2024 Prize Recipients

FYS Essay Prize

The First Year Seminar Essay Prize commends the work of first-year writers at Wesleyan. This prize celebrates the discovery of first-year student voices and ideas while acclimating to expectations of academic writing. In addition to receiving a cash prize, winners are published in an online archive. In addition to receiving a cash prize, winners are published in an online archive.

  • Mel Cort 2027
  • Ruby Friedman 2027
  • Tamiraa Sanjaajav 2027

George H. Acheson and Grass Foundation Prize in Neuroscience

Established in 1992 by a gift from the Grass Foundation, this prize is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate in the Neuroscience and Behavior Program who demonstrates excellence in the program and who also shows promise for future contributions in the field of neuroscience.

  • Aaron Berson 2024
  • Kylie Nelson-Marois 2024

Alumni Prize in the History of Art

Established by Wesleyan alumni and awarded to a senior who has demonstrated special aptitude in the history of art and who has made a substantive contribution to the major.

  • Olivia Andrews 2024
  • Bailey Chapin 2024
  • Sabrina Tian 2024

American Chemical Society Analytical Award

Awarded for excellence in analytical chemistry.

  • Terry Ye 2025

American Chemical Society Connecticut Valley Section Award

Awarded for outstanding achievement to a graduating chemistry major.

  • Emma Davis 2024

American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry

Awarded to an undergraduate student in inorganic chemistry to recognize achievement and encourage further study in the field.

  • Leonard Vincent Majaducon 2024

American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry

Awarded to a senior who has displayed a significant aptitude for organic chemistry

  • Justin Bracero 2024

American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry

Awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement by undergraduate students in physical chemistry, and to encourage further pursuits in the field.

  • Ishraq Wasif 2024

American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award for Excellence in Safety & Ethics

Awarded to recognize senior undergraduates who have actively demonstrated the intersectionality between chemical safety and ethical behavior.

  • Ashley Vazzana 2024

American Institute of Chemists Award

Awarded for outstanding achievement to a graduating chemistry major.

  • Maya Goldgisser 2024

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biochemistry Honor Society

Awarded to exceptional juniors and seniors pursuing a degree in the molecular life sciences. Students are recognized for their scholarly achievement, research accomplishments, and outreach activities in the molecular life sciences.

  • Sara Beth Bouchard 2024
  • Tai Lon Tan 2024

Ayres Prize

The gift of Daniel Ayres, Class of 1842, to the first-year student who attains the highest academic standing in the first semester.

  • Aisha Bah 2027

Bertman Prize

Established in memory of Bernard T. Bertman, associate professor of physics, by gifts from his colleagues, family, and friends, in 1970. Awarded to a senior majoring in physics who displays a particularly resourceful and creative approach to physics research.

  • Emily Kabat 2024
  • Elias Mathews 2024

Blankenagel Prize

Income from the John C. Blankenagel Fund, established in 1970, awarded at the discretion of the Department of German studies to enrich educational offerings in the area of humanistic studies, or to assist a superior student in completing a project in German studies.

  • Tohma Mitsuya 2024
  • Yasemin Schmitt 2024

Bradley Prize

The gift of Stanley David Wilson, Class of 1909, in memory of Professor Walker Parke Bradley, to the senior or junior who excels in chemistry and particularly in special original work.

  • Anne Kiely 2024
  • Jessica Luu 2024

Bridge Builder Award

Awarded to a student and student group who have succeeded in strengthening the relationship between Wesleyan and the greater Middletown community.

  • Traverse Square Afterschool Program
  • Nicole Allina 2024

Briggs Prize

Established in 1900 by the gift of James E. Briggs, to the student who has done the most effective work in intercollegiate debating.

  • Timothy Goggin 2024

Professor Samuel Hugh Brockunier Prize

Awarded for the best final essay on a social studies topic by a student in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program.

  • Michael Jensen Sembos GLSP

Christopher Brodigan Fund Award

Established in memory of Christopher Brodigan, a Wesleyan student who died in an accident in his frosh year. The Fund pays tribute to Christopher\'s deep interest in Africa and to the public service he provided through teaching in Botswana prior to entering Wesleyan. Awarded to graduating seniors and recent graduates who plan to pursue public service or research in Africa.

  • Emma Bella Bass-Lawrence 2024
  • Christa Ishimwe GRAD

Erness Brody Prize

Established in 2002 by Ann duCille in honor of Professor Erness Bright Brody, former chair of the African American Studies Program. Awarded annually to a senior African American Studies Program major for excellence in written expression.

  • Arabella Katz 2024
  • Nate Simon 2024

Bruner Freshman Improvement Prize

The gift of William Evans Bruner, Class of 1888, to the student whose second-semester first-year record shows the greatest relative improvement over that of the first semester.

  • Alex Justh 2026

Butler Prize

The Butler Prize, established in 1991 in honor of retiring colleague Jeffrey D. Butler, is awarded for the best Honors thesis in African, Asian or Latin American History.

