Skip to Content
The bronze Algernon Sydney Sullivan award sits on an outdoor wooden table.

Awards Day

The University of South Carolina is proud to celebrate the service, scholarship, leadership and character of our outstanding student community each spring.

The annual Awards Day ceremony caps off a season of honoring student excellence at South Carolina. Each year we honor hundreds of members of our student community from seniors preparing to move forward to the next chapter of life to students who will come back to make South Carolina an even more special place in the years ahead.

Special thanks to the members of our honors and awards commission for their work in bringing the commitment and character of these remarkable students to light.

Awards Day Ceremony

Honorees and their guests are invited to attend the official celebration.

When: April 17, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Where: Historic Horseshoe

placeholder

 

Awards and Nominating Criteria

Review both university and academic awards with nominating criteria by school or college below.

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award has been given out since 1890. The award was first presented by the membership of the New York Southern Society, including former US President Grover Cleveland. This honor recognizes college students of noble character who have acted as humble servants to others by putting service of others before self-interest. The award is presented each year by more than 70 colleges and universities within the American South. At the University of South Carolina, the award is presented each year to the most outstanding senior female and senior male student. 

Steven N. Swanger Leadership Award

The Steven N. Swanger Leadership Award has been presented since 1978 to honor the memory of an outstanding student leader at the University of South Carolina, Steven N. Swanger. This award recognizes a senior student for significant contributions to the university as an Omicron Delta Kappa member.

University Awards

Selection for the President's Award is based on academic accomplishments, leadership achievements, co-curricular involvement and service to the Carolina community. Recipients have demonstrated major achievement in the categories of service, leadership, academics and research. Students chosen to receive this honor are among the university's most exceptional graduating seniors. 

Students who receive the university’s Outstanding Senior award have demonstrated major achievement in the categories of service, leadership, academics and research.

Freshman Council Marie-Louise Ramsdale Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a freshman who has benefited the student body through a leadership position at USC.

Student Body President’s Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a USC student for outstanding service to the student body through a leadership position. 

Brian Comer Student Government Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a senior planning to attend graduate/professional school at the University of South Carolina who has made a significant contribution to the student body through a leadership position.

 

Richard A. Rempel Faculty Award

The Richard A. Rempel Faculty Award is given to a member of the faculty or administrative staff of the University of South Carolina who, by concern for the welfare of the student body, most closely emulates the career of Professor Richard Rempel.

Paul P. Fidler Volunteer Service Award

The Paul P. Fidler Volunteer Service Award recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student for outstanding volunteer service to those in need. It is given in memory of Dr. Paul Fidler, the former director of research, grants and planning and Student Affairs liaison to the Carolina chaplains. Dr. Fidler's career at USC provided service to others for 35 years through his work in Student Affairs and his teaching at the College of Education.

Lauren E. Brubaker Carolinian Award

The Lauren E. Brubaker Carolinian Award recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student who best exemplifies one or more qualities of the Carolinian Creed. It is given in honor of Dr. Lauren E. Brubaker, former chair of the Department of Religious Studies and university chaplain from 1949–1994. Dr. Brubaker embodied these qualities in his work on campus for more than 45 years.

Phi Beta Kappa Freshman Awards

Each year, the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa recognizes students who are pursuing a liberal arts major, achieved a 4.0 GPA and earned the largest number of hours during their freshman year.

George A. Wauchope Phi Beta Kappa Award

In 1926, USC became the 100th university with a Phi Beta Kappa charter. The first president of this Alpha Chapter was George A. Wauchope, a professor of English and author of the university’s alma mater. The Wauchope Award is presented to the senior initiate with the highest GPA and largest number of liberal arts hours.

Joseph H. Gibbons Omicron Delta Kappa Outstanding Senior Award

The Joseph H. Gibbons Omicron Delta Kappa Outstanding Senior Award is given annually to a senior member who has demonstrated the most significant leadership and has contributed the most to the organization’s success during the year. Selection is made by the membership and includes a financial honorarium.

University students continue to compete and win nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Rotary, Fulbright, Truman, National Science Foundation, Udall, Hollings and Goldwater. Unlike many other academic awards, the nationally competitive scholarships require a rigorous, lengthy application process that usually involves considerable writing and often selection interviews. Carolina students are winning record numbers of these prestigious awards. 

