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School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
- Betty Fortner Literacy Education Award
Awarded in honor of Dr. Betty Holmes Fortner, Associate Professor Emerita, this professional recognition and certificate is presented to an outstanding graduate student of the Master's of Education in Literacy Education program who has demonstrated excellence in literacy education and demonstrates a significant commitment to leadership and/or scholarship to the profession. - Clem E. Gilpin Award for Outstanding Social Science Student
Award is given to an outstanding undergraduate student in social sciences. Student exhibits excellence in academics in social sciences, as well as excellent service to school and community. - Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate Student Award
This award recognizes an undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in their academics, excellence in service to the major, and overall potential for excellence in the profession. - Jane Blakely Keat Excellence in Elementary Education Award
This award is presented in honor of Dr. Jane Blakely Keat, associate professor emerita, to a graduating senior who has excelled in the elementary education program of study. Nominations are made by faculty members based on a commitment to education, ethics, professionalism, and academic performance. - Excellence in Secondary Education Award
This award is presented to a graduating senior who has excelled in his or her secondary education program of study. Nominations are made by faculty members based on commitment to education, ethics, professionalism, and academic performance. - Outstanding Graduate Student in Applied Behavior Analysis Award
Awards excellence in the classroom, with research, and in the application of Applied Behavior Analysis - Outstanding Graduate Student in Applied Clinical Psychology Award
Excellence in research and practice in clinical psychology. - Outstanding Graduate Student in Teaching and Curriculum Award
This award is given to a candidate who demonstrates high academic achievement and has the potential to make significant contributions to the field of education. - Outstanding Residency Candidate in Teacher Education
This award recognizes a teacher candidate who has demonstrated exemplary performance during their student teaching experience, particularly in the areas of: exceptional professional disposition; responsive communication and interpersonal relationships with students, parents, faculty, and colleagues; critical reflection about teaching experiences and thoughtful responsiveness to constructive feedback; culturally responsive practices and cultural understanding of the students, families, and communities in the placement school district; and inclusive pedagogical practices. - Outstanding Undergraduate in Human Development and Family Science Award
This award is presented to a Human Development and Family Studies student with at least a sixth semester standing to honor and recognize their outstanding achievement and potential in the field of Human Development and Family Studies. - Outstanding Undergraduate in Kinesiology Award
This award is presented to a Kinesiology student with at least a sixth semester standing who demonstrates excellence in academic performance and commitment to the field of Kinesiology. - Outstanding Undergraduate Psychology Student Award
This award is presented to a student with at least a sixth semester standing who demonstrates excellence in academic performance, research activities, and service to the University. - Roy W. Allison Outstanding Education Alumni Award
This award is presented to a graduate of an education program who has distinguished himself or herself in the field of education. - The Learned Society of Whispering Pines Graduate Student Award in Adult Education
This award honors and recognizes the outstanding achievement and potential of a graduate student who is pursuing a doctoral degree in adult education at Penn State Harrisburg. - Thomas G. Bowers Award for Excellence in Applied Clinical Psychology
Excellence in research and practice in clinical psychology. - Ruth Ellen Eshelman Lenker Memorial Research Award
The purpose of this award is to honor and recognize the outstanding achievement and potential of a graduate student who is pursuing a doctoral degree in adult education at Penn State Harrisburg. Students nominated for this award must have successfully defended their comprehensive exams.
School of Business Administration
- Beta Gamma Sigma Exemplary Chapter Student Award
This award recognizes a student member of Beta Gamma Sigma who demonstrates exemplary academic performance in the School of Business Administration and exhibits the organization’s founding principles and values of honor and integrity. - Beta Gamma Sigma Graduate Student Award
This award recognizes a graduate student member of Beta Gamma Sigma who demonstrates exemplary academic performance in the School of Business Administration and exhibits the founding organization’s principles and values of honor and integrity. - Beta Gamma Sigma Undergraduate Student Award
This award recognizes an undergraduate student member of Beta Gamma Sigma who demonstrates exemplary academic performance in the School of Business Administration and exhibits the organization’s principles and values of honor and integrity. - Dr. Sheela Pandey Memorial Scholarship
Consideration for this award goes to one or more Management students who excel academically while also sharing Dr. Pandey's vision that business can and should have a positive societal impact and that it should make the world a better place. - FEI Central PA Chapter Outstanding Student Award
This award is presented based on a student’s academic accomplishments, leadership activities, community service, and reasons for pursuing a major in economics, accounting, or another business-related field. - Graduate Student Engagement Award
This award recognizes a graduate student in the School of Business Administration who has best combined high academic achievement with leadership in school and other extracurricular activities. - Higher Information Group Business Excellence Award
Consideration for this award shall be given to undergraduate students in good academic standing enrolled in the School of Business Administration at Penn State Harrisburg who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance as identified by faculty members throughout the students' course of study. - Outstanding MBA Student Award
This award recognizes an MBA student who demonstrates excellence in scholarship and citizenship and shows potential for a promising business career. - Outstanding MSIS Student Award
This award recognizes an MSIS student who demonstrates excellence in scholarship and citizenship and shows potential for a promising business career.
