Honors, Awards and Prizes

Departmental/Major Honors Programs

In an effort to provide challenging and alternative curricular options to its best under-graduates, the University has taken a revitalized interest in encouraging its academic departments and programs to offer high quality honors programs. The main focus of the honors degree is the honors project, which is conceived as an original piece of written research or a creative project submitted in the senior year. Currently, honors programs exist in the following majors: anthropology, art (departmental studio program), art history, atmospheric science, biology, chemistry, Chinese studies, computer science (all three programs), East Asian studies (interdisciplinary), economics, English, French, geography, geology, Greek and Roman civilization, history, Italian, Japanese studies (interdisciplinary), Judaic studies, Latin American studies, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, public policy, Puerto Rican studies, rhetoric and communication, Russian, sociology, Spanish, theatre, and women’s studies. Descriptions of these programs may be found under the academic unit offering the program.

Students who complete an honors program may receive a special honors certificate upon the recommendation of their major department.

Degree with Honors

University-wide honors are conferred at graduation. A student will be graduated: Cum Laude with an average equal to or greater than 3.25 but less than 3.50; Magna Cum Laude with an average equal to or greater than 3.50 but less than 3.75; Summa Cum Laude with an average equal to or greater than 3.75.

Honors residence criteria:For graduation with honors, students must have completed a minimum of 56 credits in courses for which they registered at this University, including a minimum of 40 University at Albany credits graded on the A-E basis.

Implementation note: These criteria apply to all undergraduates graduating in August 2000 and thereafter.

Dean’s List
For students matriculating Fall 2004 and thereafter: A full-time student shall be placed on the Dean’s List for a particular semester if the following conditions are met: Within the award semester matriculated students must have completed at Albany a minimum of 12 graduation credits in courses graded A–E, with no grade lower than a C, and with no incomplete (I) grades. For a student’s first matriculated semester at the University, .the students semester average must be 3.25 or higher; for all other students, the semester average must a 3.5 or higher.

For students matriculating Fall 1997or later but before Fall 2004: A full-time student shall be placed on the Dean’s List for a particular semester if the following conditions are met: Within the award semester matriculated students must have completed at Albany a minimum of 12 graduation credits in courses graded A–E. The student’s semester average must be 3.5 or higher for a sophomore, junior, or senior, and at least 3.25 for a freshman*, with no grade lower than a C, and with no incomplete (I) grades.* For the purposes of this policy “freshman” is defined as a student whose admissions status is freshman and who has completed no more than two full time semesters of study in the fall or spring semester at the University at Albany.

For students matriculating before Fall 1997: A student shall be placed on the Dean’s List for a particular semester if that student has met all of the following criteria: Within that semester the student must have completed at Albany a minimum of 12 graduation credits in courses graded A–E, and must have registered for those credits before the last day for adding semester courses. The student’s semester average must be 3.25 or higher, with no grade lower than C-.

Dean’s Commendation for Part-Time Students

For students matriculating Fall 2004 and thereafter: A part-time student shall receive the Dean’s Commendation for Part-Time Students for a particular semester if the following conditions are met: Within the award semester matriculated students must have completed at Albany a minimum of 6 graduation credits in courses graded A–E, with no grade lower than a C, and with no incomplete (I) grades. For a student’s first matriculated semester at the University, .the students semester average must be 3.25 or higher; for all other students, the semester average must a 3.5 or higher.

For students matriculating Fall 1997or later but before Fall 2004: A student shall receive the Dean’s Commendation for Part-Time Students for a particular semester if the student has met all of the following criteria: A matriculated student must have completed at least 6 graduation credits at the University at Albany within the given semester in courses graded A–E. The student’s semester average must be 3.5 or higher for a sophomore, junior, or senior, and at least 3.25 for a freshman*, with no grade lower than C, and with no incomplete (I) grades. * For the purposes of this policy “freshman” is defined as a student whose admissions status is freshman and who has completed no more than two full time semesters of study in the fall or spring semester at the University at Albany.

For students matriculating before Fall 1997: A student shall receive the Dean’s Commendation for Part-Time Students for a particular semester if the student has met all of the following criteria: A matriculated student must have completed at least 6 graduation credits at the University at Albany within the given semester in courses graded A–E and have been registered for fewer than 12 credits on the last day for adding semester courses. The student’s semester average must be 3.25 or higher, with no grade lower than C-.