H. Boyd McWhorter SEC Scholar-Athlete Award

Nominees for the H. Boyd McWhorter SEC Scholar-Athlete Award were selected on outstanding and meritorious academic and athletic achievements during the student-athlete's entire career. 

 

College and Departmental Awards

Dean’s Award for Undergraduate Achievement

The Dean’s Award for Undergraduate Achievement honors exemplary graduating seniors for their academic achievements, extra-curricular leadership, and contributions to the Darla Moore School of Business. Students are selected by faculty and staff in the Moore School.

Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence

The Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in the Darla Moore School of Business recognizes the top student in each undergraduate major based on academic excellence. Students are selected by departmental faculty. The awards are:

  • Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in Accounting
  • Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in Business Economics
  • Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in Finance
  • Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in International Business
  • Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in Management
  • Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in Marketing
  • Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in Operations and Supply Chain
  • Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in Real Estate
  • Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence in Risk Management and Insurance

Outstanding Teaching Major Award in Physical Education

This award is to honor an outstanding undergraduate student in the area of physical education. The recipient must demonstrate leadership capabilities and show exceptional promise as a future physical education teacher.

Middle Level Education Outstanding Senior Award

This award is given to a senior majoring in middle level education who exemplifies the qualities of a collaborative educational leader described in the USC Professional Education Unit Conceptual Framework.

Elementary Education Outstanding Senior Award

This award is given to a senior majoring in elementary education who exemplifies the qualities of a collaborative educational leader described in the USC Professional Education Unit Conceptual Framework.

Early Childhood Education Outstanding Senior Award

This award is given to a senior majoring in early childhood education who exemplifies the qualities of a collaborative educational leader described in the USC Professional Education Unit Conceptual Framework.

Outstanding Senior Awards

The Outstanding Senior Awards are given by the College of Engineering and Computing to graduating seniors in each of the degree programs: aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer information systems, computer science, electrical engineering, integrated information technology, and mechanical engineering. Recipients are faculty-recommended and selected based on demonstrated academic excellence, undergraduate research participation and active involvement in the college and university community.

South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers Outstanding Senior Awards

The South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers Outstanding Senior Awards are given to graduating seniors in each of the degree programs: aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.  Recipients are faculty recommended and selected based on demonstrated academic excellence, and contributions to the engineering profession.

 

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Leadership

Nominated by faculty or staff, the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Leadership recognizes a graduating senior for significant contributions to the College of Engineering and Computing.  The award recipient has provided outstanding leadership to a CEC student organization and has positively impacted the college’s brand through service as a CEC ambassador. 

Academic Excellence Award

The Academic Excellence Award recognizes the most outstanding graduating senior in each of the five-degree programs: hospitality management, retailing, services management, sport and entertainment management, and tourism management. 

Dean's Award for Outstanding Leadership

Nominated by faculty or staff, the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Leadership recognizes a graduating senior for significant contributions to the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. The award recipient has provided outstanding leadership to an HRSM student organization and positively impacted the college’s brand through service as an HRSM leader.  

Outstanding Advertising Senior Award

This award recognizes the graduating senior in advertising voted most outstanding by the advertising faculty of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Outstanding Broadcast Journalism Senior Award for Reporting

This award recognizes a graduating senior in broadcast journalism with superior on-air reporting skills.

Outstanding Broadcast Journalism Senior Award for Leadership

This award recognizes a graduating senior in broadcast journalism with superior leadership and organizational skills within the newsroom.

Outstanding Mass Communications Senior Award

This award recognizes the graduating senior in mass communications voted most outstanding by the journalism faculty of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Outstanding Public Relations Senior Award

This award recognizes the graduating senior in public relations voted most outstanding by the public relations faculty of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Hugh Munn Award for Outstanding Community Service

The Hugh Munn Award is given to honor the legacy of Hugh Munn, a former public relations faculty member in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Outstanding Visual Communications Senior Award

This award recognizes the graduating senior in visual communications voted most outstanding by the visual communications faculty of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

George Andrew Buchanan Award

This award, named for one of the school’s former deans, recognizes an outstanding graduating senior in journalism.

J. Rion McKissick Award

This award, named for a former dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, who later became president of the University of South Carolina, recognizes an outstanding graduating senior in journalism.

