2024 Student Academic Awards
THE PETER C. BAXTER MEMORIAL PRIZE IN AMERICAN STUDIES
Recipient: Lindley Andrew
Established in 1972, this award honors the outstanding senior in the Department of American Studies. Presented in memory of Peter Baxter, a student of American Studies, the prize is awarded to the undergraduate in that discipline who best exemplifies Mr. Baxter’s intellectual excellence, personal warmth, and contribution to the American Studies Program.
“Lindley is a remarkable student who tackles controversial and painful topics with keen intellect and deep human compassion. She is dedicated to using her talents in American Studies, Latin American Studies, and Spanish language studies to advance the interests of underserved communities.”
THE BERNARD BOYD MEMORIAL PRIZE
Recipient: Christina Georgiou
This award was established in 1979 by the Department of Religious Studies in memory of Bernard Boyd, James A. Gray Professor of Biblical Literature from 1950 to 1975. A monetary prize is presented annually to the member of the senior class majoring in Religious Studies who has been selected by a faculty committee as most outstanding in academic achievement.
“Beyond achieving a stellar GPA, Christina distinguished herself in every single class for her sophisticated reading of difficult texts, perceptive contributions to class discussions, thoughtful engagement with difficult topics, and unflagging intellectual curiosity.”
THE GEORGE C. MARSHALL AWARD
Recipient: Can Tunceli
Established in 1976, this award honors Army General George C. Marshall. General Marshall formulated the Marshall Plan and was the only soldier to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This award is presented to the senior Army cadet who excels in professional excellence, leadership, scholarship, personal integrity and selfless service to the nation.
“It’s Can’s selfless service, dedication to others, and demonstrated leadership skills that led to him receiving this award. He is a Peace, War, and Defense Major, the Army ROTC Cadet Battalion Commander, Captain of the Army ROTC Ranger Challenge team, and a member of the UNC Club Rugby team.”
THE ARCHIBALD HENDERSON MATHEMATICS MEDAL
Recipient: Abel Abraham
The Major William B. Cain Award was established in 1908, and its name was changed in 1931 to the Archibald Henderson Mathematics Medal. A medal may be presented annually to the undergraduate judged by the Department of Mathematics to have demonstrated both a high degree of mathematical ability and the greatest promise of originality in the field.
“Abel began groundbreaking research as a 16 year-old freshman, authoring papers that are under review in prestigious journals such as Physical Review X and Nature Physics. He was awarded the Lucas Scholars Fellowship, Abrams Scholarship, and Johnson Scholars Summer Internship and leads UNC’s Helping Hand Project as President and Design Chair.”
THE WALLACE RAY PEPPERS AWARD IN PERFORMANCE OF AFRICAN AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE
Recipient: Sydney Van Buren
This award was established in 1987 in honor of a professor in the Department of Communication. His teaching in the field of African and African-American literature and personal influence and example inspired his students in academic and cultural endeavors. It is given annually to the junior or senior in that department who is judged by a faculty committee to be most outstanding in performance of African and African-American literature.
“Sydney has excelled as a performance studies student, showcasing vitality, intelligence, and skill in her work. From her chilling interpretation of Robert Hayden’s poem “Night, Death, Mississippi” to her current honors thesis, “Imposter: The Dancing Body,” she demonstrates an extraordinary exploration of Hip Hop, intersectional identity, and dance, integrating African American authors, artists, and historians into her performances.”
THE JACQUES HARDRÉ UNDERGRADUATE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FRENCH
Recipient: Madeleine Genova
Established in 1989, this certificate and monetary prize are presented annually by the Department of Romance Languages to an undergraduate whose work in French language and literature has been judged most outstanding by a faculty committee. It was established in honor of Jacques Hardré, past Chair of the Department of Romance Languages.
“Madeleine, a double major in Computer Science and French & Francophone Studies, has thrived in UNC’s Romance Studies. Colleagues commend her engagement with course materials, adeptness in class discussions, and ability to energize groups with concise, thoughtful remarks.”