Phi Beta Kappa
Students compiling a distinguished academic record at University at Albany, State University of New York may be elected members of the venerable (founded 1776) honorary society,Phi Beta Kappa, in their senior year; or, if they do especially well, in their junior year. To be considered for election, students must have the following:

A major in the liberal arts and sciences, with not fewer than 90 credits of liberal work among the 120 credits needed for graduation.

Completed at least 3 full semesters of work, or 45 credits, in residence at this University and be pursuing a program toward graduation.

Students pursuing a double major with courses combined from such fields as business, social welfare, or other professional schools may be considered for election in their senior year, if their course work includes at least 90 credits in the liberal arts and sciences. Consideration will be given to courses of a liberal nature, even though they may be offered outside the College of Arts and Sciences.

The breadth of a student’s program is important, as shown by the number and variety of courses taken outside the major. Students are expected to have completed some work in science and mathematics, the social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities, including a foreign language at the university. Regents equivalency does not satisfy the foreign language requirement.
Every student is considered automatically. Individual nomination is not necessary. The final choices are decided on by the full membership of the University at Albany, State University of New York Chapter, Alpha Alpha of New York
(e-mail: PBK@csc.albany.edu).

Presidential Awards for Undergraduate Research

To encourage undergraduate scholarship and creative work, and to reward excellence and individual initiative, the University has established the Presidential Awards. The nominees for the awards will be selected on the basis of a major paper or project produced by the student in conjunction with a course or independent study, under the direction of an Albany faculty member. The project’s significance will be judged in terms of its academic quality and originality.

Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

Undergraduate and graduate students are nominated for this distinction from across the entire State University of New York. The award is presented by the Chancellor to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and have received national or international recognition for their efforts. Recipients of this high honor have typically distinguished themselves in their academic work and in a variety of other domains including athletics, service, publication, conference presentation, or artistic performance.

Endowed Presidential Scholarships

For more information about the Presidential Scholarships, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies at 518-442-3950.

Elena Rodrigues Anderson ’82 Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to a Presidential Scholarship recipient who maintains at least a 3.25 GPA. This scholarship is renewable up to four years.

Edward Gallatin B. Hudson Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to full-time undergraduate students who has demonstrated a strong academic record and shows financial need.

Erica ’86 and Michael Olin ’85 Presidential Scholarship Fund: Awarded to an incoming freshman who has shown extraordinary academic talent and who has demonstrated a high degree of motivation. Scholarship is intended to be applied to tuition, room, rent, board and books in order to relieve recipient of the costs of their education. Renewable up to four years.

Evan Michael Zahn ‘82, M.D. Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to either a junior or senior who is a member of the Presidential Honors program. This scholarship is renewable. Recipient must be committed to a health-related career, i.e., dentistry, medicine, etc.

University at Albany Scholarships, Awards, Prizes and Honors

Scholarships and awards are listed alphabetically according to their affiliation:

College of Arts & Sciences

Academic Excellence in Mathematics: Awarded annually to one or more graduating seniors on the basis of scholastic achievement in mathematics.

American Institute of Chemists Award: A medal awarded to an outstanding graduating chemistry major, based on demonstrated record of leadership, ability, character, and scholastic achievement.

Eleanor Rosalie Bazzoni 1906 Fellowship: Awarded for outstanding achievement in English, French, or German.

B’nai Zion Award Medal: Awarded annually to the graduating student having the greatest proficiency in Hebrew.

Glenn Bumpus ’75 Memorial Award: Awarded to senior students in the field of biological sciences in recognition of outstanding achievement in undergraduate research and its communication.

Certificate of Achievement: Awarded to the junior who has maintained the highest cumulative grade point average. The student shall be a major in the Department of Africana Studies.

Chemistry Faculty Award: Awarded to an outstanding graduating chemistry major who has demonstrated high scholastic standing, good character, and potential for advancement in the chemical profession.

Crippen Prize: Awarded to the outstanding graduating senior in American History. Candidates must have had at least 18 credits of college level work in American Colonial and United States history, at least 12 credits taken on the University at Albany campus.

Celebration of Undergraduate Achievement Awards: Awarded annually to honor the work of undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled in a humanities or fine arts class.

CRC Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award: Awarded annually at the end of the spring semester to a freshman on the basis of outstanding achievement in chemistry.

Christopher DeCormier ’76 Memorial Scholarship: Awarded annually to students studying the Maya Language and/or culture under the direction of the Institute for Mesoamerican Studies, Department of Anthropology.
Class of 1905 Bazzoni Fellowship: Awarded for outstanding achievement in the natural sciences.