Robert Pruzin Music Leadership Award

The Robert Pruzin Music Leadership Award is given to the senior in the bachelor of music or bachelor of arts programs who has demonstrated the most outstanding leadership skills in service, teaching, academic studies and/or music performance. The award is given in memory of Robert Pruzin, professor of horn from 1978 to 2013, and associate dean, director of undergraduate studies from 2003 to 2013.

Arthur M. Fraser Award

The Arthur M. Fraser Award is presented to the most outstanding graduating senior in the bachelor of arts in music or the bachelor of music programs with emphasis in performance, theory or composition. The award is given in memory of Dr. Arthur Fraser, chair of the Department of Music from 1963 to 1972, whose numerous contributions to music in our state included the founding of the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra.

Cantey Award for Excellence

The Cantey Award for Excellence is presented to a rising senior music major who best exemplifies excellence in scholarship (as measured by grade point average), musicianship (as measured by significant contributions to USC music ensembles and performances) and service (as measured by participation in school, university or civic organizations).

Robert Van Doren Award

The Robert Van Doren Award is presented to the most outstanding graduating senior in the bachelor of music program with emphasis in music education. The award is given in honor of Dr. Van Doren, who served as professor of organ and coordinator of music education at USC from 1946 to 1978. 

Presser Scholar Award

The Presser Scholar Award is given by the Presser Foundation to recognize an outstanding music major at the end of his or her junior year. It is a prestigious award that recognizes not only the excellence of the student recipient but the music unit as well, since relatively few music schools across the nation are authorized to present the award.

Academic Excellence Award

The Academic Excellence Award is given to a traditional senior bachelor of science in nursing student with the highest institutional GPA.

Academic Excellence Award (RN-BSN)

The Academic Excellence Award is given to the bachelor of science in nursing RN-BSN student with the highest institutional GPA.

Outstanding Undergraduate Clinical Performance Award

The Outstanding Clinical Performance Award is presented to a senior bachelor of science in nursing student who has displayed evidence of a high level of critical thinking in the clinical area and/or extraordinary patient-centered care.

Outstanding Undergraduate Community Service Award

The Outstanding Undergraduate Community Service Award is given for evidence of sustained community service either within a group or individually.

Outstanding Undergraduate Leadership Award

The faculty nominates and awards an outstanding senior bachelor of science in nursing student who has consistently been recognized by peers, faculty and organizations as an excellent leader.  The recipient has led an organization or group in an excellent manner and displayed leadership behaviors that contribute both to the profession of nursing and the health of society.

Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award

The Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award is given to a bachelor of science in nursing student who consistently contributed to growing their knowledge of research and scholarship in nursing science. Worthy contributions may include, but are not limited to, participation in faculty research projects, funding applications, dissemination (individual and collaborative), and research activity engagement.

Outstanding Service to the College of Nursing and/or the University Award

This award Is given by the faculty to a graduating senior who has over time consistently volunteered time for the Improvement of the college, university and the nursing profession. 

David L. Burggraf Award

The David L. Burggraf Award is given in recognition of the student, 25 years of age or older, with the highest GPA in the liberal studies, organizational leadership, or elementary education degree programs of Palmetto College. The award is named for David Burggraf, former director of Adult Student Services, who devoted most of his career to the success of adult students at USC.

Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society Scholastic Achievement Award

The Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society Scholastic Achievement Award is sponsored by the Gamma Psi Chapter of Rho Chi, the national pharmacy honor society, and is presented to the student who has achieved the highest GPA after completion of the first three semesters of the professional pharmacy program.

Kappa Psi Scholastic Achievement Award

The Kappa Psi Scholastic Achievement Award is sponsored by the Gamma Xi Chapter of Kappa Psi pharmacy fraternity and is presented to the student who has achieved the highest GPA after completion of three semesters in the pre-pharmacy program and will begin the Doctor of Pharmacy program the next academic year. 

Outstanding Public Health Student Award (Bachelor of Science)

The Outstanding Public Health Student Award (Bachelor of Science) is given to a graduating senior in Public Health in recognition of excellence in academics and service to the university and the community.

Outstanding Public Health Student Award (Bachelor of Arts)

The Outstanding Public Health Student Award (Bachelor of Arts) is given to a graduating senior in Public Health in recognition of excellence in academics and service to the university and the community.  