  • Alice Pereira 2024

Butterfield Prize

Established by the Class of 1967 and awarded to the graduating senior who has exemplified those qualities of character, leadership, intellectual commitment and concern for the Wesleyan community shown by Victor Lloyd Butterfield, 11th president of the University.

  • Asija Qyteza 2024
  • Diana Zhumalieva 2024

CRC Award for Outstanding First-Year Chemistry Students

Awarded to an outstanding first-year chemistry student, based on grades in organic chemistry over the interval of the current academic year.

  • Tihitina Gebeyehu 2027
  • Christie Kim 2027

Camp Prize

Established in 1905 by the Board of Trustees in memory of Samuel T. Camp, trustee 1880-1903. Awarded for excellence in English literature.

  • Amina Mednicoff-Misra 2024
  • Rachel Wachman 2024

Frank Capra Prize

Established in 1983 to honor Frank Capra, Hon. 1981, the great American film director whose collected papers are in the Ogden and Mary Louise Reid Cinema Archives at Wesleyan University. Best film to exemplify Capra's skill in telling a human story that contains both humor and pathos.

  • Anna Graziano 2024

Cardinal Crest Award

Awarded to the member of the WSA who has given honor to his/her post on the WSA or one of its committees through his/her leadership, and has selflessly served the greater interest of the Wesleyan student body.

  • Paul Quach 2026

Chadbourne Prize

The gift of George Storrs Chadbourne, Class of 1858, to that member of the first-year class outstanding in character, conduct, and scholarship.

  • Alex Mussomeli 2027

Citation of Citizenship in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Recognizes those students studying mathematics or computer science, whose contributions both aid the educational mission of the department and foster a sense of community that encourages and supports all members of the department.

  • Anan Afrida 2026
  • Stefan Hesseling 2025

Dr. Neil Clendeninn Prize

Established in 1991 by George Thornton, Class of 1991 and David Derryck, Class of 1993, for the African American student who has achieved academic excellence in biology and/or molecular biology and biochemistry. This student must have completed his or her sophomore year and in that time have exemplified those qualities of character, leadership, and concern for the Wesleyan community as shown by Dr. Neil Clendeninn, Class of 1971.

  • Lexie Allen 2024
  • Princess Asante 2025
  • Nakial Cross 2025

Cole Prize

Established through the gift of George Henry Walker, Class of 1881, in the memory of Charles Edward Cole. Awarded to the first-year student who shows the greatest ability in fiction or nonfiction writing.

  • Celeste McKenzie 2027

Herbert Lee Connelly Prize

Given in 1980 by Mabel Wells Connelly in the name of her husband, member of the Class of 1909, and alumni secretary, 1924-56. Supplemented by friends, relatives, and sons Hugh Wells and Theodore Sample, Class of 1948, the fund provides income to be awarded annually to a deserving undergraduate who demonstrates an interest in English literature and an unusual ability in nonfiction writing.

  • Immi Shearmur 2024

Critical Language Scholarship

An intensive summer program of overseas language and cultural immersion in one of 15 languages deemed critical to U.S. national security.

  • Aniya Akhtar 2024
  • Kat Basilio 2027
  • Henry Leighton 2025
  • Lyla Normand 2025
  • Sophie Raiskin-Wood 2025
  • Eli Siegel-Bernstein 2025

Christina Crosby Award for Social Justice Feminism

Awarded each year to a FGSS major who epitomizes Christina's dedication to social justice activism and scholarship (expressed in multiple ways - through thesis or essay writing, through activism on and/or off campus etc.).

  • Hazel Allison-Way 2024
  • Aurora Guecia 2025

Davenport Prize

Established in 1948 by the gift of Ernest W. Davenport in honor of his brother, Frederick Morgan Davenport, Class of 1889, for excellence shown by seniors in the field of government and politics.

  • Oscar Ashley 2024
  • Macarena Barrio 2024
  • Matt D'Annunzio 2024
  • Lia Franklin 2024
  • Krissy Gately 2024
  • Chloe Goorman 2024
  • Chase Howard 2024
  • Ryan Jokelson 2024
  • Cam McCrystal 2024
  • Macy Miller 2024
  • Amanda Morris 2024
  • Isabella Pruscino 2024
  • Annie Volker 2024

Dorchester Prize

Established through the gift of Daniel Dorchester IV, Class of 1874. Awarded for the best thesis submitted to the English Department.

  • Abigail Gray 2024
  • Emma Kendall 2024

W.E.B. DuBois Prize

Awarded annually for academic excellence to a student majoring in African American studies.

  • Ahmed Almohamed 2024
  • Eva Weintraub 2024

Dutcher Prize

Established by gift of Arthur A. Vanderbilt, Class of 1910, in honor of Professor George Matthew Dutcher, for highest excellence in the Department of History.

  • Macy Miller 2024
  • Celia Penny 2024
  • Alice Pereira 2024

Kevin Echart Memorial Book Prize

Awarded to the graduating College of Letters senior who best exemplifies the intellectual curiosity and range, the pleasure in colloquy, the capacity for admiration and skepticism, and the moral seriousness and love of books that we honored in our late colleague Kevin Echart and seek to foster in the students of the College of Letters.