School of Humanities
- Academy of American Poets Prize at Penn State Harrisburg
Established in 2013, this $100 award goes to the best poem written by a Penn State Harrisburg student. The award is funded via a private donation in memory of Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller, a Harrisburg native who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2008. The award is part of the Academy of American Poets' "University and College Prizes Program." - Composition Writing Award
Presented to a student nominated by a faculty member for an essay written in English 15 or English 30, judged independently by a committee of English faculty. - Composition Writing Award for Multilingual Students
Presented to a student for an essay written in ENGL 83 or an ENGL 015 400-level section specifically designed for multilingual students. This award is judged independently by a committee of English faculty. - Creative Achievement Award in the Arts -- Graduate
This award acknowledges a student who, while in one of the graduate programs in the School of Humanities, has done significant creative work in the visual arts, audio production, writing, poetry, theater, film, music, or other expressive form. - Creative Achievement Award in the Visual Arts -- Undergraduate
This award is in recognition of an outstanding body of recent work in art, photography, filmmaking, graphic design, or combinations of the above. - Dunn Family Award for Jewish Studies
This award is presented to graduate students or senior undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence in a course or curriculum focused in Jewish studies. - Effective Speech Speaking Award
Presented to a student nominated by a faculty member for a speech in CAS 100: Effective Speech, judged independently by a committee of CAS faculty. - George D. Wolf Award for Academic Excellence in American Studies (B.A.)
Funded by the faculty in honor of Penn State Harrisburg's first faculty member, the George D. Wolf Award for Academic Excellence recognizes outstanding academic achievement by a B.A. student in American Studies. - John S. Patterson Award for Academic Excellence in American Studies (M.A.)
Funded by the American Studies faculty in honor of professor emeritus and program coordinator John S. Patterson, the Award for Academic Excellence in American Studies recognizes outstanding academic achievement by an M.A. student in American Studies. - Media Arts Award -- Undergraduate
This award recognizes an undergraduate School of Humanities project that employs a medium in a unique or especially creative manner. - Outstanding Achievement Award in Journalism -- Undergraduate
This award is in recognition for professional excellence in print, interactive (including blogging), audio, photo, video (or combinations of the above) journalism. - Outstanding Analytical/Scholarly Research Writing Award
This award is in recognition of excellence in a collected body of undergraduate analytical/scholarly research. - Outstanding Undergraduate Creative Writing Award
This award is given in recognition of excellence in a collected body of undergraduate creative writing - Outstanding Writing Award-Graduate
This award is a recognition of a collected body of writing produced in one of the graduate programs in the School of Humanities. - Sue Samuelson Award for Academic Excellence in American Studies (Ph.D.)
Funded by the Samuelson family of Fremont, California, in honor of American Studies faculty member Dr. Sue Samuelson (1956-1991), this award recognizes outstanding academic achievement by a doctoral student in American Studies. - William J. Mahar Award of Excellence in the Performing Arts
This award is in recognition of a student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the theatre, musical theatre, and/or choir programs through excellence in directing, composition, technical contributions, design, management, playwriting, screenwriting, composition, dramaturgy, marketing, performance or other aspect of Penn State Harrisburg's performing arts.