THE STERLING A. STOUDEMIRE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SPANISH
Recipient: Alexa Tomlinson
This certificate and monetary prize are awarded annually to a senior who has excelled in Spanish. It was established in 1974 by friends and former students of Sterling Aubrey Stoudemire in recognition of his fifty years as a teacher of Spanish and other services to the University, including Chair of the Department of Romance Languages and Chairman of the Faculty Committee on Buildings and Grounds.
“Alexa has completed a major in Hispanic Linguistics, a minor in Translation and Interpretation, and has a second major in Geology. During her time at UNC, she worked with children at Juntos NC, as a peer tutor in Spanish, and as resident advisor in which she collarborated on a program of intercultural competence, development, and wellness.”
THE RIA STAMBAUGH UNDERGRADUATE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN GERMAN
Recipient: Melanie Altenkirch
Established in 1987, this award recognizes the graduating senior who has achieved the most distinguished academic record in German language and literature. This prize is awarded by the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures, and is made possible by memorial contributions of friends and relatives of Ria Stambaugh, Professor of German from 1963 to 1984.
“Melanie secured a competitive German-American Exchange internship with Swagelok in 2022, utilizing her majors in German and Environmental Science. Selected as a DAAD Young Ambassador in 2023, she promotes UNC study abroad opportunities in Germany, while also actively contributing to departmental events and serving as treasurer of the German Club.”
THE CAMÕES PRIZE IN PORTUGUESE
Recipient: Marcos Gregorio
The Camões Prize in Portuguese is awarded annually to the outstanding undergraduate in Portuguese. This prize was established in 1975 with a grant from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon.
“Marcos is a junior who has been a very active participant in not only many Portuguese classes, but also in all of the department’s outside-of-class Portuguese activities. He is adored by his peers and his class work is always among the very top.”
THE MARY TURNER LANE AWARD IN WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES
Recipient: Elizabeth Belter
This award honors a senior, from any discipline, judged by the faculty in the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies to have made an outstanding contribution through original scholarship and/or creative production on gender and feminist issues. Its purpose is to further academic research in the expanding field of Women’s and Gender Studies, which was established on the campus in 1978 by Mary Turner Lane, a tireless feminist, advocate, and educator.
“Elizabeth’s senior capstone essay delves into the challenges of applying body positivity in eating disorder treatment for transgender individuals, proposing body neutrality as a potentially more suitable approach. Drawing from diverse fields including social work, psychology, and women’s and gender studies, Elizabeth’s work has been described as “an insightful feminist project.””
THE PAUL DEBRECZENY PRIZE IN SLAVIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES
Recipient: Aden Keating Laws
This award, established in 1999, is presented to the graduating senior whose work in Russian or Slavic language, literature and culture is judged most outstanding by the Slavic and East European faculty of the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures. The prize honors the late Professor Paul Debreczeny, a founding member of the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, which merged with the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures in 2011. Professor Debreczeny was deeply committed to quality undergraduate education.
“Aden’s exceptional aptitude for Germanic and Slavic languages, coupled with his leadership within the Department of Germanic and Slavic languages, is unparalleled. He revitalized Carolina’s Slavic Club and has been instrumental in organizing various extracurricular activities. Aden is an enterprising and ethical thinker whose thirst for knowledge has taken him around the world.”
THE L. RICHARDSON PREYER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Recipient: Rosa Elias
Established in 2002, this award is given to a senior judged by a committee of the faculty to have established the most distinguished record of scholarship in Political Science and service to the community.
“Rosa has served as president of Students United for Immigrant Equality for nearly three years, has mentored Carolina Covenant students, and has volunteered at polls in multiple election cycles. She is currently writing an honors thesis on Latinx representation in the US, and for two years worked as a research assistant, collecting data on protest movements in the US.”
THE ROBERT B. HOUSE MEMORIAL PRIZE IN POETRY
Recipient: Amelia Loeffler
This award in poetry honors the first chancellor of the University, a writer and friend of the literary arts. A cash prize is presented annually to a graduating senior who has done distinguished work in poetry. The recipient is selected by faculty members in the Creative Writing Program.