Excellence in Scholarship Award Awarded: to a major in African/Afro-American studies on the basis of scholarship, outstanding service to the department, and faculty support.

Robert Fairbanks Memorial Fund: Short-term loans designed to provide assistance to students in the field of economics.

Hazel English Ferris ’32 Scholarship: Awarded in alternate years to upper division students majoring in Business in memory of Professor George Morell York and in Theatre in memory of Professor Agnes Futterer, based on academic achievement.

Francine W. Frank Award in Linguistics: Awarded annually to an outstanding graduating linguistics major.

French Embassy Book Prizes: Each year, the Cultural Attaché of the French Embassy awards prizes of books to the best students in the Department of French.

Agnes E. Futterer Award: Awarded annually to the graduating senior who has made the most significant contribution to theatre at the University.

Agnes E. Futterer Memorial Fellowship: Awarded annually to an Albany graduate or graduating senior who was in residence at the University for at least two undergraduate years. The fellowship may be used for graduate study in theatre or theatre-related fields at the University at Albany, at any other accredited university, or in a recognized theatre program.

Narayan Gokhale Award: Awarded annually to the graduating atmospheric science major with the highest academic average.

Andrea Hanan ’87 Music Scholarship: Awarded annually to an undergraduate entering the music program and/or a continuing first year music major on the basis of outstanding achievement.

Mayfred Dutton Lucas, ’24 Scholarship: Awarded to an outstanding mathematics major committed to teaching at the high school level.

Merlin W. Hathaway Memorial Scholarship: Awarded for outstanding academic and athletic achievement, leadership, integrity, and commitment to the University.

Vivian C. Hopkins Scholarship Award: Awarded annually to an English major who has demonstrated outstanding scholastic ability and character.

Husted Fellowship Award: Awarded to a graduate student who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University and has been in residence at the University for at least two years as an undergraduate. The fellowship may be used for full-time graduate study at the University at Albany or any other accredited university. Priority is given to candidates with a demonstrated aptitude and interest in teaching.

Kappa Beta Scholarship: Based on merit, the scholarship is awarded every other year to a graduating senior selected by the Department of Judaic Studies who will continue graduate or professional studies in some aspect of Judaic Studies.

Gordon Karp Award: Awarded to undergraduate students in economics who best exemplify the intelligence, dedication and accomplishment that marked the promising career of Gordon Karp, an undergraduate and doctoral graduate of the University. Gordon received his B.A. in 1977 and his Ph.D. in 1986.

Arthur Long Teaching Assistant Award: Awarded annually to a teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry on the basis or a genuine concern for the intellectual growth of his/her students, high moral and ethical character, and excellence in scholarship.

Leah Lovenheim Award: Awarded annually by the Department of English for the best student short story.

Mayfred Dutton Lucas '24 Scholarship: Awarded to a Math major committed to a career as a high school teacher of mathematics.

Shields McIlwaine Award: Awarded annually by the Department of English for the best student poem.

Anna R. Oliver Memorial Scholarship: Awarded annually by the Department of Physics to outstanding juniors or seniors.

Gertrude Hunter Parlin ’17 Teacher's Scholarship: Provides annual scholarships for students preparing for careers in teaching.

William Reedy Prize: Awarded annually by the History Department to an undergraduate student for the best paper submitted in any history course taken at the University during the preceding calendar year.

William E. Rowley Award: Awarded annually by the Journalism Program in the Department of English for the best journalistic writing by a student.

Ronald R. Schafer Scholarship Fund: Awarded annually to a student demonstrating notable achievement or future promise in journalism.

Mildred Schmidt Award: Awarded to the graduating senior with the best academic record in Latin.

Arlene F. Steinberg ’71 Award: Awarded to the junior or senior English major who best shows evidence of scholarly or creative contribution to the understanding of 20th-century fiction, poetry, or drama.

Derk V. Tieszen Award: Awarded to a senior chemistry major on the basis of demonstrated achievement in chemistry, physics, and mathematics plus potential as a research worker and teacher of chemistry at an advanced level.
James Unger ’73 Memorial Award: Awarded annually by the Department of Political Science on the basis of the best written work in political science submitted by an undergraduate.

Katherine Vario Memorial Scholarship: To recognize and promote academic achievement in the areas of medicine for an undergraduate student who plans a career in medicine.