Department of Exercise Science – Outstanding Exercise Science Student Award

The Outstanding Exercise Science Student Award is given to graduating seniors in exercise science. Selection is based on excellence in academics and service to the university and the community.

BSW Community Engagement Award

This award is designated for a student who demonstrates high levels of effective engagement In the College of Social Work community, the campus community, and/or other communities, representing social work's values and ethics. 

BSW Diversity and Inclusion Award

This award is designated for a student who uplifts, empowers, and advocates for marginalized or underrepresented populations in the College of Social Work, the campus community, and/or other communities, representing social work's values and ethics. 

BSW Student Achievement Award

This award is designated for a student who demonstrates outstanding achievement within and outside the classroom, effectively representing the profession of social work. 

Outstanding Anthropology Student Award 

The Outstanding Anthropology Student Award is given to an undergraduate anthropology major that has demonstrated academic excellence and participation in anthropology or social issues beyond the classroom.

Outstanding Biological Sciences Senior Award

The Outstanding Biological Sciences Senior Award is presented to a graduating senior in Biological Sciences who has excelled in academic performance and in undergraduate research 
and service.

James T. Penney Award

The James T. Penney Award serves as a memorial to the late chair of the USC Department of Biological Sciences and first president of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The award, in his name, is given to an upper-level Biological Sciences student who excels academically and is active in an intercollegiate athletic program.

American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry Undergraduate Award

This award encourages student interest in analytical chemistry and is awarded for outstanding performance in Chemistry 322 or 621. The award is sponsored by the American Chemical Society's Division of Analytical Chemistry and must be a chemistry or biochemistry major. It includes a subscription to the journal Analytical Chemistry and an honorary membership in the Division of Analytical Chemistry for the same period.

Victor Laurie Junior Year Scholarship

The Victor Laurie Junior Year Scholarship is awarded to a rising junior. The student must have completed 48 semester hours prior to this semester with a GPA of 3.50 or higher graduating in the 2020-2021 academic year, and participated in undergraduate research. The award is based on faculty recommendation and is supported by a gift from Dr. Victor Laurie and his wife, Donna.

Victor Laurie Senior Year Scholarship

The Victor Laurie Senior Year Scholarship is awarded to a rising senior with 75 semester hours completed prior to this semester graduating in the 2019-2020 academic year, with a GPA of 3.50 or higher. The student must have completed physical chemistry and participated in undergraduate research. The award is based on faculty recommendation and is supported by a  gift from Dr. Victor Laurie and his wife, Donna.

American Chemical Society South Carolina Section Outstanding Undergraduate Senior Chemistry Major Award

This award is presented to a graduating senior chemistry or biochemistry major based on faculty recommendation, undergraduate research participation and outstanding grades. As a recipient of this award, the student will receive a plaque and be honored at the annual meeting of the South Carolina Section of the American Chemical Society. 

American Chemical Society Division of Environmental Chemistry Undergraduate Award

This award is given to an outstanding full-time undergraduate student currently enrolled in chemistry, environmental engineering or other programs emphasizing environmental chemistry.  The student must have completed one full year of study at USC. The award is sponsored by the American Chemical Society Division of Environmental Chemistry and includes a one-year membership in the ACS Division of Environmental Chemistry and a certificate.  

American Chemical Society Division of Inorganic Chemistry Undergraduate Award

This award recognizes achievement by students who have demonstrated excellence in inorganic chemistry at the undergraduate level and have future plans that include a career in chemistry. The award is sponsored by the ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry and includes a personalized certificate and a letter of commendation.

American Chemical Society Division of Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Award

This award is presented to a top graduating senior student majoring in chemistry or biochemistry who has demonstrated excellence in organic chemistry based on a combination of research experience, coursework and a desire to pursue a career in chemistry. The award, sponsored by the American Chemical Society Division of Organic Chemistry, includes a letter of recognition from the division, an award certificate and membership to the ACS Division of Organic Chemistry.

American Chemical Society Division of Physical Chemistry Undergraduate Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an undergraduate student that has demonstrated excellence In physical chemistry based on research, coursework, and/or dedication to the field. This award Includes a letter of recognition, an award certificate, and a membership to the ACS Division of Physical Chemistry. 

Hiram and Lawanda Allen Award for Excellence in Chemistry

This award is given to a graduating chemistry or biochemistry senior based on faculty recommendation for undergraduate research participation in some area relevant to the chemical industry. This award is funded by Mr. and Mrs. Hiram S. Allen.

