Academic Prizes

The date in parentheses indicates the year in which the prize was established.

The Macdonald Prize (1890)   The prize, established by Charles Macdonald, Class of 1857, consists of the net annual income from $2,000. It is awarded at Commencement to a senior in civil engineering who has demonstrated outstanding ability in academic work and gives promise of outstanding professional success.

The Macfarlane Prize (1924)   The prize, established by Mrs. Walker D. Hines in memory of her father, Graham Macfarlane, Class of 1872, consists of the net annual income from the Macfarlane Fund. It is awarded to the student who has presented the best computer graphics project during the work of the first year.

The Class of 1902 Research Prize (1927)   Established by the Class of 1902, the prize consists of the net annual income from $3,000. It is awarded at Commencement to the senior who presents the best thesis involving research in any branch of engineering or science. The award committee, which may be changed at the discretion of the Board of Trustees, consists of the heads of the engineering departments.

The Ricketts Prizes (1928)   The prizes, five in number, consist in each case of the net annual income from $2,000. Three of the prizes were established by Palmer C. Ricketts, Class of 1875, who served Rensselaer for 50 years as instructor, professor, director, and president. They are awarded at Commencement to a senior in mechanical engineering, to a senior in electric power or electrical and systems engineering, and to a senior in chemical engineering. Other prizes were established in 1935 and 1936 by President Ricketts’ widow, Vjera C. Ricketts. They are awarded at Commencement to a senior in the School of Architecture and to a senior in aeronautical engineering. The conditions are the same as those governing the award of the Macdonald Prize.

American Institute of Architects Medal (1934)   The American Institute of Architects each year awards a silver medal and a book to the member of the graduating class in the School of Architecture who is outstanding in scholarship, personality, and promise of a successful professional career.

The Ray Palmer Baker Prize (1937)   The prize, established by bequest of Vjera C. Ricketts, widow of President Ricketts, consists of the net annual income from $2,000. It is awarded at Commencement to a senior in management engineering. The conditions are the same as those governing the Macdonald Prize.

The Matthew W. Del Gaudio Award (1937)   The New York Society of Architects awards this prize annually to a graduating student in architecture who has shown excellence in total design.

The William Pitt Mason Prize (1939)   The prize was established by friends and former students of William Pitt Mason, a graduate in the Class of 1874 and professor of chemistry and chemical engineering at Rensselaer for 50 years. The prize consists of the net annual income from $2,000 and is awarded at Commencement to a senior in the Department of Chemistry. The conditions are the same as those governing the Macdonald Prize.

The Mary A. Earl McKinney Prizes (1941)   These prizes, established by Dr. Samuel P. McKinney, Class of 1884, consist of the net annual income from $9,000. They are awarded in the form of first and second prizes in two contests, one for freshmen, and the other for all undergraduates. These contests are designed to test proficiency and improvement in English. The contests were originated by Homer H. Nugent, who served Rensselaer for 27 years as professor of rhetoric and head of the Department of English.

The Caird Prize (1945)   Established by James M. Caird, Class of 1895, and Barbara J. Caird, the prize consists of the net annual income from $2,000. It is awarded at Commencement to the senior who has demonstrated outstanding ability in environmental engineering. In a year when no senior is eligible, this award may be made to a graduate student who, by high achievement in academic work and demonstrated qualities of character and leadership, gives promise of outstanding success in professional practice in environmental engineering.

The Matthew Albert Hunter Prize in Metallurgical Engineering (1951)   An annual award based on the income from funds contributed by former students of Dr. Hunter, the prize is awarded annually to the senior in materials engineering who has demonstrated outstanding ability in academic work leading to a career in that field.

The Wynant James Williams Prize in Electrical Engineering (1954)   An annual award based on the income from funds contributed by friends and former students of Prof. Williams, the prize is awarded annually to a senior in electric power or electrical and systems engineering for outstanding scholarship, personality, and promise.

