Academic Awards

Academic Opportunities

Academic Awards

There are a variety of awards given annually to recognize student achievements. Anthropology Student of the Year: Established by Dr. Vincent Melomo, this award recognizes an outstanding anthropology major. Bios Award in Biological Science: Established by the faculty in the Biology Program, this award recognizes an outstanding biology major. Celeste Penny English Award: The late Celeste Penny, class of 1909, who taught English for many years in the North Carolina public schools, established this award in 1973. It is awarded to a First-Year student chosen by the faculty of the English Department for the most outstanding work in the First Time in College English classes.

Celeste Penny Poetry Award: The Penny Poetry Award, established in 1977, is given annually to the student who has produced an outstanding work of poetry published in the University literary magazine. Communication Outstanding Graduate Award: Established by the faculty of the Communication program, this award recognizes an outstanding Communication major. Elizabeth Gibson Taylor Prose Award: This award was established in 1982 to honor Elizabeth Gibson Taylor 1922 for her interest in English studies. This award is presented annually to the student who has produced the most outstanding work of prose published in the University literary magazine. Exemplary Future Educator Award: The Exemplary Future Educator Award is presented to a student, or students, that have demonstrated all-around excellence in modeling leadership, initiative, and collaboration in the educational setting. The student(s) also foster positive relationships with colleagues and the belief that ALL students can learn.

Exercise and Sport Science Outstanding Graduate: Established by the faculty in the Exercise and Sport Science program, this award recognizes an outstanding ESS major. Ida Withers Currie Award: The Ida Withers Currie Award is given to the outstanding senior business student chosen by the business faculty. James Currie established this award in honor of his sister, Ida Withers Currie 1929, a Peace graduate and former Professor of Business at Peace College. Katharine Bryan Sloan Graham Academic Achievement (Valedictorian) Award: Recognized annually at graduation, the award was established in 1969 in memory of Katharine Bryan Sloan Graham, the first student to matriculate at Peace in 1872. The award is presented to the graduating senior whose academic record places them at the top of the class and who, in the opinion of the faculty and administration, exemplifies commendable traits of citizenship, cooperation, and concern for others. Laura Vick Award in Anthropology: This award, named in honor of Dr. Laura Vick, retired Professor of Anthropology and established in 2015, is given to a student majoring or minoring in Anthropology who has accomplished exceptional scholarship in anthropology and/or exhibited exceptional initiative and leadership in engaging in and promoting the discipline on campus and beyond. To qualify on the basis of “exceptional scholarship” the student should have a 3.5 or better within the coursework for the major and should have accomplished significant research. To qualify on the basis of exceptional initiative and leadership experience the student should have distinguished themselves by participating in anthropology related study abroad programs, field experiences, volunteering, and/or the anthropology club, and should have a GPA of 3.0 or better.

Mabel Pugh Art Award: Established in memory of Ruth Huntington Moore with a bequest from the estate of Mabel Pugh, head of the art department at Peace College from 1936 until 1960, this award is given annually to a returning First Year student who is a graphic design major and who shows outstanding progress in the development of their artwork in the areas of creativity and craftsmanship. Mary Pate Currie Award: This award was established in memory of Mary Pate Currie, Peace College class of 1923, by her family and friends. The award recognizes a rising William Peace University senior of high moral character who exemplifies the character of Mary Pate Currie. The selection is made annually by a committee of faculty members representing the areas of humanities and fine arts. The recipient will demonstrate high academic achievement and have a major in an area of the humanities. Nancy J. Frazier Student Service Award: This award was established by former Peace President Dr. S. David Frazier in memory of his mother. The award is presented to a student in student government who has demonstrated outstanding service to the University and her/his classmates. Peace Times Award: The Peace Times Award is presented by faculty advisors to a member of the Peace Times staff who has made the most significant contributions to the student newspaper during the year. Psi Chi Outstanding Student in Psychology Award: Established in 2002 by the faculty of the psychology program to recognize excellence in the research and practice of psychology. The award is presented annually to the student chosen by the psychology faculty who demonstrates a commitment to scientific study of human behavior and to the values of tolerance, compassion, and critical thinking that are essential components of the discipline. Schwertman Award for Excellence in English: This award is presented annually to the student chosen by the English faculty for the most outstanding work in English. The award honors the memory of Dr. Mary Pogue Schwertman, who taught English at Peace from 1960 until her death in 1981. Simulation and Game Design Outstanding Graduate Award: Established by the faculty of the Simulation and Game Design program, this award recognizes an outstanding Simulation and Game Design major. SPS Outstanding Graduate Award: The University annual presents the Outstanding Graduate Award to the graduate of the School of Professional Studies who, in the opinion of the faculty and administrative staff, is the outstanding member of the graduating class in academic, social, and religious leadership; in acceptance of obligations; and in their general interpretation of the ideals of William Peace University. Taylor White Award for Excellence in Peer Tutoring: This award, named in memory of Taylor White (WPU Class of 2013), recognizes students who have served above and beyond in the role of Peer Tutor. This person exemplifies the William Peace University standard of academic excellence and Taylor’s example of serving others and representing friendships and academic dedication. Theatre/Musical Theatre Outstanding Graduate Award: Established by the faculty of the Theatre/Musical Theatre program, this award recognizes an outstanding Theatre/Musical Theatre major. TUG Outstanding Graduate Award: The University annually presents this award to a bachelor’s degree graduate who, in the opinion of the faculty and administrative staff, is the outstanding member of the graduating class in academic, social, and religious leadership; in acceptance of their obligations; and in their general interpretation of the ideals of William Peace University. Tyner-Crossno Award in History and Political Science: This award, established in 1987 by Dr. Wayne C. Tyner, retired Alumni Professor of History, and Mr. John L. Crossno, retired Associate Professor of History, is given annually to a student who has taken at least nine semester hours in history and/or political science, who has done excellent work in those courses, and who has demonstrated seriousness of purpose in their studies.