Hiram and Lawanda Allen Scholarship for Excellence in Chemistry

The Hiram and Lawanda Allen Scholarship is a full scholarship awarded to a rising senior intensive major or biochemistry major with 75 semester hours completed prior to this semester graduating in the 2019-2020 academic year, physical chemistry or all prerequisites completed, a GPA of 3.5 or better and outstanding lab proficiency demonstrated by chemical research participation that is relevant to the chemical industry. This award is funded by Mr. and Mrs. Hiram S. Allen.

Joseph W. and Julia L. Bouknight Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry who plan to teach high school chemistry. The scholarship can be awarded to freshman and upper-class students each semester until the B.S., M.T. or MAT degrees are completed. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA and must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree. 

Tommy L. and Fred E. Hickman III Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a worthy student majoring in chemistry or biochemistry in good standing with demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to underrepresented groups to promote diversity among the student body. This scholarship is supported by a gift from Tommy L. and Fred E. Hickman III.

Betty R. Fundeberg Undergraduate Biomedical Research Award

This award is given to provide support for Columbia campus chemistry or biochemistry undergraduates performing biomedical research at the University of South Carolina or School of Medicine.

Royal Society of Chemistry Certificate of Excellence

This award is sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry and is given to an outstanding chemistry or biochemistry undergraduate to recognize outstanding achievement in the chemical sciences.

Outstanding Academic Excellence Award

The Outstanding Academic Excellence Award is presented to the graduating senior who has attained the highest grade point average in the criminology and criminal justice major.

Outstanding Service Award

The Outstanding Service Award is presented to a junior or senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service as measured by participation in the department, university or civic organizations.

Diamoney A. Greene Memorial Award

The Diamoney A. Greene Memorial Award is presented to a junior or senior who has made a significant contribution in the area of prevention or intervention in intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as measured by participation in service, advocacy or research. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Award in Environmental Science

The Outstanding Undergraduate Award in Environmental Science is given to a senior majoring in Environmental Science. The award is based on academic achievement and extracurricular activities that best reflect environmental and/or sustainability interests within and/or outside of the University of South Carolina.

Bruce C. Coull Outstanding Undergraduate Award in Environmental Studies

A student either majoring or minoring in environmental studies with senior status is selected to receive this award on the basis of academic achievement and extracurricular activities that best reflect environmental and/or sustainability interests within and/or outside of the university.

The Distinguished Academic Achievement Award in the Geosciences

This award is given on an occasional basis to a student with senior standing in the Geosciences who has established a distinguished record of academic achievement and demonstrated truly exceptional achievement.

Outstanding Senior Award in the Geosciences

The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes a senior in geological sciences or geophysics who has an outstanding academic record.

Stephen Taber Award in the Geosciences

The Stephen Taber Award is given to recognize superior academic achievement by an undergraduate student in geological sciences or geophysics.

 

Outstanding Undergraduate Award in Marine Science

This award recognizes a marine science student who goes beyond achievement of academic excellence and has demonstrated outstanding citizenship through their involvement in research and campus life.

Traci J. Heincelman Memorial Scholarship in Marine Science

The Traci J. Heincelman Memorial Scholarship in Marine Science is given in memory of an outstanding marine science undergraduate student. The recipient is a marine science student who exemplifies Traci’s qualities of excellent scholarship, participation in research, involvement in campus life and enthusiasm for the subject of marine science.

Harris Pastides and Patricia Moore-Pastides Sustainability Award

Harris Pastides and Patricia Moore-Pastides are committed to sustainability and its positive impact on multiple systems. Selected by the School of the EOE and the Office of Sustainability, this award recognizes a rising senior at the University of South Carolina who meets GPA requirements and who has made an impact in one or more of the following areas related to sustainability: scholarship, leadership and engagement.

  • Scholarship: Through an intensive discovery or research project, the student has revealed a new understanding of the interdisciplinary connections between the environment, economy and society. Conclusions from the project should demonstrate the importance of sustainability research, suggestions for USC campus operations, and/or contribute to social progress.

  • Leadership: The student has demonstrated an ability to put theory into practice by leading a team to execute a major program or project that promotes sustainability at USC.