The Harriet R. Peck Prize (1954)   An award established by friends of Miss Peck, head librarian of Rensselaer from 1912 to 1947. Presented to a fifth-year student in the School of Architecture for the best solution of a problem in architectural design. The prize is awarded in selected years.

The Alpha Rho Chi Medal (1955)   An annual award established by Alpha Rho Chi, a professional architectural fraternity, the medal is given to a member of the graduating class in the School of Architecture for leadership, service rendered to the school, and promise of professional merit.

The Scott Mackay Award (1958)   An annual award based on the income from funds contributed by former students of Prof. Mackay, the award is made to a senior in materials engineering who has given time and effort to the service of others without seeking recognition or acclaim, and who has completed the academic program at Rensselaer creditably.

The Arthur M. Greene Prize (1960)   Established by J. Erik Jonsson, Class of 1922, in memory of Dr. Arthur M. Greene, professor of mechanical engineering from 1907 to 1922, this prize consists of the net annual income from $5,000. It is awarded at Commencement to a senior in mechanical engineering who, in the opinion of the professors in the department, has demonstrated the all-around qualities most likely to lead to professional distinction.

The J. Erik Jonsson Prize (1960)   Established by J. Erik Jonsson, Class of 1922, the prize consists of the net annual income from $5,000 and is awarded at Commencement to a senior who has spent at least three years at Rensselaer and has achieved the highest academic record in the class.

The Harold N. Trevett Award (1960)   An annual award based on the income from funds contributed by friends and former students of Prof. Trevett, the prize is awarded annually to a senior in electric power or electrical and systems engineering for outstanding scholarship in electric power or electrical and systems engineering subjects during the junior and senior years.

The G. Howard Carragan Award (1961)   An annual award based on the income from funds contributed by friends and former students of Prof. Carragan, the prize is awarded to a senior in the Department of Physics for outstanding scholarship.

The W. Franklin Spafford Prize (1961)   Established by an anonymous donor in honor of the first head of the Department of Management Engineering. This prize is awarded at Commencement to a graduate student in management who has demonstrated high scholastic ability and has made a substantial contribution to that field.

The Joseph L. Rosenholtz Prize (1963)   An annual award based on the income from funds contributed by friends and former students of Prof. Rosenholtz, the prize is awarded to a senior for outstanding work in earth sciences. Should no student qualify for the prize in any one year, the funds available for the prize may be used for related purposes as determined by the Board of Trustees.

The Thomas Archibald Bedford Prize (1964)   Established by Clay P. Bedford in memory of his father, the prize is awarded at Commencement to a graduate student in civil engineering who has demonstrated high scholastic ability and has made a substantial contribution to the field. The selection is made by the provost upon recommendations from the Graduate School. Should no student qualify for the prize in any one year, the funds available may be used for related purposes as determined by the Board of Trustees.

The John and Mary Cloke Prize (1964)   This prize is an annual award from the income of a retirement gift given to Prof. and Mrs. Cloke by students and associates of Dr. John B. Cloke, a member of the Chemistry faculty for 45 years. Prof. Cloke established the prize to be awarded at Commencement to a graduating senior in the Department of Chemistry who is continuing in chemistry, medicine, or biological science, and who has made a distinguished record, especially in the department.

The Livingston W. Houston Citizenship Award (1964)   Established by Clay P. Bedford, the prize is given in memory of Livingston Waddell Houston, 11th president of Rensselaer. It is awarded at Commencement to a student who, in the opinion of a committee consisting of the president of the university, the provost, dean of students, director of athletics, and director of the student union, is considered the “First Citizen of the College.” The recipient must rank high in character, leadership, scholarship, and athletic ability. Should no student qualify for the prize in any one year, the funds available for the prize may be used for related purposes as determined by the Board of Trustees.

The Allen B. DuMont Prize (1969)   Established by the Allen B. DuMont Foundation in memory of Dr. DuMont, this prize is awarded at Commencement to a graduate student in electric power or electrical and systems engineering who has demonstrated high scholastic ability and has made a substantial contribution to that field. Should no student qualify for the prize in any one year, the funds available may be used for related purposes as determined by the Board of Trustees.