  • Grey Simon 2024

Egeria Prize

Awarded to students who distinguish themselves in elementary Latin. Special consideration will be given to students from backgrounds underrepresented in our discipline, including but not limited to those who: (1) have, as a result of their socio-economic background, membership in a historically underrepresented group, or challenging life experience, overcome substantial obstacles to enroll at Wesleyan; (2) are the first in their family to attend university.

  • Zirui Zhang 2026

Exceptional Program of the Year Award

Awarded to the coordinator(s) of an exceptional program, cultural event, speaker or production that has had positive campus-wide impact.

  • BUMA (Black Undergraduate Medical Association)

William Firshein Prize

Awarded to the graduating MB&B student who has contributed the most to the interests and character of the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department.

  • Ghazia Abbas GRAD
  • Zane Lombardo GRAD

First-Year Leadership Award

Awarded to a first-year student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership or involvement in the Wesleyan community.

  • Ronald Ceesay 2027

Susan Frazer Prize

Awarded annually to the student (or students) who has done the most distinguished work in the elementary and intermediate French language sequence.

  • Vik Georgieva 2027
  • Jesús Gil 2026

Freeman Prize

Established in 1975 by Mansfield Freeman, Class of 1916. Awarded annually to a senior for excellence in East Asian studies.

  • Felice Li 2024

Beulah Friedman Prize

This prize recognizes work of outstanding achievement by a student in the history of art. The prize is awarded to a member of the senior class.

  • Emma Flaherty 2024

Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award

Funded by the United States government under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act) and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The grants support one year of teaching in an English-language classroom at the grade-school or college level in one of 75 countries outside the U.S.

  • Eliot Kimball 2024
  • Amina Mednicoff-Misra 2024
  • Daisy Montoya 2024
  • Rachel Wachman 2024
  • Simon Worth 2024

Fulbright Study/Research Award

Funded by the United States government under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act) and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The grants support one year of independent research or graduate study at an institution outside the U.S.

  • Melanie Cham 2024
  • Sophie Mann-Shafir 2022

James C. Gaither Junior Fellow Program

The James C. Gaither Junior Fellow Program is a program of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a unique global network of policy research centers with the mission to advance the cause of peace through analysis and development of fresh policy ideas and direct engagement with decision makers in government, business, and civil society. It offers one-year fellowships to graduating seniors and alumni within a year of graduation to work as research assistants to Carnegie's senior scholars.

  • Debbra Goh 2024

Gay, Lesbian, and Sexuality Studies Prize

Donated by the Wesleyan Gay and Lesbian Alumni Association (GALA), this prize is awarded annually to that undergraduate who has done the best research and writing on a subject in gay, lesbian, and sexuality studies.

  • Hazel Allison-Way 2024
  • Celine Bassman 2024
  • Teddy Shusterman 2024

Giffin Prize

Established in 1912 by a gift of Mrs. Charles Mortimer Giffin, in memory of her husband, an honorary graduate of the Class of 1875. Awarded for excellence in the Department of Religion.

  • Debbra Goh 2024

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Awarded by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation to a jcollege student who has outstanding potential and intends to pursue a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering.

  • Adin Dowling 2025

Government Department Service Award

Given to junior or senior Government majors who exemplify outstanding service and leadership for the Government Department.

  • Nicole Motherway 2024
  • Sumreen Moughal 2025

Graham Prize

The gift of James Chandler Graham, Class of 1890, awarded to a member of the graduating class for excellence in natural science.

  • Emily Kabat 2024
  • Sara Ptaszynska 2024

Grant/Wilcox Prize

Awarded in honor of Connecticut filmmakers Ellsworth Grant and Roy Wilcox to the senior whose work in film and video best addresses significant environmental, social, or artistic issues.

  • Lippo Dacco 2024
  • Kyra Kushner 2024

Hallowell Prize

Established by friends and associates of Burton C. Hallowell, Class of 1936, former professor of economics and executive vice president of the University. Awarded annually to an outstanding senior in the study of social science, as determined by the governing board of the Public Affairs Center.

  • Margot Deguet Delury 2024
  • Flora Gu 2024

Sarah Hannah Poetry Prize

Offered in memory of Sarah Hannah, class of 1988, in association with the Academy of American Poets and awarded for an outstanding poem.

  • Gray Sansom-Chasin 2027

Hawk Prize

The gift of Philip B. Hawk, Class of 1898, as a memorial to his wife, Gladys, to the students who have done the most effective work in biochemistry.

  • Emma Johnston 2024
  • Alexis Papavasiliou 2024
  • Sara Ptaszynska 2024
  • Michael Quinteros 2024
  • Eric Sakkas 2024

Health Education Prize

Awarded annually to the graduating senior who best exemplifies the goals of Wesleyan's Health Education Program, which are the promotion of healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. The student who is chosen for this prize has demonstrated commitment not only to his or her personal well-being but has also served as a role model to peers in the Wesleyan community and beyond.

  • Sara Ptaszynska 2024

Heideman Award

Established in 1972, in honor of Enid and Walter Heideman. Awarded annually to an undergraduate who has helped others in the Wesleyan community, in the tradition of the Heidemans.