  • Service/Engagement: The student has exhibited a commitment to service and educational outreach through engagement with the campus and local community. Through intensive projects and programs, the student has helped to elevate the education of these two populations.

Havilah Babcock Short Story Contest Award

The Havilah Babcock Short Story Contest Award is given to the student who has written the most outstanding short story as determined by faculty judges.

Havilah Babcock Poetry Contest Award

The Havilah Babcock Poetry Contest Award is given to the student who has written the most outstanding poetry as determined by faculty judges.

N. G. Belser Scholarship

The N. G. Belser Scholarship is presented to three junior English majors for outstanding scholastic achievement based on faculty recommendation and grade point average.
 

Merrill G. Christophersen Scholars Award

The Merrill G. Christophersen Scholars Award is presented to an outstanding senior for exceptional scholastic achievement by an English major.

Peter Mackey Scholarship Award

The Peter Mackey Scholarship Award is presented to a deserving junior English major for exceptional scholastic achievement.

J. S. Reynolds Essay Contest Award

The J. S. Reynolds Essay Contest Award is presented to the student who has written the best essay in an English course as determined by faculty judges.

Cary K. Smith Jr. Award

The Cary K. Smith Jr. Award is presented to a senior who has demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership, scholarship and outstanding scholastic achievement.

George Walker Waring Award

The George Walker Waring Award is presented to two sophomores who have demonstrated exceptional ability for the study of English.

John K. Hoey Honors Scholarship Award

The John K. Hoey Honors Scholarship Award is presented to an Honors English major for exceptional scholastic achievement.

Polston Scholarship Award

The Polston Scholarship Award is presented to two junior English majors for outstanding scholastic achievement based on faculty recommendations and grade point average.

Distinguished Junior Award

The Distinguished Junior Award is presented to four outstanding junior English majors for exceptional scholastic achievement.

Distinguished Senior Award

The Distinguished Senior Award is presented to four outstanding senior English majors for exceptional scholastic achievement.

Heide M. Hilburn Poetry Award

This award goes to an accomplished undergraduate poet selected by the faculty.

Ina Rae Hark Award

The Ina Rae Hark Award recognizes a rising senior in film and media studies with a strong academic record who has demonstrated outstanding scholarly engagement. The award honors Dr. Ina Rae Hark, an exemplary scholar of popular media and founder of the Film and Media Studies Program.

Film and Media Studies Program Senior Excellence Award

The FAMS Senior Excellence Award recognizes a graduating senior with a distinguished record of scholarly engagement.

Hampton-Rogers Award in History

The Hampton-Rogers Award in History is named after the Hampton family and Professor George Rogers. The recipient is the senior history major with the highest GPA.

Charles W. Coolidge Awards

Given to USC history majors in memory of the late Professor Charles W. Coolidge, who taught at USC from 1957 until his death in 1996 and was widely known to three generations of Carolina students, the awards are offered to juniors and seniors majoring in history and are awarded on a competitive basis.

Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Language Studies

These awards, given this year for Arabic,  Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish recognize excellence in undergraduate language studies.

Hoechst Scholarship in German Studies

The Hoechst Scholarship in German Studies is given to a German major or minor who has attained a high level of proficiency in all four skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. 

Gerda Jordan Award for German Studies

The Gerda Jordan Award for German Studies was established by Gerda Jordan, distinguished professor emeritus, and is presented to a German major who has demonstrated excellent language skills and exceptional knowledge in German culture and literature.

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Mathematics

This award is presented annually to an outstanding undergraduate student who exhibits excellence in the mathematics program.

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Mathematics Education

This award is presented annually to an outstanding undergraduate student in mathematics education who exhibits excellence in the mathematics program.

 

Jeong S. Yang Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics

Awarded annually to outstanding undergraduate mathematics majors at the University of South Carolina selected from students who have earned at least 100 credit hours and have completed at least 3 of the 4 core mathematics courses required for the major with a GPA of at least 3.70 in all upper-division mathematics courses. The award was established by the Department of Mathematics in memory of the late Professor Jeong S. Yang, undergraduate director 1984-1995.

Josiah Morse Award in Philosophy

Josiah Morse was the first Jewish professor at USC, and for most of the time of his tenure at the Department of Philosophy (1911-46) its sole member. Most memorable are his attempts to improve racial relations in the South through education and communication. The Josiah Morse Award in Philosophy is awarded in his memory each year to seniors who have demonstrated a superb academic achievement in the study of philosophy. The student must be a philosophy major.