Richard Wilkie Award for the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Communication: Awarded annually at the end of the spring semester to a graduating communication student who has achieved academic excellence, especially in argumentation and public discourse.

Women’s Studies Award: Awarded to a senior women’s studies major who has combined outstanding academic achievement with contributions to the women’s community on- or off-campus.

Women’s Studies Stoneman-Van Vranken Scholarship: is awarded to the Women’s Studies majors, minors, and/or those who have completed at least four Women’s Studies courses. The winner is selected on the basis of outstanding performance in Women’s Studies courses, significant contributions to the University and larger communities, dedication to feminist principles, and overall academic performance. The award is named for two Albany alumnae whose lives epitomize feminist concerns.

School of Business

Martha Bealler Altman Scholarship: Established by Nolan T. Altman, Class of 1977 in memory of his mother. Awarded to a School of Business sophomore or junior student selected by Mr. Altman on the basis of scholastic achievement, activities, and community service.

Harold L. Cannon Memorial Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and Service: Awarded to a School of Business student as selected by the faculty on the basis of academic achievement and service to the School of Business, the University, and/or the community.

Milton and Mary M. Danko Golden Rule Award: Awarded to a junior enrolled in the School of Business who gives or shares his/her most precious resource: time. Special consideration given to those who assist the impoverished, the alienated, the hungry and/or homeless. Established by William D. Danko, Ph.D. in memory of his parents.

Dean’s Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement by a Returning Undergraduate Student: Awarded to a School of Business graduating senior selected by the faculty on the basis of overall grade point, grade point average in the major, and nonscholastic activities.

Deloitte and Touche /Accounting Club Award for Academic Achievement: Awarded to a School of Business junior accounting major who has demonstrated high academic achievement.

Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key: Awarded by the Zeta Psi chapter of the International Business Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi to the School of Business graduating senior with the highest overall grade point average.

Departmental Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Accounting: Awarded by the Department of Accounting to a graduating senior accounting major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

Departmental Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Finance: Awarded by the Department of Finance to a graduating senior finance major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

Departmental Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Management Science and Information Systems: Awarded by the Department of Management Science to a graduating senior management science major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

Departmental Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Marketing: Awarded by the Department of Marketing to a graduating senior marketing major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

IHRIM/Edward S. Goldmacher Award: The IHRIM/Edward S. Goldmacher Scholarship is intended to support a senior undergraduate student who is interested in the field of Human Resource Information Management. The award is based on academic merit and interest in the HRIM field.

The Lai Wah Kui Award: Presented by John S. Levato to a junior School of Business major in memory of this exceptional undergraduate student, class of 1977, who served as a loyal workstudy in the Office of Student Services for three years.

The Roanne Kulakoff Award: This award is given to one of the top junior students in the School of Business who has shown academic merit and who has successfully funded themselves throughout their college career while attaining high academic standards, involvement in the community, and leadership.

Margaret Yager Middleton ’29 Scholarship: Awarded annually to upper division students admitted to the School of Business based on high academic achievement.

Ernest and Florence Bensinger Milano ’36 Scholarship: Awarded to upper division students in the School of Business based on high academic achievement.
New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Award: Awarded to the senior accounting major, as recommended by the department, with the highest overall accounting grade point average who is planning to pursue a career in public accounting.

Irving H. Sabgher Memorial Award: for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Management Awarded by the Department of Management to a graduating senior management major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

Mark Taylor Scholarship: The Mark Taylor Scholarship is awarded to a freshman intended business major from Rockland County on the basis of UAlbany GPA and SAT score.

Wall Street Journal Award: Awarded to a School of Business graduating senior selected by the faculty on the basis of overall grade point, grade point average in the major, and nonscholastic activities.

Wann Family Foundation Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate senior or junior who has at least a 3.5 GPA and is pursuing a degree in Finance/Marketing. Students must demonstrate academic merit and financial need.

Harry Warshawsky ’80 Memorial Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and Service: Awarded to a School of Business student selected by the Office of the Dean on the basis of scholastic achievement and service to the School of Business and the University and who exemplifies the outstanding personal qualities of Harry Warshawsky.

School of Social Welfare

Anna Boochever DeBeer ’12 Scholarship: Awarded annually to graduate students at the University in the fields of Criminal Justice, Public Affairs, Social Welfare or other areas of human relations, or to assist dedicated and committed students who pursue academic careers in fields which enable them to work for the betterment of society.