  • Ahmed Almohamed 2024
  • Claire Edwards 2024

Rachel Henderson Theater Prize

Awarded annually to that student who, in the estimation of the theater faculty, has contributed most to theater at Wesleyan over the course of their undergraduate career.

  • By Martinez-Castaneda 2024

Holzberg Fellowship

Established in memory of Jules D. Holzberg, professor of psychology, by gifts of his colleagues and friends. Awarded to a senior who intends to pursue graduate study in clinical or community psychology in recognition of the commitment to research and applied work on the resolution of social problems on the individual and collective level that is consistent with Professor Holzberg\'s lifelong professional interests and humanitarian concerns.

  • Isabella Pruscino 2024

Horgan Prize

Established by the Department of English in honor of Paul Horgan, professor emeritus and writer-in-residence. Awarded to the student who has written the best short story of the year.

  • Nora Knoepflmacher 2024

Ingraham Prize

The gift of Robert Seney Ingraham, Class of 1888, and his wife, for excellence in New Testament Greek or, in years when a course in that subject is not given, for excellence in a course in Greek elective for juniors and seniors.

  • Rijs Johansongordet 2024

Jessup Prize

Awarded to two undergraduates each year who are deemed to show the greatest talent and promise for even greater excellence in sculpture, printmaking, architecture, photography, painting, or drawing. The prize is given in memory of Pauline Jessup, a noted interior designer, who practiced her craft for over 60 years throughout the United States. Mrs. Jessup was noted for her unerring eye, her extraordinarily refined taste, and her steadfast commitment to her clients¿many of whom she served over three generations. The award is determined by the Department of Art and Art History.

  • Eliza Austin 2024
  • Malcolm Davol 2024
  • Emlyn Mileaf-Patel 2024

Johnston Prize

The gift of David George Downey, Class of 1884, in memory of Professor John Johnston. Awarded to those first-year students or sophomores whose performance in their first two semesters of physics shows exceptional promise.

  • Richik Acharya 2027
  • Halcyon Botvinick-Greenhouse 2027
  • Casey Gao 2027

Nancy Kathan Award

Given in honor of Nancy Kathan '76. Awarded to a female senior film major who exemplifies overall outstanding qualities in the film department.

  • Haden Embry 2024

P. L. Kellam Prize

Established in memory of Priscilla L. Kellam, Class of 1983, by her husband. Awarded annually to a senior student who has majored in East Asian Studies and has traveled or plans to travel to China to further her studies.

  • Sabrina Tian 2024

Leavell Memorial Prize-Film

Awarded annually to a senior film student who has done outstanding work in the major, and who best reflects the departmental goals of citizenship, scholarship, and the wedding of theory and practice.

  • Danny Dacosta 2024

Leavell Memorial Prize-Music

Awarded annually to a senior who has done outstanding work in music, and whose work manifests the ideals of the World Music Program in the Department of Music.

  • Emma Bella Bass-Lawrence 2024
  • Charlie Kauffman 2024

Leonard Prize

Given in 1917 in memory of William Day Leonard, Class of 1878, by his friends. Awarded annually to the Member of the WSA who has given honor to their post on The WSA or one of its committees through their leadership, and has selflessly served the greater interest of the Wesleyan student body.

  • Judy Liu 2026
  • David Tu 2026

Levy-Spira Prize

Awarded for distinction in Latin American studies. Established in 1992 in memory of Eduardo Levy-Spira, Class of 1982, by his family and friends.

  • Yohely Comprés 2024

Limbach Prize

Established in 1966 by Russell T. Limbach, professor of art, in memory of his wife, Edna Limbach. Awarded annually to the student who has contributed the most imaginative, generous, thoughtful, and understanding social service to the people of the City of Middletown and/or the Wesleyan community.

  • Serena Levingston 2024

Lipsky Prize

The gift of the Reverend and Mrs. Bailey G. Lipsky in memory of their son, Francis Jules Lipsky, Class of 1931, to the member of the choir possessing in the highest degree unfailing kindliness, quiet dignity, and brilliant scholarship.

  • Stuart Conrad 2026
  • Edvin Tran Hoac 2024

Littell Prize

The gift of Franklin Bowers Littell, Class of 1891, for excellence in one or more advanced courses in astronomy.

  • Jamar Kittling 2024
  • Kyle McGregor 2024

Mann Prize

Established in memory of Albert Mann, Class of 1906, devoted alumnus and faculty member, by his daughters and their families. Awarded annually to the senior(s) showing the most outstanding achievements in the Romance languages.

  • Dove Bonjean-Alpart 2024
  • Rebecca Drucker 2024
  • Saba Rahimi 2024
  • Saige Rovero 2024
  • Eva Weintraub 2024

Martius Yellow Award

Awarded for excellence in organic synthesis.

  • Kayla Alexander 2025
  • Aiden Parente 2025

James L. McConaughy Writing Prize - Students

Awarded for a piece of nonfiction writing, on a topic in the social sciences or sciences, that is designed to interest general readers. Funds for this award were given originally by members of the class of 1936 in honor of their classmate, James L. McConaughy, a former Governor of Connecticut and President of Wesleyan University.