Edna W. and Foster E. Tait Scholarship Award

Funded by a previous member of the Department of Philosophy (and beloved teacher of exciting courses), the Tait Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior majoring in philosophy in his or her last semesters of study at USC to help defray the cost of tuition. The student must show excellence in their achievement in philosophy and demonstrate financial need.

James W. Oliver Award in Logic

In memory of the former chair of the Department of Philosophy (and student of W.V. Quine), the James W. Oliver Award in Logic is awarded each year to a graduate student in philosophy or to an undergraduate student majoring, minoring or doing cognate work in philosophy who best exemplifies excellence in symbolic logic and the application of symbolic logic to other areas of philosophy.  Overall academic excellence will be considered, but primary emphasis will be placed upon a mastery of symbolic logic and its applications.

Nina and Frank Avignone Fellowship

The recipient of the Nina and Frank Avignone Fellowship is chosen by the faculty from senior undergraduate physics majors. The highest ranked student based on performance in upper-level physics classes is the winner. The recipient receives $1,000 and an engraved plaque.

Roger W. Black Award for Psychological Research

The Roger W. Black Award recognizes outstanding achievement in psychological research. It is awarded to a rising senior majoring in psychology.

Kendra Cusaac Community Engagement and Leadership Award

The Kendra Cusaac Community Engagement and Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership in community service activities. It is awarded to a rising junior Psychology major (students with a minimum of 45 credit hours obtained from the USC Columbia campus) who has community service experience.

M. Kershaw Walsh Award for Academic Achievement

The M. Kershaw Walsh Award is given to the graduating senior psychology major with the highest overall GPA.

Psychological Service Award

The Psychological Service Award recognizes outstanding achievement in psychological service. It is awarded to a rising senior majoring in psychology.

Elizabeth Dodge Clark Book Prize

The Elizabeth Dodge Clark Book Prize is awarded each year to a graduating senior who has majored in religious studies. Four criteria are considered in choosing each year’s recipient: 1) work of distinction in courses offered by the department, 2) distinction in the conception and execution of a senior thesis, 3) evidence of commitment to humanitarian and religious values transcending parochial boundaries and 4) demonstrated interest in a career of service.

Rising Senior of the Year in Sociology

The Rising Senior of the Year award is presented to students about to become seniors, who, in the judgement of the faculty, are among the most promising sociology majors who will be graduating within several semesters.

Outstanding Senior Major in Sociology

The Outstanding Senior Major in Sociology award is presented to the graduating sociology majors who, in the judgment of the faculty, are the most exceptional of all sociology seniors.

Mu Sigma Rho Award

Mu Sigma Rho is the national honor society in statistics. This annual award recognizes a statistics major chosen by the faculty for outstanding academic achievement. 

Stephen D. Durham Award

The Stephen D. Durham Award annually recognizes outstanding academic performance by a senior statistics major. This award is named for Professor Durham, who retired in 1995 after 22 years as a USC statistics faculty member. He was director of undergraduate studies in statistics from 1981 until 1993.

John D. Spurrier Scholarship

The John D. Spurrier Scholarship recognizes a freshman statistics major for outstanding academic performance, as selected by the faculty. This award is named for Professor Spurrier, who retired in 2008 after 34 years as a USC statistics faculty member. He won many teaching awards and was director of undergraduate studies in statistics from 2002 until 2006.

Department of Statistics Excellence in Academics Award

The Department of Statistics Excellence in Academics Award recognizes a sophomore or junior statistics major for outstanding performance in the classroom as selected by the faculty.

Arney Robinson Childs Student Award

Each year, an outstanding Women’s and Gender Studies student is recognized to further the commitment to build knowledge about women, as well as the intersections of gender, race, class, sexualities, and other important categories of identity. The award honors Arney Robinson Childs, the University of South Carolina’s first dean of women, who served the university from 1935 until 1958. Dr. Childs, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in literature by USC in 1960, was an accomplished and prolific scholar of American history who was active in issues of social justice and women’s rights and was responsible for the development of the South Carolina history course for South Carolina Educational Television. She died in April 1987 at the age of 96. This award is supported by gifts to the Women’s and Gender Studies Endowment.