University Awards for Graduating Seniors

Note: All University awards are presented at Commencement.

The Provost's Award for Exceptional Scholarship is conferred from time to time on one graduating student who has performed academically in a particularly exceptional way, has demonstrated unique intellectual ability and initiative, and has contributed to the academic pursuits of his or her peers. This award may be presented to one student at May and December graduation.

The Marion and Henry J. Knott Achievement Award is presented to one graduating student who has demonstrated the ability to achieve academically, to reach out to the needs of others at the University, and to persevere toward a goal while also managing major primary responsibilities outside Stevenson University life. This award may be presented to one student at May and December graduation.

The Elizabeth McWethy Award is bestowed from time to time upon one student who has demonstrated exceptional creativity, manifested genuine concern for society, and has actively influenced the lives of others. This award may be presented to one student at May and December graduation.

The John Mitchell Award is presented to one student who has demonstrated outstanding service to his or her community in a way that exemplifies the values of Stevenson University’s mission. This award may be presented to one student at May and December graduation.

The Outstanding Part-time Student Award is conferred on a graduating part-time student who has demonstrated commitment to higher education, the determination to succeed, a high standard of academic achievement, and who has contributed in a tangible manner to the University while balancing many other personal and professional obligations. This award may be presented to one student at May and December graduation.

The President’s Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement is conferred from time to time on a graduating student whose total performance has been marked in a striking fashion by singular creativity and by the depth of his or her intellectual interest and performance in all subject areas. This award may be presented to one student at May and December graduation.

The Dorothy Stang Award is conferred upon a graduating senior who best exemplifies devotion to the good of the wider community as reflected in the life of Dorothy Stang, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the founders of Stevenson University. Stang’s commitment to bringing social justice to the underprivileged in Brazil led to her murder. The award honors integrity, courage in the face of adversity, and a willingness to act on convictions without regard to consequence. Embodying the most cherished values that an education from Stevenson University instills in its students, the recipient of the Stang Award reaches out to members of the community who have financial, spiritual, social, or cultural needs. Our recipient is a "reflective and accomplished individual committed to a lifetime of learning and contribution" (Stevenson University Mission Statement).

The SU Pin Award is the most comprehensive honor the University confers on one graduating student whose total personal performance is meritorious, including academic achievement, independence and integrity of thought and action, reliability, respect for others, and involvement in University or community affairs. This award may be presented to one student at May and December graduation.

The Orsia F. Young Leadership Award is given to graduating students who have performed in an outstanding manner as leaders in the University community, initiated action, motivated others to do so, and been agents for positive change in the University. This award may be conferred on as many as six students at May and December graduation.