School of Public Affairs
- Public Administration Outstanding Graduate Student Award
This award recognizes an outstanding student in the Master of Public Administration program who has demonstrated excellence in scholastic activities and potential for future achievement. - Steven A. Peterson Political Science and Public Policy Award
Awarded in memory of Dr. Steven A. Peterson, longtime director of the School of Public Affairs, this recognition is presented to an outstanding senior in the Political Science or Public Policy programs. Awardees are selected based on academic success and dedication to public service. - Andrew S. Donahue Award
The recipient of this award will be an outstanding student who has considerable potential for success in the criminal justice field. - Criminal Justice Community Service Award
This award recognizes a student who has contributed to either the local college community and/or the larger community. - Criminal Justice Online Student Award
The recipient of this award shows outstanding potential for success in the criminal justice field. - Criminal Justice Outstanding Graduate Student Award
The recipient of this award will be an outstanding graduate student who has achieved excellence in scholastic activities. - Criminal Justice Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award
The recipient of this award will be an outstanding graduate student who is recognized for the quality of the master’s thesis. - James M. Ruiz Criminal Justice Scholar Award
Awarded in memory of Dr. James M. Ruiz, associate professor of criminal justice and retired police sergeant of the New Orleans Police Department. The recipient of this award shows outstanding potential for success in graduate or professional school. - Irving and Mildred Hand State, Urban and Regional Affairs Award
To honor and recognize the achievement of Penn State Harrisburg graduate students who have displayed interest and excellence in the study of state, regional, and local affairs. - Kenneth W. Masters Award in Public Policy
This award recognizes academic excellence and the potential for a productive career in the public sector. - Master of Health Administration Academic Excellence Award
This award is presented to the student who has excelled in the master’s program of health administration. Individuals selected are nominated by the faculty for their academic excellence, a consistently high grade point average, completion of 18 credits or more, scholarly and professional potential and other outstanding characteristics making the recipient exceptional. - The Robert J. Bresler and Carol R. Nechemias Outstanding Political Science Senior Award
This award is presented to a student with outstanding performance in political science, as demonstrated by a GPA of 3.5 or better in the major and an overall GPA of at least 3.0; completion of at least half of the political science coursework; and interest in, or potential for, a successful career or graduate study in government, politics, law, or a related field.
School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
- Civil Engineering Outstanding Senior Award
The Civil Engineering Outstanding Senior is a graduating senior majoring in civil engineering. The award’s criteria includes a minimum 3.0 GPA plus outside activities that may include participation in community or professional organizations, extracurricular activities in school, working one's way through college, or other contributions. - Computer Science Graduate Student Award
The Computer Science Graduate Student Award honors a computer science graduate student who is graduating this academic year and who has demonstrated excellent academic performance. The student is selected by the computer science graduate faculty. - Computer Science Outstanding Student Award
This award recognizes an outstanding undergraduate student in computer science. - Electrical Engineering Scholastic Achievement Award
This award is presented to an undergraduate student based on high scholastic achievement and contribution to the electrical engineering program. - Electrical Engineering Technology Scholastic Achievement Award
This award is presented to an undergraduate student based on high scholastic achievement and contribution to the electrical engineering technology program. - Electrical Faculty Outstanding Senior Award
This award is presented to a graduating senior based on contributions to the program or college through extracurricular activities. - Gerald Brey Outstanding Senior Designer
The Gerald Brey Outstanding Designer Award recipient is a SDCET graduating senior in the "Structural Design" option. The award’s criteria includes a minimum 3.0 GPA plus outside activities that may include participation in community or professional organizations, extracurricular activities in school, working one's way through college, or other contributions. - Mathematical Sciences Outstanding Student Award
This award recognizes an outstanding undergraduate student in mathematical science. - Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Senior Award
This award honors a graduating senior with a GPA of 3.5 or greater, professional organization involvement, extracurricular activity participation, and faculty recommendation. - Mechanical Engineering Technology Outstanding Senior Award
This award honors a graduating senior with a GPA of 3.5, professional organization involvement, extracurricular activity participation, and faculty recommendation. - Science Outstanding Student Award
This award is presented to an outstanding science student who has both a superior academic record and significant service to the program or the college. - SDCET Outstanding Senior Award
The SDCET Outstanding Senior Award recipient is a graduating senior with a "Construction Management" option, a minimum 3.0 GPA plus outside activities that may include participation in community and/or professional organizations, extracurricular activities in school, working one's way through college, or other contribution.