“Amelia is double majoring in Geography and English and Comparative Literature, with a minor in Creative Writing. Like the other students in her two-semester senior Honors in Poetry Writing class, she just completed a thousand-line book-length thesis collection of original poems: with a lively voice and variety of formal approaches, her collection abounded in compelling poetry.”
THE PATRICK F. EAREY AWARD
Recipient: Corinna Collins
Established by the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, the award honors the late Patrick Earey, a distinguished member of its faculty. Dr. Earey taught in the department from 1957 to 1987 and served as varsity swim coach from 1957 to 1975. This award is given to a member of the graduating class who has exhibited outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and leadership. The recipient is selected by a committee of faculty members and students from the department.
“Corinna is an excellent student and leader. She has a passion for the sports industry and provides consistent service to others in many roles. Corinna also won and excelled in a competitive, national internship.”
The Undergraduate Award in Economics
Recipient: Aidan Buehler
This award has been established by the Department of Economics to honor excellence in economic studies. It is given annually to the undergraduate majoring in economics that is judged to be the most outstanding based on performance in major and related courses.
“Aidan is an exceptional student who has excelled in both undergraduate and graduate classes. He has received and accepted a pre-doc position at the prestigious BFI Predoctoral Research in Economics Program at the University of Chicago, reflecting both his passion for and competence in empirical economics research.”
THE UNDERGRADUATE PRIZE IN ART HISTORY
Recipient: Hope Mutter
This award was established in 1979 by the Department of Art. It is given annually to the undergraduate who, in the opinion of a faculty committee, has done the most outstanding work in art history.
“In addition to her superb performance in all her classes, Hope authored a Senior Honors Thesis in Art History, focusing on political art by US women artists associated with the Taller de Gráfica Popular in Mexico City during the 1940s. She received the Allcott Travel Fellowship for independent research in Bogotá, Colombia, presented at the Spring 2023 Art and Art History Undergraduate Honors Symposium, and actively engages in campus radio hosting and volunteering as an ESL tutor.”
THE UNDERGRADUATE PRIZE IN ART HISTORY
Recipient: Mackie Tate Tygart
This award was established in 1979 by the Department of Art. It is given annually to the undergraduate who, in the opinion of a faculty committee, has done the most outstanding work in art history.
“A double major in Art History and Peace, War, and Defense Studies, Mackie has impressed her professors as being a smart, thoughtful, and articulate young scholar. In Art History classes she consistently gave polished presentations, wrote excellent papers, and was always a strong leader in group projects.”
THE McNALLY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN GEOGRAPHY
Recipient: Amelia Loeffler
This award, a monetary prize and an international atlas, is given annually to a graduating senior who is selected by the geography faculty based on superior academic performance. The award was established by Andrew McNally IV, Class of 1963.
“Amelia received a SURF Fellowship to study tourism and rural gentrification in Eastern Kentucky, is a research assistant in the Freshwater Ecology and Biochemistry Lab, and an intern for the Southern Oral History Project. She is also a staff member for the Cellar Door Literary Magazine and volunteers for TABLE and Habitat for Humanity.”
THE HAMPTON SHUPING PRIZE
Recipient: Andy Jin
The Hampton Shuping Prize shall be given to the graduating senior at UNC-Chapel Hill who is the outstanding undergraduate majoring in business, not only in academic achievement, but in integrity, honor and leadership potential; who shows concern for ethical management of the American business enterprise; and who respects the labor and the commitment of the individual as instrumental to the success of the organization and the free enterprise system.
“Andy excels academically as a double major in Business and Economics while also leading numerous student organizations and serving as an Ambassador for the STAR Program. His empathetic, resilient, and visionary leadership style has set a new standard at Kenan-Flagler, making him an exemplary student and leader.”
THE HOWARD W. ODUM UNDERGRADUATE SOCIOLOGY AWARD
Recipient: Halley Zhang
This award was established in 1968 in memory of Howard W. Odum, who founded the Department of Sociology. The award is presented annually to the senior who is judged most outstanding by the department’s faculty on the basis of academic performance.