The Max Hirsch Prize (1972)   The prize, established by Prof. Edith H. Luchins in memory of her father, consists of the net annual income from $2,000. It is awarded at Commencement to a senior in the Department of Mathematical Sciences who has demonstrated outstanding ability in academic work and gives promise of outstanding success in a career in mathematical sciences.

The Michael A. Sadowsky Prize (1972)   This prize was established by former students and friends of Dr. Sadowsky, professor emeritus of mechanics. It is awarded at Commencement in selected years to a master’s degree candidate in mechanics for outstanding scholarship and a demonstrated ability in the application of mechanics.

The Ralph Ernest Huston Prize (1973)   The prize was established by Antoinette K. Huston and sons, Peter, Kenneth, Richard, and T. Michael, in memory of Dr. Ralph Huston, professor of mathematics from 1934 to 1969. It is awarded at Commencement to the first- or second-year graduate student in the Department of Mathematical Sciences who has demonstrated unusual promise and ability as a teacher. Should no student qualify for the prize in any one year, the funds available may be used for related purposes as determined by the Board of Trustees.

The Moles’ Award (1973)   The award, consisting of a prize of $100 and an award certificate, is given by the Moles, a national association of men engaged in engineering construction. It is given to a student in engineering whose academic achievement and enthusiastic application show outstanding promise for personal development leading to a career in construction engineering and management.

The Charles D. Dyce Prize (1975)   The prize was established by friends in memory of Charles D. Dyce, Class of 1972. It is to be awarded to a student in the School of Engineering who, at the conclusion of the freshman or sophomore year, has demonstrated high scholastic ability and involvement in extracurricular activities and indicates potential for constructive leadership.

The Erwin R. Gaerttner Prize (1975)   The Gaerttner Prize is awarded to a senior majoring in nuclear engineering or engineering physics who intends to pursue graduate study in that field. The award consists of the annual income from funds contributed by friends and former students of the late Prof. Gaerttner and is bestowed in recognition of general excellence in scholarship, personal character and attitudes, and promise of outstanding performance in research related to nuclear engineering and engineering physics.

The Lt. Charles D. Dyce Award (1976)   Established in memory of Lt. Dyce, Class of 1972, this award is presented to a freshman or sophomore cadet in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps who has demonstrated high leadership potential and outstanding military bearing and whose superior performance has served to support cadet corps activities. Selection is made in a manner prescribed by the chairman of the Department of Military Science.

The Leopold L. Balleisen Prize (1976)   Established by Donald H. Balleisen in memory of his father, a graduate in the Class of 1918. For a senior who has won a varsity letter in his or her senior year and one other year and, of those thus qualified, stands highest academically in the senior class.

The Hillard B. Huntington Award (1976)   The prize was established by friends and former students of the late Hillard B. Huntington, Professor Emeritus of Physics. It is awarded at Commencement to an outstanding graduate student in physics.

The Lewis S. Coonley Prize (1978)   An annual award established by friends and former students of Prof. Coonley, the prize is awarded to one or more graduating seniors to honor achievement that betokens success in the practice of chemical engineering process design.

The Clarence E. Davies Award (1978)   Sponsored by the Hudson-Mohawk Section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), in honor of Col. Davies, a 1914 graduate of Rensselaer who was ASME executive secretary from 1934 to 1957, this award is presented at Commencement to an outstanding senior in Mechanical Engineering.

The Henry J. Nolte Memorial Prize (1978)   The prize, established in memory of Henry J. Nolte, who attended Rensselaer in the class of 1919, consists of the net annual income from $1,100. It is awarded at Commencement to a baccalaureate or master’s degree candidate in electrical and systems engineering who has done an outstanding engineering research or design project.

The Joaquin B. Diaz Memorial Prize (1978)   The prize was established by the family, colleagues, and friends of Prof. Diaz. It is awarded at Commencement to a graduate student who shows ability and enthusiasm for research in mathematics.