College Awards
- Excellence in Honors Award
The Excellence in Honors Award recognizes honors students pursuing Capital College major whose records of service, leadership, and achievement exemplify the mission of the Honors Programs at Penn State Harrisburg. The Honors Advisory Council wishes to recognize students who constructively engage with local or global communities outside the University in the discovery and application of knowledge to benefit those communities. Criteria: Consideration for this award is open to undergraduates pursuing a Capital College major who are enrolled in and who are in good standing with the Capital College Honors Program or the Schreyer Honors College. In addition, such students must have completed at least one semester in an honors program at Penn State Harrisburg at the time of consideration. - Doris Hughes Memorial Award
This Award is intended to recognize international students who have actively participated in campus and/or community activities and who have achieved academic success, after completing at least one semester at Penn State Harrisburg. - Honors Certificate of Achievement
The Certificate is awarded to fourth-semester honor students who have earned honors credits well above and beyond the basic requirements of the Capital College Honors Program. - Kathryn Towns Award
This award recognizes students, alumni, staff or faculty members who have demonstrated commitment to heightening the awareness of issues and concerns having an impact on women at the college. - Linda Rhen Career Studies Award for Excellence as a Peer Mentor
This award is given to an outstanding per mentor for the Career Studies Program who has served as a peer mentor for at least two semesters and has been reliable in fulfilling their schedule, has developed meaningful relationships and consistently engaged with Career Studies students, and is a positive role model. - Linda Rhen Career Studies Award for the Outstanding Career Studies Student
This award is presented to an Outstanding Career Studies student who has evidenced the inclusive principles and values of the Career Studies Program. The award winner is completing their first or second year of the program and has distinguished themself in their academic work, campus activities or work experience. - Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Design Contest
Each year the Penn State Harrisburg Diversity and Educational Equity Committee (DEEC) honors Dr. King's memory by sponsoring a poster design contest. This year the School of Humanities decided to sponsor the yearly tradition. The winning submission will be used as a memorial poster to be displayed throughout the campus. - Penn State Harrisburg Alumni Society Outstanding Graduate Student Award
This award is presented to a graduate student who has demonstrated potential for future achievement in a chosen field along with academic distinction, campus activities, and community outreach. - Penn State Harrisburg Alumni Society Outstanding Senior Award
This award is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated potential for future achievement in a chosen field along with academic distinction, campus activities, and community outreach. - Penn State Harrisburg Student Diversity Award
This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to celebrating diversity by assisting with or creating a welcoming environment through encouragement of understanding between persons of different races, sexes, sexual orientation or identity, ethnicity, age, disability, or religious heritage.
University Awards
- President Walker Award
This award is presented annually to undergraduate degree candidates and degree-seeking provisional students who have earned a 4.0 (A) cumulative grade-point average based on at least 12 graded Penn State credits completed during their first semester of admission. Credits where Alternative Grades were selected do not count in the graded credits total. Candidates are eligible for this award if they have fewer than 36 Penn State credits earned. (CEEB advanced placement credits, CLEP taken prior to high school, International Baccalaureate credits, and credits taken prior to high school graduation are not counted in the total credits earned for purposes of this award. Credits earned using Alternative Grades do count in the total credits earned.)
During the presidency of Eric A. Walker (1956-1970), and with the approval of the Board of Trustees, the number of awards was increased and in 1960, the President’s Freshman Award was established. - President Sparks Award
The President Sparks Award This award is presented annually to those undergraduate degree candidates who have earned a 4.0 (A) cumulative grade-point average based on at least 36 graded Penn State credits completed by the end of the fall semester of the academic year in which the award is given. Credits where Alternative Grades were selected do not count in the Penn State graded credits total. Candidates are eligible for this award if they have fewer than 60 total credits earned. (CEEB advanced placement credits, CLEP taken prior to high school, International Baccalaureate credits, and credits taken prior to high school graduation are not counted in the total credits earned for purposes of this award. Credits earned using Alternative Grades do count in the total credits earned.)
In 1919 the President Sparks Medal was awarded to one student attaining the highest average. Edwin Erle Sparks was president from 1908 to 1920. - Evan Pugh Scholar Award
The Evan Pugh Scholar Awards began in 1933 and were given to the top five persons in both the junior and senior classes. The award is named for Evan Pugh, Penn State’s first president (1859-1864).- Evan Pugh Scholar Award - Juniors
These scholars are those students who are in the upper 0.5 percent of their respective classes and have completed at least 48 graded Penn State credits and at least 60 cumulative credits with no more than 92 cumulative credits, at the end of the fall semester of the academic year in which the award is given. Cumulative credits include all Penn State earned credits, transfer credits, AP credits, IB credits and CLEP credits. Credits where Alternative Grades were selected do not count in the Penn State graded credits total. Candidates are eligible if they have been full-time Penn State undergraduate students for at least four semesters prior to selection. The students this year have cumulative grade-point averages of 4.0. - Evan Pugh Scholar Award - Seniors
These scholars are those students who are in the upper 0.5 percent of their respective classes and have completed at least 48 graded Penn State credits, with more than 92.1 cumulative credits, at the end of the fall semester of the academic year in which the award is given. Cumulative credits include all Penn State earned credits, transfer credits, AP credits, IB credits and CLEP credits. Credits where Alternative Grades were selected do not count in the Penn State graded credits total. Candidates are eligible if they have been full-time Penn State undergraduate students for at least four semesters prior to selection. The students this year have cumulative grade-point averages of 4.0.
- Evan Pugh Scholar Award - Juniors
- Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award
This award recognizes undergraduate students enrolled at the Commonwealth Campuses whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship have been directed into programs and services that have positively influenced fellow students and have contributed to the prestige and well-being of their campus and the reputation of the University as a whole.