“In addition to her outstanding performance in the classroom, Halley is an exceptionally talented and dedicated researcher. She conducted multiple independent research projects, including summer research on the relationship between social status and college major, and a senior’s honor thesis that explores the significant impact of COVID-19 disruptions on the work-life balance of educators in higher education settings.”
THE LOUIS D. RUBIN, JR. PRIZE IN CREATIVE WRITING
Recipient: Delaney Phelps
Established in 1987, this award honors a distinguished professor emeritus of English and scholar of southern American literature whose work with talented undergraduates in creative writing was widely appreciated. A monetary award is presented annually to the outstanding fiction writer in the senior class.
“Majoring in English and Comparative Literature with double minors in American Indian and Indigenous Studies and Creative Writing, Delaney is currently engaged in completing her senior Honors in Fiction through a collection of short stories. Her outstanding work ethic, demonstrated in both her writing endeavors and collaborative peer critiques, has earned her this award.”
THE PAUL E. SHEARIN OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD IN PHYSICS
Recipient: Andrew Hanan Mattson
This award, established by W.E. Haisley, Professor Emeritus of Physics, honors Paul E. Shearin, Professor of Physics, member of the faculty for 36 years, and for 12 years Chairman of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. A monetary award is given to the member of the senior class majoring in Physics who is judged most outstanding on criteria of scholarship, scientific insight and professional seriousness. The recipient is selected by the departmental faculty from candidates nominated by the undergraduate major advisors.
“Andrew’s exceptional academic performance, dedication to education, and community involvement led to him receiving this award. Alongside his academic accomplishments, he has contributed significantly as an Undergraduate Learning Assistant and founder of UNC-Trash Force, fostering both campus cleanliness and social connectivity among students.”
THE MARC ADAM EISDORFER AWARD IN LINGUISTICS
Recipient: Annika Marie Herlant
This award was established in 1988 by Sandra Eisdorfer in memory of her son, Marc Adam Eisdorfer, a graduate of the class of 1984. It recognizes the senior or seniors judged most outstanding in academic achievement in Linguistics.
“Annika shines as a bright and engaged student, actively participating in class, lab groups, and extracurricular activities such as Underling and the Computational Linguistics Open competition. Her remarkable contributions to Field Methods and other courses, coupled with outstanding written work and progress on her honors thesis, demonstrate her exceptional dedication and talent.”
THE MARC ADAM EISDORFER AWARD IN LINGUISTICS
Recipient: Emma Wrenn
This award was established in 1988 by Sandra Eisdorfer in memory of her son, Marc Adam Eisdorfer, a graduate of the class of 1984. It recognizes the senior or seniors judged most outstanding in academic achievement in Linguistics.
“Emma is an outstanding student in her linguistics classes. Her professors appreciate her enthusiasm for the subject, sharp questions and observations, and her eagerness to write elicitations on the board in Field Methods.”
THE ALBERT SUSKIN PRIZE IN LATIN
Recipient: Bradley Sadowsky
Established in 1966 by his colleagues and friends, this award is in memory of Albert I. Suskin, Professor of Latin from 1953 to 1965 and Chairman of the Department of Classics from 1960 to 1965. A monetary award is offered annually to the undergraduate who shows the best ability to understand Latin poetry and to translate selected passages at sight.
“A senior majoring in Comparative Literature and minoring in Latin and German, Bradley receives this awarded today for his exceptional performance in the Latin competition, displaying a fluently poetic translation with minimal errors and an insightful essay demonstrating a deep understanding of the genre and its connections to other works.”
THE EBEN ALEXANDER PRIZE IN GREEK
Recipient: Keith Theisen
Established in 1887, this award is bestowed by the family of Dr. Eben Alexander, Sr. A monetary award is presented annually to the undergraduate who, in the opinion of the faculty of the Classics Department, presents the best rendering into English of selected passages of Greek not previously read.