  • Eli Siegel-Bernstein 2025

Metis Prize

Awarded to students who distinguish themselves in elementary Greek. Special consideration will be given to students from backgrounds underrepresented in our discipline, including but not limited to those who: (1) have, as a result of their socio-economic background, membership in a historically underrepresented group, or challenging life experience, overcome substantial obstacles to enroll at Wesleyan; (2) are the first in their family to attend university.

  • Cassie Wo 2027

Meyer Prize

Established in 1991 in honor of retiring colleague Donald A. Meyer, is awarded for the best Honors thesis in American History.

  • Macy Miller 2024

Priscilla Meyer Fund

Established in honor of Professor Priscilla Meyer's teaching career at Wesleyan. Awarded to Wesleyan students who are the most dedicated to the study of topics related to Russia, Eastern Europe, or Eurasia.

  • Kseniia Guliaeva 2025
  • Nate Kianovsky 2025
  • Julia Kulchytska 2024
  • Yehor Mishchyriak 2026
  • Yufei Qi 2025
  • Anya Shatilova GRAD
  • Lera Svirydzenka 2025
  • Oleksandra Volakova 2027
  • Alex Weidenfeld 2024

Joan W. Miller Prize

Established by Professor Miller in 2008. It is awarded for the outstanding Honor's Thesis in the College of Social Studies.

  • Margot Deguet Delury 2024
  • Jennie Ebihara 2024

Monroe Prize

Established in 1985 by the Center for African American Studies in memory of John G. Monroe, director, scholar, and teacher in the Center for African American Studies and in the Department of Theater. This prize is to be awarded annually to the Wesleyan sophomore or junior who, in the opinion of the review committee, submits the best scholarly essay in the field of African American studies.

  • Brianna Bembry 2025
  • Sylvia Maxwell 2025

David Morgan Prize

To be awarded annually to the senior major or majors in CSS and/or the Department of History who best demonstrated the integrity and commitment to community that characterized David's 37 years of service to his College, his Department, and to the University.

  • Ruby Clarke 2024
  • Emma Steckline 2024

Peter Morgenstern-Clarren Social Justice Award

Created in memory of Peter Morgenstern-Clarren who pursued social justice while a student at Wesleyan. His activism included securing benefits for Wesleyan custodial staff, participating in the United Student and Labor Action Committee, and contributing his leadership to the campus chapter of Amnesty International. We are grateful to Dr. Hadley Morgenstern-Clarren and The Honorable Pat Morgenstern-Clarren for their generosity in sponsoring this award that honors their son's activism for the public good. Awarded to an employee whose every day work helps the students at Wesleyan and who best embodies the pursuit of social justice.

  • Maryam Badr 2025
  • Leonard Sanders None

Mosaic Award

This award recognizes the contribution(s) of a person or organization that has brought about cultural awareness and education on one or more of the following issues: race, ethnicity, culture and/or sexual orientation.

  • LASO (Latin American Student Organization)

Geraldine J. Murphy Prize

Established in memory of Geraldine J. Murphy, who was the first woman hired as a full-time instructor at Wesleyan (1957), the first woman promoted to a tenured position, and the first woman promoted to the rank of full professor. The prize is endowed by alumni of the Wesleyan Master of Arts in Teaching program. Awarded to a student who has written an outstanding critical essay that focuses on short fiction or novels.

  • Trevor Wells 2024

NNK Award

Awarded for the best screenplay for an undergraduate film.

  • Eliot Kimball 2024

Needler Prize

Established by Sophie Needler, in memory of her husband, Bennett Needler. Awarded annually to one or two graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in Hebrew or Jewish studies.

  • Benjamin McMahon 2024
  • Hannah Steinberg 2024

Carol B. Ohmann Memorial Prize

Awarded for excellence in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

  • Nicki Klar 2024
  • Clara Martin 2024
  • Teddy Shusterman 2024
  • Alisha Simmons 2024

Olin Fellowship

Founded in 1854 by the wife of Stephen Olin, president, 1839-41 and 1842-51. Later increased by gifts of their son, Stephen Henry Olin, Class of 1866 and acting president, 1922-23, and his wife, Emeline. Awarded in recognition of achievement in English. The fellowship supports supervised work in English outside of the Wesleyan course structure.

  • Ava Guralnick 2025
  • Rooney Kim 2027
  • Anna Logan 2025
  • Audrey Nelson 2025
  • Senica Slaton 2026
  • Mahek Uttamchandani 2026
  • Mira Zaslow 2026

Outreach and Community Service Award

Awarded to the senior theater major who, through their work in the Department of Theater, has done a significant service in the community.

  • Monique Andres 2024
  • Alisha Simmons 2024

Outstanding Collaboration Award

Awarded for a program which was successfully planned in the spirit of partnership and team work.

  • Wesleyan Doula Project

Paik Family Prize

Awarded annually to one or more seniors for excellence in Korean studies

  • Minji Kang 2024

Parker Prize

Established in 1870 by the Reverend John Parker, Trustee 1859-71. Awarded to a sophomore or junior who excels in public speaking.

