida M. Tarbell Memorial Prize for Investigative Reporting (1999)
The Tarbell Prize was established in 1999 by an anonymous alumna to commemorate Tarbell's effectiveness as an investigative reporter and her ties to Knox College. The prize is awarded to the student who, during that academic year, presented the best article or series based on investigative reporting.

Library

Bookfellow Library Prize (1976)
Given for the research paper showing the most sophisticated and productive use of library resources.

Mathematics

Clark Mills Carr Prize in Mathematics (1901)
Awarded on the basis of a comprehensive examination in mathematics through calculus. Examination not open to seniors. Established by Col. Clark E. Carr, Class of 1859, and Sarah Mills Carr, Class of 1872, in memory of their son, Class of 1898. The principal was enlarged in 1962 by a gift from Carl Ohman, Class of 1951.

Victoria Legner Junod Prize in Mathematics (1986)
Awarded annually to the outstanding senior math major. Established in memory of Junod, Class of 1964, by her husband, Charles F. Junod, Class of 1964, Knox classmates, friends, and family.

Mathematics Department Endowed Fund Student Research Award (2012)
Awarded to a student to expand their knowledge of math and its related subject matter. The fund that supports this research award also provides support to bring to campus well-known and respected mathematicians and statisticians for lectures annually. Established by Dale Nelson, Class of 1958.

Medical Sciences

Sylvia and Irwin Jaffe Memorial Prize (2008)
Awarded to an outstanding female student majoring in the sciences and who demonstrates an intention to pursue a career in medicine. Selection is based on academic achievement, participation in extra-curricular activities, leadership and service to others. Established by Kent and Theresa Jaffe to honor Sylvia and Irwin Jaffe, grandparents of Erica A. Jaffe, Class of 2008.

Lazlo J. Nemeth Memorial Research Scholarship Award (1992)
Provides for awards to support scientific research by Knox students who are preparing for careers in medicine or related fields. Awards are made annually by Knox College faculty on the basis of merit and need. The Fund was established by a bequest from Nemeth, M.D., Class of 1973.

Modern Languages

Lorraine Smith Prize in French (1929)
Awarded to the sophomore doing the best work in French writing. Prize given in books. Established by Nellie Johnson Smith, Class of 1898, in memory of her daughter.

Helen Rudd Arnold Prize (1981)
Awarded at the end of the junior year to the student majoring in French who has the highest overall grade point average and is ranked in the top 30 percent of the class. Established by David R. Arnold, Class of 1937, in memory of his mother.

Sally Coleman Prize in Spanish Literature (1981)
Awarded annually to a senior who, in the judgment of the Spanish faculty, has made the most distinguished record in the study of Spanish letters. Established by Robert H. Russell, Class of 1949, in memory of Coleman, Knox faculty, 1922-54.

Lilly Lindahl Prize in German (1990)
Awarded each spring to the graduating senior German major who has established the best record in the major while maintaining a distinguished record overall. Established by Ross and Kay Vander Meulen to honor Lindahl, Knox faculty 1928-68.

Music

Janet Greig Post Prize in Music (1947)
For original composition in music or for excellence in performance, to the senior who, in the judgment of the music faculty, merits this distinction. Established by Mrs. Post, Class of 1894.

Ruth Lockwood Goodsill Prize (1966)
Awarded to an upperclass music major deemed an outstanding performer, composer, or author of a scholarly paper. Established by Claire Goodsill Chandler, Class of 1904; Inez Goodsill Heubner, Class of 1910; and M. Max Goodsill, Class of 1912, in memory of their sister who attended the Knox conservatory, 1902-04.

Clarence Hubert Johnson Award (1967)
Awarded to the student who makes the greatest voice improvement in the music department. Established by bequest of Jessie Van Clute Johnson, Class of 1902, in memory of her husband.

Don C. M. Bracker Award (1985)
Awarded to a senior music major on the basis of leadership, character, and service to the band or orchestra. Established by Ada May Bracker in memory of her son, Class of 1944.

David Lowry Jazz Award (2001)
Established by friends and family in memory of Lowry, Class of 1997. The award is given annually to a student who shows great improvement as a jazz performer, who is nurturing and helpful to other musicians, who is a zealous promoter of jazz music and Knox College's jazz program, or who is simply an outstanding jazz musician.

Lucile Sudbury Prize (2005)
Established through a trust presented to the College by the estate of Sudbury, Lombard Class of 1929. Up to two annual prizes may be awarded to recognize the best student work of the academic year.

Peace and Justice

Peace and Justice Studies Student Prize (2023)
This prize is awarded annually to the junior(s) and/or senior(s) who demonstrate exceptional commitment to Peace and Justice Studies through academic achievement, community involvement, and activism in pursuit of social justice, peace, conflict resolution, or other program goals. Preference will be given to students who are minors or majors in the program.

Philosophy

Merritt H. Moore Prize in Philosophy (1957)
Awarded to the author of the outstanding philosophy paper during the preceding year. Established anonymously to honor Moore, professor of philosophy at Knox, 1933-55.