“Keith shows impressive command of Greek vocabulary and grammar, attending to subtle niceties of expression as well as grand rhetorical features. The two translated passages used to judge this award were each challenging in their own ways, and Keith demonstrated an ability to maintain not only the logical sense, but the rhetorical force of the original Greek.”
THE VENABLE MEDAL
Recipient: Meredith Haven Daughtridge
The Venable Medal was established in 1955 by Rho Chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma and is presented annually by members of that professional chemistry fraternity to the two most outstanding seniors majoring in chemistry. Two medals are awarded. The selection of one recipient is based on scholastic and academic work within the chemistry program. The other is based on outstanding academic work, character, and outstanding contributions to the University community and to chemistry. The awards bear the name of Francis Preston Venable, chemistry professor from 1880 to 1930 and president of the University from 1900 to 1914.
“Meredith is an outstanding student who is recognized for her high academic performance and her creativity and innovation as a researcher in the Hicks lab. Faculty note that she has great attention to detail, takes initiative, works highly independently, and exhibits innovation in the research lab.”
THE VENABLE MEDAL
Recipient: Maya Groff
The Venable Medal was established in 1955 by Rho Chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma and is presented annually by members of that professional chemistry fraternity to the two most outstanding seniors majoring in chemistry. Two medals are awarded. The selection of one recipient is based on scholastic and academic work within the chemistry program. The other is based on outstanding academic work, character, and outstanding contributions to the University community and to chemistry. The awards bear the name of Francis Preston Venable, chemistry professor from 1880 to 1930 and president of the University from 1900 to 1914.
“Maya co-founded the STEM Sisters program and serves as its president, is an engaged contributor to Carolina Scientific, and is an active member of the Lawrence research lab. She is recognized as a talented scientist committed to enhancing diversity in STEM.”
THE WORTH AWARD
Recipient: Ellie Riggsbee
Established in 1883, this award was given annually in the Department of Philosophy through 1919. Reinstituted in 1977 by the department, this oldest academic award, based on course performance and faculty recommendation, is given for sustained excellence in undergraduate study of philosophy.
“Ellie has demonstrated remarkable passion and talent for philosophy, excelling in class discussions and producing outstanding papers. Additionally, her dedication as a Parr Heel and leadership within the Parr Center community underscore her valuable contributions.”
THE WORTH AWARD
Recipient: Amery Smith
Established in 1883, this award was given annually in the Department of Philosophy through 1919. Reinstituted in 1977 by the department, this oldest academic award, based on course performance and faculty recommendation, is given for sustained excellence in undergraduate study of philosophy.
“Amery’s sincere enthusiasm and curiosity in philosophy classes have impressed instructors, reflected in consistently insightful and creatively written work. Additionally, he is a highly valued member of the undergraduate philosophy community, making significant contributions to the Philosophy Club and beyond.”
THE IRVINE R. HAGADORN AWARD
Recipient: Phu Nguyen
Established in 1983, the Hagadorn Award is given to an outstanding rising senior Biology major. The recipient is selected on the basis of academic achievement, excellence in biology research and contributions to the Biology Department. This award was established in honor of Dr. Irvine Hagadorn, former Chair of the Department of Zoology at UNC.
“Phu is given this award based on his academic excellence, exemplary research, and contributions inside and outside the classroom. Phu served as a peer mentor, giving instructional support to faculty and students in Biology and Chemistry and founded Magic in Science, a non-profit organization designed to motivate and inspire under-represented children to discover the world of science.”
THE DONALD T. LYSLE AWARD
Recipient: Caroline Clodfelter
This award honors Dr. Donald T. Lysle who served as Chair from 2007-2022. Dr. Lysle completed his B.S., Magna Cum Laude; and Ph.D from the University of Pittsburgh and has been a faculty member at Carolina since 1990. Aside from his great service as Chair of a large department, he is known for his compassion for others. Thus, it is fitting that the award which honors Dr. Lysle is an award which recognizes those who show exceptional concern and service for others.