The Del and Edith Karger Dissertation Prize in Management (1978)   This prize is awarded to a graduate student in the School of Management whose original publication is judged an outstanding contribution by a committee of faculty and alumni.

The L. David Walthousen Award (1979)   This award is presented annually to a senior in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics who shows promise of excellence in the experimental aspects of nuclear engineering. The award consists of the annual income from funds contributed by friends and former students of the late L. David Walthousen, supervisor of the RPI Critical Facility.

The Joseph G. Flagler Prize (1980)   The annual award established in memory of Joseph G. Flagler (Class of 1935), by his family. The prize is awarded to a senior in the School of Management who has demonstrated ability in academic work and shows promise of success in the field of marketing.

The Myron P. Laughlin Prize (1980)   The prize, established by Myron P. Laughlin, consists of income from a $1,000 mortgage bond. It is awarded to the student who has written the best pre-engineering laboratory report.

W. H. Bauer Doctoral Prize in Chemistry (1981)   This prize is awarded to the candidate who has an exceptional graduate record, has carried out meritorious doctoral thesis research and shows outstanding promise in the field of chemistry. The prize is derived from the income earned from an endowment established by friends and colleagues of Walter H. Bauer, professor of chemistry 1934-72 and dean of science 1960-72.

The Willie Stanton Award (1981)   Established by the Rensselaer Union, the award is in honor of William P. (Willie) Stanton, Class of 1972 (hon.), a dishwasher and cook who served the academic and social needs of Rensselaer students for over 45 years. It is presented annually to the senior who is judged to have contributed the most to the service of the student body. The selection committee consists of the vice provost for student affairs, the dean of students, and the director of the Rensselaer Union.

The Karen & Lester Gerhardt Prize in Science and Engineering (1982)   This prize was established to honor a full-time engineering or science doctoral candidate, who by the originality and insight of his or her work emphasizes the tradition of excellence that is Rensselaer.

The Edwin J. Holstein Memorial Award (1983)   This prize was established to recognize outstanding academic achievement in economic science.

The Paul B. Daitch Award (1984)   An annual award based on the income from funds contributed by his family, friends, and colleagues in memory of Professor Paul B. Daitch, the prize is awarded at Commencement to the graduating biomedical engineering senior who combines both outstanding scholarship and level of service to RPI and/or the community, in keeping with Dr. Daitch’s interest in public service.

The Paul E. Hemke Award (1985)   Sponsored by the Northeastern New York Section of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, in honor of Dr. Paul E. Hemke who founded the Aeronautical Engineering Department at Rensselaer. The award is presented at Commencement to a senior in Aeronautical Engineering in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and promise for a successful professional career.

The Delmar W. Karger Award in Management (1986)   This award is made to the outstanding graduating master’s student in management based upon academic record and leadership, as judged by a committee of faculty and alumni.

The Epsilon Delta Sigma Award (1986)   An annual award established by Epsilon Delta Sigma, the Honorary Management Society, given to an undergraduate or graduate management student who has demonstrated outstanding service to the School of Management.

The Paul A. McGloin Prize (1989)   An annual prize established in honor of Professor Paul McGloin, scholar and teacher in the computer science and mathematical sciences departments from 1955 to 1989. The prize is given to an outstanding senior in computer science.

The Robert McNaughton Prize (1989)   An annual prize established in honor of Professor Robert McNaughton, scholar and teacher in the computer science and mathematical sciences departments from 1967 to 1989. The prize is given to an outstanding graduate student in computer science.

The Roland Walker Prize (1989)   This prize was established by friends and former students of Roland Walker, professor emeritus of biology. The prize is awarded to a senior in biology for outstanding scholarship.

The Del and Ruth Karger Dissertation Prize in the Department of Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems (1991)   The prize is awarded at Commencement to a doctoral degree candidate in DSES whose dissertation is deemed outstanding.