Physics

Andreas Prize (2016)
Awarded in combination with the Porter Prize, for excellence in solving difficult practical physical problems requiring solution of differential equations through the iterative process. Established in memory of Edgar L. Andreas, Class of 1969.

Smith Prize in Physics (1955 - Revised 2003)
Awarded to a senior physics major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and performance in the classroom and laboratory. Established in memory of Murray and Alice Wolfram Smith, both Class of 1925, and his grandmother Elizabeth B. Smith by George W. and Mary Lee Sackett Smith, both Class of 1954.

Porter Prize (1978)
Awarded for excellence in solving difficult practical physical problems requiring solution of differential equations through the iterative process. Established by Carroll D. Porter, Class of 1932.

Robert R. Mariner Family Research Award (1989)
Awarded annually to a junior student who is conducting a research project in physics during his or her senior year. Established by family and friends in memory of Mariner, Class of 1941, and his daughter, Nancy Mariner, Class of 1969.

Political Science

John W. Burgess Prize in Political Science (1975)
Awarded annually to a senior political science major for scholarly excellence and community leadership. Established anonymously in honor of Professor Burgess, Knox faculty 1869-73.

Dean Acheson Prize (1979)
Awarded to the senior political science and international relations major who best combines a distinguished academic performance with those personal qualities that give promise of a significant contribution in the field of foreign affairs. Established by John A. Houston, professor of political science at Knox 1954-80.

Psychology

Edith Powers Van Dyke Memorial Award in Psychology (1981)
Awarded annually to the student who, during the previous academic year, made the greatest contribution to psychology at Knox College. Established by Clifford C. Van Dyke, Class of 1951, and family friends in memory of his wife, Class of 1952.

Robert Stevens Harper Prize (1987 - Revised 2007)
Awarded annually to the student who best exemplifies Professor Harper's philosophy of education, and who has been accepted into a Ph.D. program in some area of psychology. In addition, awards may also be made to the two best research projects of senior students toward completion of the requirements for a major in psychology. Named in honor of Harper, Knox faculty, 1949-87. Established by his family, colleagues, former students, and friends.

Social Sciences

Steve Floyd Memorial Fund Awards (1994)
Provides for awards to support students who are conducting research and majoring in philosophy, political science and other social sciences. The fund was established by his wife, Carol Everly Floyd, Class of 1968, and family and friends in memory of Floyd, Class of 1970.

Theatre

Colton Prize for Excellence in Public Performance (1876)
Awarded annually to the student judged most outstanding in a public performance in speech or theatre. Established for the Gnothautii Literary Society by Gen. David D. Colton, Class of 1853.

Van Clute Prize (1967)
Awarded to the student making the greatest improvement in the Department of Theatre. Established by bequest of Jessie Van Clute Johnson, Class of 1902.

Linda Elizabeth Karger Award in the Theatre Arts (1982)
Awarded to the senior student, selected by the theatre faculty, who has demonstrated extraordinary ability in the field of the theatre arts. Established by an anonymous donor in honor of Karger, Class of 1961.

Jean Bloomquist McBath Memorial Production Award in Studio Theatre (1990)
Awarded annually to cover direct expenses associated with productions in Studio Theatre. Established in memory of McBath, Class of 1958, by her parents, Paul W. '32 and Mildred Bloomquist.

Awards and Prizes for Athletic Achievement

Men or Women

Arvid Pierre Zetterberg, Jr. Prizes (1945 and 1976)
Awarded to the sophomore man and woman showing an interest in sports and deemed most outstanding in character and leadership during the freshman year. Established by Zetterberg, Class of 1905, and Winifred Ingersoll Zetterberg, Class of 1912, in memory of their son.

John W. Hilding Prize (1964)
Awarded to a senior athlete, chosen by coaches and team captains, whose career in varsity sports at Knox is outstanding. Established by Mabel Anderson Adams, Class of 1908, in memory of her first husband, Class of 1907.

David Agar Athletic Service Award (1980)
Awarded annually to the person making the most significant contribution to Knox athletics in a non-competitive capacity. Established by gifts from family and friends in memory of Agar, son of Woodbury S. Agar, Class of 1956, and Kathryn Berg Agar, Class of 1957.

Jeff Sandburg Mental Toughness Award (1995)
Awarded to the senior athlete who is judged to have dealt most effectively with adversity during his or her Knox career. Chosen by a vote of the full-time coaching staff and the director of Alumni Programs. Established by gifts from family and friends in honor of Sandburg, Class of 1964.

Men

Hunter Trophy (1920)
Awarded to the two-letter male athlete making the highest scholastic average during the junior year. Established by Dr. George W. Hunter, professor of biology, 1920-26.

Cleaveland Bridgman Trophy (1970)
Awarded in the spring to the outstanding performer in individual sports at Knox. Established by the Knox chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon in memory of Bridgman, Class of 1968.