  • Adriana Alfaro Liendo 2026
  • Julia Armeli 2025
  • Violet Becker 2025
  • Alek Czereszkiewicz 2025
  • Sophie Jager 2025
  • Charlie McGill 2025
  • Asher Moss 2025
  • Juliette Vemmer 2025
  • Margo Wilson 2026

John W. Paton Prize

Awarded for the best piece of narrative creative writing endeavoring with issues of social justice.

  • Diana Zhumalieva 2024

Peterson Fellowship

Established in 1963 by bequest of William Harold Peterson, Class of 1907, for graduate study in biochemistry at Wesleyan.

  • Lorencia Chigweshe GRAD
  • Eric Zanderigo GRAD

Plukas Prize

Established in 1986 by John Plukas, Class of 1966, this prize is awarded to graduating economics seniors to be applied toward summer expenses, during which period each student will work under the supervision of a faculty adviser to convert an honors project into a publishable article.

  • Jennie Ebihara 2024
  • Flora Gu 2024

Plukas Teaching Apprentice Award

Established in 1986 by John Plukas, Class of 1966, this prize is awarded for excellent service to the Economics Department as a teaching apprentice.

  • Suldaan Ali 2026
  • Macarena Barrio 2024
  • Sonia Guan 2024
  • Abhinav (Abhu) Gupta 2025
  • Thomas Kan 2025
  • Lucas Pirner 2024
  • Kaustubh Vasudevan 2026
  • Putt Watcharapong 2025
  • Justin Weinstein 2025
  • Jack Wemmlinger 2024

Gwen Livingston Pokora Prize

Established in 1993, awarded annually to the outstanding undergraduate student in music composition.

  • Claire Edwards 2024
  • Kriti Williams 2024

Wallace C. Pringle Prize for Research in Chemistry

Gift of Eleanor and Wallace Pringle and their family and friends. This prize is to be awarded annually by the Chemistry Department to a student for excellence in research.

  • Jessica Luu 2024
  • Leonard Vincent Majaducon 2024

Sophie and Anne Reed Prize

Established by Leon Reed; his sons, S. Chadwick '41 and Dr. Victor Reed, and his grandson Ted Reed '70, in memory of Sophie Reed and Anne Reed, for the best poem or group of poems.

  • Hyacinth Scheinfeld 2024

Rice Prize

Awarded for excellence in mathematics to a senior.

  • Rylie Harris 2024

Michael Rice Prize in Computer Science

Endowed in 2008 by the Fernando and Appapillai families in honor of Dr. Michael D. Rice and awarded for excellence in computer science to a senior.

  • Joe Champeau 2024
  • Sam Feuer 2024
  • Jocelyn Wang 2024

Rich Prize

The gift of Isaac Rich, trustee 1849-72, in memory of his wife, and later supplemented by appropriations from the Board of Trustees. Awarded to those seniors whose orations are judged best in composition and delivery.

  • Niall Calvert 2024
  • Maxwell Ewing 2024
  • Nicole Motherway 2024
  • Mason Polaner GLSP

Robertson Prize

Awarded for excellence in mathematics to a sophomore.

  • Ze Fan 2026

Robins Memorial Prize

Established in 1969, in memory of George D. Robins 1898, by Frank D. Robins 1934, and Douglas H. Robins 1966, for excellence in history.

  • Celia Penny 2024

Steven J. Ross Prize

Established in 1979 as a gift of Steven J. Ross of Warner Communications. Awarded annually for the best undergraduate film, digital, and/or virtual made in the Department of Film Studies.

  • Eliot Kimball 2024
  • Sam Rapkiewicz 2024

Juan Roura-Parella Prize

Established in 1984 to be awarded annually to an undergraduate whose work represents the kind of catholic curiosity and general learning that Professor Juan Roura-Parella exemplified.

  • Debbra Goh 2024

Rulewater Prize

Awarded for outstanding reflection and writing on an interdisciplinary topic in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program.

  • Gary Plotke GLSP

Robert Schumann Prize for Distinguished Environmental Stewardship

Established in 2007 by a gift from the Robert Schumann Foundation. Awarded to an outstanding student who demonstrates academic accomplishment and excellence in environmental stewardship through work at Wesleyan or the greater Middletown Community.

  • Amara Leazer BLS

Scott Biomedical Prize

Awarded to a member(s) of the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry senior class who has demonstrated excellence and interest in commencing a career in academic or applied medicine.

  • Arpie Bakshian 2024
  • Sara Beth Bouchard 2024
  • Gabrielle Chernomorsky 2024
  • Maddy Fay 2024
  • Charlotte George 2024
  • Lucas Hughes 2024
  • Mikoto Nakamura 2024
  • Beatrice Oey 2024
  • Tai Lon Tan 2024
  • Mingyu Wang 2024

Scott Prize-Chinese

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Santiago Galvan 2026

Scott Prize-French

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Rachel Wachman 2024

Scott Prize-German Studies

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Eja Hamid 2025

Scott Prize-Hebrew

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Benjamin McMahon 2024
  • Hannah Steinberg 2024

Scott Prize-Italian

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Jack Vigue 2025
  • Daniella Wilson 2024

Scott Prize-Japanese

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Chika Simon 2026

Scott Prize-Korean

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Nora Bootchk 2026

Scott Prize-Portuguese

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Imogen Frazier 2025

Scott Prize-Russian

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Isabella Rykoff 2024
  • Fana Schoen 2024
  • Alex Weidenfeld 2024

Scott Prize-Spanish

Established by Charles Scott Jr., M.A., Class of 1886, and trustee 1905-22, in memory of John Bell Scott 1881, for excellence in modern languages.