“Caroline is presented this award for her dedicated support of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, evident through her leadership in various service organizations such as the TEACH Initiative, Reintegration Support Network, and the Carolina Harm Reduction Union. Additionally, Caroline actively volunteers as a Crisis Text Line Counselor and at UNC Hospitals.”
THE CAZEL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN HISTORY
Recipient: Andrew Gary
The Cazel Prize in History recognizes an outstanding senior who has excelled in the study of history, contributed to the life of the History department, and shown a profound commitment to the values of the historical discipline.
“Andrew has made outstanding contributions to the History department’s mission and values. His involvement in various activities, including his honors thesis, instruction, and leadership roles, reflects his commitment as an engaged scholar and ambassador for historical inquiry’s significance in addressing public concerns.”
THE WILLIAM STEVENS POWELL AWARD
Recipient: Rob Clay
The William Stevens Powell Award was established in 2002 by the North Caroliniana Society in honor of the Society’s first president, long-time vice-president, and distinguished historian. The award recognizes a student who, during the student’s career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has done the most to develop an interest in, and understanding of, the history and traditions of the nation’s oldest state university. Absent a deserving recipient as so adjudged, the award may be presented to the UNC-CH student who has done the most to develop an interest in, and understanding of, the history of the state of North Carolina. Undergraduate seniors shall be the preferred recipients, but any student duly enrolled in the university who meets the foregoing criteria is eligible for the award. Absent a nominee deemed a meritorious recipient as adjudged by one or more of the foregoing criteria, the Society may forego presentation of the award in a given year._A check for $200.00. an autographed copy of Professor Powell’s book, The First State University, and the winning student’s name engraved on a silver plaque that is housed in Wilson Library constitute the award._
“A Philosophy major, Rob is committed to expanding healthcare access. As a 2023-2024 Zietlow Civic Engagement Scholar and a Public Service Program Coordinator at the Carolina Center for Public Service, Rob aims to provide knowledge and guidance to Chapel Hill’s low-income and marginalized citizens who signed up for Medicare.”
THE GEORGE H. COCOLAS PHARMACY STUDENT BODY AWARD
Recipient: Taysir Chamem-Fomby
This award was established in 1948 and renamed in 1998 in honor of Dr. George Cocolas, retired associate dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. It recognizes a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated the highest qualities of character, deportment, scholarship, professionalism, participation in extracurricular activities, and promise of future distinction in the profession of pharmacy. The award is given by the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Student Senate and the recipient is selected by the graduating class. Student Senate and the recipient is selected by the graduating class.
“Taysir was chosen by her peers for her exceptional academic performance, extensive research experience, and strong leadership demonstrated through roles such as Clinical Development Intern at Dermavant Sciences, Inc., National Student Officer in Industry Pharmacists Association, and past president of various pharmacy organizations.”
THE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES AWARD
Recipient: Jim Appiah
This award is given each year to one or more students graduating with the Minor in Entrepreneurship degree of the Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship. These students will have excellent grades in the courses of the Minor and will also have demonstrated excellence in application of entrepreneurial thinking in practical problem-solving in the social, public health, commercial, media, sports, computation, design, artistic or scientific fields.
“Jim has a passion for creating projects that have a positive impact on humanity. When he had to return to his home in Ghana during Covid, he founded his first entrepreneurial venture, Focus Group Companies, whose mission is to provide job opportunities for African youth and to make Africa sufficient in food. Jim is currently involved in “Project 2030” whose goal is to provide meat for every person in West Africa by 2030.”
The Alexander Julian Prize
Recipient: Joseph Gu
Fashion designer Alexander Julian, Class of 1969, established this award in 1985. The art department gives the award to an undergraduate student exhibiting an outstanding sense of design, which the faculty interprets as a mature integration of formal issues and content. The award is given to the undergraduate who the faculty believes has done the most outstanding work in studio art.
“Joseph’s interdisciplinary approach as a Studio Art and Biology double major is evident in his impactful work exploring cultural and political themes through photography and printmaking, particularly his research on 1990s China, showcasing his dedication to excellence and innovation in artistic expression and scholarly inquiry.”