The Delmar W. Karger Award in the Department of Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems (1991)   The award is made at Commencement to a master’s degree candidate in DSES whose master’s work—including a project or thesis—is deemed outstanding.

The U.W. Marx Prize (1991)   The award is given by U.W. Marx, a general contractor and construction management firm in Troy, NY. It is awarded for the best undergraduate project in civil engineering during the academic year.

The PPG Industries Foundation Management Systems Award (1991)   An annual prize established by PPG Industrial Foundation awarded to an outstanding senior in the area of management systems.

The Walter Eppenstein ’52 Graduate Teaching Assistant Award (1991)   Established by friends and colleagues of Walter Eppenstein, professor emeritus of physics, to honor his contributions to education at Rensselaer. It is awarded to one or two graduate students for outstanding contribution to our teaching program.

The Charles M. Close ’62 Doctoral Prize (1992)   The prize is based on income derived from contributions by members of the electrical, computer, and systems engineering faculty in honor of their colleague Professor Charles M. Close. The prize is awarded annually to a doctoral candidate in electrical, computer, and systems engineering who has done outstanding work as a researcher and teacher, and who shows promise of a distinguished academic or research career.

The James Clerk Maxwell Prize in Science and Technology Studies (1992)   The prize is established by the James Clerk Maxwell Foundation to encourage scholarship in science and technology studies. It is awarded at Commencement, following a competition judged by three faculty members of STS, to the student who has written the best essay that addresses an issue or issues in the area of science and technology studies.

The Robert G. LaFleur Geology Prize (1993)   The prize was established by friends of Professor Robert G. LaFleur for students demonstrating an excellent record in, commitment to, and promise in the field of environmental geoscience.

The Edward J. Kilcawley Prize (1994)   The prize was established to perpetuate the memory of Professor Edward J. Kilcawley, a visionary environmentalist, a “man before his time” and to reward a graduate student following his field by Frank R. Sherman, BCE Class of 1939, for whom “Kil” was a mentor, an inspiration, and a life-long good friend. It is awarded at Commencement to a recipient of the degree of Master of Civil Engineering who has pursued his studies in environmental issues, is possessed of the qualifications required for the MacDonald Prize, has been elected to memberships in Tau Beta Pi and the Society of the Sigma Xi, and is a native born citizen of the United States.

The Val Carlson ’52, Architect, AIA, Award (1997)   This endowment fund established by Val Carlson ’52 is presented annually to the most improved student graduating from the School of Architecture with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Preference is given to students from the state of Connecticut. If no person from Connecticut qualifies, then students from the New England states will be considered.

The Pierre P. Childs ’51 Urban Design Award (1997)   An annual award to be given to a graduating undergraduate student in the School of Architecture with the best urban design project.

The Stanley I. Landgraf Prize ’46 (1998)   An annual prize established to honor Stanley Landgraf, Rensselaer trustee, Acting President, and friend of the Computer Science Department. The prize is given to a Computer Science major who excels in leadership skills and academic achievement.

The Lally School Award in Accounting Systems (1999)   Annual prize given to a senior in Management who has demonstrated ability in academic work and who shows promise of success in the field of Accounting.

Center for Finance & Technology Award (1999)   Annual prize awarded to an academically outstanding undergraduate management student with a concentration in Finance.

The Jack Hollingsworth Prize (1999)   An annual prize given to honor Jack Hollingsworth, Professor of Mathematics. This prize is awarded to a computer science student who made a major contribution to the educational program at Rensselaer.

The Severino Center Award in Entrepreneurship (2000)   An annual prize given to an outstanding undergraduate management student with a concentration in technological entrepreneurship.

The Glenn Martin Mueller ’64 Prize (2000)   An annual prize established to honor Glenn Martin Mueller, Rensselaer Trustee, and Graduate, Class 1964. A leading venture capitalist in Silicon Valley, Glenn was a champion of the entrepreneur, funding many successful start-up companies. This prize is given to a computer science major who is deemed to be the most entrepreneurial.