  • Cate Levy 2024

Mary and John Sease Prize

Awarded for outstanding work in environmental science.

  • Melanie Cham 2024

Senior Legacy Award

Awarded to a senior who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his or her four years in the Wesleyan community.

  • Yohely Comprés 2024

Frances M. Sheng Prize

Awarded for excellence in Chinese language and excellence in Japanese Language.

  • Sun Boonbhati 2026
  • Stella Zhang 2024

Sherman Prize-Classical Studies

Established by David Sherman, D.D., Class of 1872. Two prizes awarded annually, one for excellence in first-year mathematics and the other for excellence in classics.

  • Tom Broadus 2024

Sherman Prize-Math

Established by David Sherman, D.D., Class of 1872. Two prizes awarded annually, one for excellence in first-year mathematics and the other for excellence in classics.

  • Tony Deng 2027

Rae Shortt Prize

Established in memory of Rae M. Shortt. Awarded to a junior for excellence in mathematics.

  • Stefan Hesseling 2025
  • Michael Horzepa 2025
  • Ford McDill 2025
  • Niko Ramirez 2025

Samuel C. Silipo Prize

Awarded annually for the most valuable player(s) of the Wesleyan orchestra.

  • Bayliss Hall 2024

Silverman Prize

Established by gift of Elisha Adelbert Silverman, Class of 1922, and awarded to a member of the junior or senior class for excellence in chemistry.

  • Angela Rojas-Merchan 2024

Skirm Prize

Established by members of the Class of 1931 in memory of their classmate, Thomas H. Skirm, this prize is awarded to a government major early in his or her senior year, to recognize the best research or writing project done during the junior year.

  • Madeleine Dawson 2024
  • Darin Iraj 2024

Social Activist Award

Awarded to the individual or student group that best exemplifies the spirit of social activism and through his/her/their efforts, constructive social change ensued.

  • Zoe Hecht 2026

Annie Sonnenblick Writing Award

Established by the family of the late Annie Sonnenblick, Class of 1980, in 1992 as a complement to the annual Annie Sonnenblick Lecture. The prize provides financial support for a student who wishes to undertake an independent writing project during the summer between his or her junior and senior years.

  • McKenna Blackshire 2025
  • Ava Guralnick 2025

Spinney Prize

The gift of Joseph S. Spinney, trustee 1875-82 and 1888-93, for excellence in Greek. Awarded for the best original essay on some aspect of Greek or Roman civilization.

  • Sophia Catalan 2024
  • Elias Mansell 2024
  • Kurt Werner 2024

Spurrier Award

The William A. Spurrier Ethics Award, established by Dr. James Case, given to the student who demonstrates in the field of ethics: sensitivity, insight, depth, and humor. Given in memory of William Spurrier III, chaplain and Hedding Professor of Moral Science and Religion.

  • Rosie Hassel 2024

Student Organization of the Year

Awarded to a student organization that has excelled in sustaining leadership, an active membership and programmatic efforts that contribute to the larger Wesleyan community.

  • Environmental Solidarity Network

Taylor Scholarship

Awarded to a History major based on outstanding academic achievement and other qualities such as fine character, good fellowship, leadership, and service to the Wesleyan community.

  • Sam Hilton 2025

Thorndike Prize

Established by gift of Elizabeth Moulton Thorndike in memory of her husband, Edward Lee Thorndike, Class of 1895, for excellence in psychology.

  • Danielle Garten 2024
  • Diana Zhumalieva 2024

Tishler Teaching Award

Established by the family and friends of Dr. Max Tishler, professor of chemistry, emeritus, and University Professor of the Sciences, emeritus. Awarded annually in his memory to the best graduate teaching assistant in chemistry.

  • Kat Blejec GRAD

Elizabeth Verveer Tishler Prize-Art

Established in 1981 by a gift from Mrs. Tishler. Awarded annually for an outstanding senior exhibition in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, or architecture.

  • Aidan Jelveh 2024
  • Dylan Ng 2024
  • Helen Townsend 2024

Elizabeth Verveer Tishler Prize-Music

Established in 1981 by a gift from Mrs. Tishler. Expanded in 1989 for excellence in piano performance. Two prizes are given annually: one for Western classical piano performance and the other for jazz piano performance.