Dean Trevor Memorial Award (1973)
Medallion awarded to a senior demonstrating competitive excellence, integrity, honesty, and commitment to scholarship as well as competition. Established by the Knox chapter of Phi Delta Theta in memory of Trevor, Class of 1926, Knox faculty, 1926-69.

Don C. M. Bracker Memorial (1974)
Awarded to the Knox senior voted most valuable to his team by the basketball squad. Established by a gift from Emil M. D. Bracker in memory of his son, Class of 1944.

Harley Knosher Male Athlete of the Year Award (1994)
Awarded in honor of Knosher, head basketball, golf, and baseball coach, as well as assistant football coach and athletic director.

K Club Award
Presented to a sophomore who wins two varsity letters and ranks among the top three in grade point of all two-letter winners.

Women

Evelyn Bielefeldt Award (1976)
Awarded to the senior with the most outstanding career in intercollegiate athletics. Established by Mortar Board in honor of Bielefeldt, Knox faculty 1932-69.

K Club Award
Presented to a sophomore who wins two varsity letters and ranks among the top three in grade point of all two-letter winners.

Moller Cup (1976)
Awarded to the two-letter athlete making the highest scholastic average during the junior year. Established by Dale Litney, Class of 1966, in memory of Glenn Moller, Jr., Class of 1968.

Michel Loomis Award (1980)
Awarded by the coaching staff to commemorate the special contributions made by Loomis during her tenure as a member of the Knox faculty. It is given annually to the outstanding performer in individual sports at Knox.

Dean S. Trevor Award for Women (1980)
Medallion awarded to a senior demonstrating competitive excellence, integrity, honesty, and commitment to scholarship as well as competition. Presented by Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

Harley Knosher Female Athlete of the Year Award (1994)
Awarded in honor of Knosher, head basketball, golf, and baseball coach, as well as assistant football coach and athletic director.

Awards and Prizes for Special Accomplishments

Pearl Harris Award (1937)
Awarded to a junior woman who has made the greatest contribution as a campus citizen to the life of the College. Given annually by Chapter W, P.E.O., to memorialize Harris, Class of 1896.

Outstanding Senior Award (1952)
Awarded to the senior who has inspired others through effective leadership given to the community through generous service, and upheld intellectual standards through example. The fund was originally established by the Knox Association of Women Students as the Senior Woman’s Award and is currently administered by Mortar Board.

James and Helen Huntington Johnston Prize (1964)
Awarded to a sophomore woman cited for character and scholarship during the freshman year. Established by Leslie J. Johnston, Class of 1903, to memorialize his mother, Knox 1866-67, and father.

Dean Deborah Wing Award (1980)
Plaque awarded each year by Mortar Board to the senior woman whose achievements in scholastic, campus and community activities, and endeavors toward life goals, command respect so as to advance the status of women in the Knox community. Established to honor Wing, Dean of Women 1958-80.

Philip Haring and John Houston Award (1984)
Awarded to a graduating senior who has contributed the most to promoting international understanding on the campus. Established by the International Club in honor of Haring, Knox faculty 1954-81, and Houston, Knox faculty 1954-80.

David R. Arnold Award (1986)
Awarded annually to a student doing an independent research project that supports or enhances the research of a faculty member. The award rotates each year among the divisions of the College. Established by Arnold, Class of 1937.

William Fern Prizes in Memory of Jeanne Zemek Bohn, Thalia Manganari Papavas, and Theodore Yelich, all Class of 1950, Research Awards (1989)
Awarded annually to junior students conducting independent research, assisting faculty in research and/or experimental or innovative teaching, or Honors projects. Established by Fern, Class of 1950, to honor his classmates.

Donald L. Benedict Student Research Fund Award (1999 - Revised 2015)
Awarded to a student pursuing independent academic research. Rotates each year between the physics and mathematics departments. Established in memory of Donald L. Benedict, Class of 1938, by his widow, Helen H. Benedict, and his family.

Glenn M. Nagel Undergraduate Research Fund Awards in Chemistry and Biochemistry (2003)
Provides annual awards to support undergraduate student research in chemistry and/or biochemistry. Established by gifts from family and friends in memory of Dr. Glenn Nagel, Class of 1966. Dr. Nagel was an advocate for undergraduate research, inquiry-based learning, and the integration of research and education as vital components of college life.

Frank & Ruth Schmitt Student Research Award (2004)
Awarded annually to a junior or senior student(s) pursuing independent research in biology, neuroscience, chemistry, or biochemistry. Established by Steven J. Phillips '71 in honor of his aunt and uncle.

Dean Acheson Prize (1979)
Awarded to the senior political science and international relations major who best combines a distinguished academic performance with those personal qualities that give promise of a significant contribution in the field of foreign affairs. Established by John A. Houston, professor of political science at Knox 1954-80.

Knauss Student Research Award for the Lincoln Studies Center (2011)
Awarded annually to a student conducting research related to the life, times, or impact of Abraham Lincoln. Established by Thomas A. and Suzanne Summers Knauss, both Class of 1961, in honor of the Class of 1961's 50th Reunion.