  • Bradley DePippo 2024
  • Lucas Donat 2026

David A. Titus Memorial Prize

Established by family,friends,and students in memory of Prof David Titus to support the summer studies of a deserving Wesleyan junior majoring in Government, East Asian Studies, or the College of Social Studies

  • Michelle Kim 2025
  • David Kim 2025
  • Jack Trowbridge 2025

Shu Tokita Prize

Established by friends and relatives of Shu Tokita, Class of 1984, and awarded to students studying literature and in area studies with a focus on literature. The recipient will be selected on the basis of his or her application essay and commitment to the study of literature.

  • Rose Chen 2026
  • Diana Tran 2026

Tölölyan Fund for the Study of Diasporas and Transnationalism

Established in 2008 by Bruce Greenwald, Professor of Economics at Columbia Business School, in honor of Wesleyan Professor Khachig Tölölyan. The award funds the summer research of a junior with the best proposal for a thesis on the study of diasporic or transnational issues.

  • Xingyan Guo 2025
  • Pelumi Sokunbi 2025

Truman Scholarship

A national competition funded by the United States government, which provides scholarships for graduate study to juniors who have outstanding leadership potential and intend to pursue careers in public service.

  • Desaree Edwards 2025

Karl Van Dyke Prize

Awarded each year to one or more students majoring in physical science or having a predominant interest in physical science and technology and who show outstanding achievement in academic work and a promise of productivity in a professional career.

  • Adin Dowling 2025
  • Othmane El Houssi 2025
  • Ivy Huang 2024
  • Charlie Pedorella 2024
  • Max Vitek 2024

Vanguard Prize

Established by black alumni in tribute to the black members of the Class of 1969, whose perseverance and pioneering leadership earned them designation as the Vanguard Class. The prize is awarded annually to a graduating senior who has achieved academic excellence and contributed significantly to maintaining Wesleyan's diversity.

  • Ethan Barrett 2024
  • Yohely Comprés 2024

Walkley Prize

Two prizes, the gift of Webster Rogers Walkley, Class of 1860, in memory of David Hart Walkley, Class of 1878, for excellence in psychology. Awarded to those juniors and seniors who present the best reports or work embodying original research.

  • Lilli Liu 2024
  • Saige Rovero 2024

Watson Fellowship

Awarded by the Thomas J. Watson Foundation, to enable college graduates of unusual promise to engage in an initial postgraduate year of independent study and travel abroad.

  • Dylan Campos 2024
  • Cate Levy 2024

Weller Prize

The gift of Mrs. LeRoy Weller, in memory of her husband, LeRoy Weller, Class of 1899, to the student having the highest academic average for the sophomore year.

  • Megan Arias 2025
  • Niko Ramirez 2025

Wesleyan Animal Studies Prize

Awarded for the best thesis or senior essay on a subject in Animal Studies.

  • Ava Purdue GRAD

Wesleyan Fiction Award

A gift from Norman Mailer to the Wesleyan Writing Program, this award recognizes an outstanding piece of fiction written by a Wesleyan student.

  • Olive Yu 2025

Wesleyan Memorial Prize

The gift of undergraduates in the Class of 1943 in memory of fellow students who made the supreme sacrifice in the Second World War, to the members of the junior class outstanding in qualities of character, leadership, and scholarship.

  • Adam Cyzner 2025

White Prize

Established in 1942 by Horace Glenn White Jr., Class of 1933, and increased in 1943 by friends in his memory. Awarded for advanced undergraduate study in economics.

  • Jeremy Abraham 2024
  • Benas Babenskas 2025
  • Kyle Davies 2024
  • Bryan Do 2024
  • Jennie Ebihara 2024
  • Alex Geula 2024
  • Flora Gu 2024
  • Valerie Lee 2024
  • Aaron Leong 2025
  • Kevin Pang 2024
  • Stella Zhang 2024

White Fellowship-Government

Awarded for excellence in government to a graduate or an advanced undergraduate in Government.

  • Tiger Bjornlund 2024
  • Margot Deguet Delury 2024
  • Darin Iraj 2024
  • Madison Mehta 2024
  • Nicole Motherway 2024
  • Asija Qyteza 2024
  • Emmett Zamore 2024

White Fellowship-History

Awarded for excellence in history.

  • Laura Morris 2025
  • Ben Sheriff 2025
  • Sahib Sohal 2025

M.G. White Prize

Awarded annually for the best thesis submitted in American Studies.

  • Elena Brennan 2024
  • Ethan Park 2024

Wilde Prize

Established in 1963 by Frazer B. Wilde, L.L.D., Class of 1958, awarded to a junior or senior for excellence in economics.

  • Kyle Davies 2024
  • Flora Gu 2024

Winchester Fellowship

Established in 1938, in memory of Professor Caleb Thomas Winchester, by his widow. Awarded to Wesleyan graduates for postgraduate work in English.

  • Willa Best-Doyle 2023
  • Trevor Wells 2024

Winchester First-Year Essay Prize

In honor of Caleb Thomas Winchester, this prize is awarded to the best scholarly essay written by a first-year student in any English Department course in the preceding calendar year.

  • Mel Cort 2027

Wise Prize

The gift of Daniel Wise, D.D., Class of 1859, for excellence in the Department of Philosophy; for the best essay on moral science or on some subject in the field or values.

  • Michael Carpenter 2024