Fraternity and Sorority Sponsored Scholarships & Awards

Alpha Pi Alpha Scholarships: Awarded annually to offspring of University at Albany, State University of New York Alpha Pi Alpha members and other students who are full-time matriculated students in attendance and who are in good academic standing at the University.
Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key: Awarded by the Zeta Psi chapter of the International Business Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi to the School of Business graduating senior with the highest overall grade point average.

Lambda Pi Eta: The Nu Alpha Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta is the national honor society committed to fostering academic and professional excellence in communication.

Phi Gamma Nu: Scholarship Key Awarded by the National Professional Sorority in Business to a School of Business graduating senior woman selected by the faculty on the basis of overall grade point average, grade point average in the major, and nonscholastic activities.

Pi Sigma Epsilon Scholarship Key: Awarded to a graduating School of Business senior who exemplifies academic and professional excellence in the area of marketing.

Memorial, Alumni and General Scholarship Awards

Alumni Talented Student Scholarships: Awarded annually to those students who demonstrate a superior intellectual, artistic, or performing talent in a single field of study. Awards are limited and are restricted to students entering the University for the first time.

Class of 1937 Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate student who exhibits outstanding academic performance and potential, with consideration to financial need, and a commitment to pursue education in the field of teaching.

Class of 1939 Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate student who exhibits outstanding academic performance and potential, and breadth of accomplishment, with consideration to financial need.

Class of 1952 Reunion Scholarship: Awarded to a junior or senior University at Albany student who is outstanding in academic and extra-curricular activities. The award is issued each year in the name of one or more distinguished teaching faculty who were associated with the College for Teachers during some or all of the period from 1948 to 1952, during the undergraduate years of the Class of 1952.

Class of 1972 Scholarship Award: Awarded to an Albany senior who, on the basis of both need and merit, is judged most deserving to pursue graduate study at this University.
Class of 1976 Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate student who is in good academic standing and actively participating in athletics and/or other campus related extra-curricular activity.

Class of 1979 Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate student who is in good academic standing and who has demonstrated extreme financial need.

Class of 1980 Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate who is in good academic standing (3.0+ GPA) and demonstrates financial need.

Class of 1981 Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate who possesses a 3.5+ GPA, demonstrates financial need and is a New York State resident.

Class of 1985 Scholarship: To provide an annual scholarship to one or more undergraduate students who possess a 3.0+ GPA and who have demonstrated financial need.

Class of 1986 Scholarship: Awarded to a sophomore, junior or senior who possesses a GPA of 3.5+ and has demonstrated financial need.

Sesquicentennial Class Council Scholarship (1994): To provide a merit based scholarship to a member of the senior class who has demonstrated leadership, maintained a 3.0+ GPA, is commitment to community service and has been a student at the University at Albany during both junior and senior years.

Edna Craig ’21 Memorial Award: Awarded to members of the senior class and/or other members of the student body to provide assistance based on financial need and eligibility.

Stanley Fink Legislative Internship Endowment: Awarded to juniors or seniors who have completed at least 56 credits of academic work at the University at Albany and who demonstrate superior academic achievement with consideration to financial need.

Robyn Fishelberg Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate woman who demonstrates outstanding humanitarian qualities through involvement in University activities and community service.

Florence Smith French ’33 Scholarship: In support of a full-time undergraduate student. The award is based on financial need.

Bruce B. and Louise Steen Gravitt ’38 Scholarship: Supports a full-time undergraduate female student majoring in Mathematics.
Howard & Rosalie Lefkowitz Memorial Fund: Awarded to an incoming freshman from one of the five boroughs of New York City. This award is based primarily on financial need.

Dr. Theodore H. Fossieck – Milne School Scholarship: Awarded to newly admitted undergraduate students who are descendants of Milne School graduates or Milne School faculty.

Myskania Scholarship: To award full-time undergraduate students in recognition of their outstanding leadership and service to the University. Established by Miriam Snow Mathes, Class of 1926.

Ralph Sidman Memorial Scholarship: Provides a scholarship to an undergraduate student from the Capital District who exhibits outstanding academic performance and potential with consideration to financial need.

The University at Albany Alumni Association Minerva Scholarship: Awarded to an incoming freshman student who demonstrates high academic standing, leadership qualities and who has financial need.

Ada Craig Walker Award: Awarded to the senior woman who best typifies the ideals of the University.

Richard & Therese Wienecke Hudson ’32 Scholarship: In support of an incoming undergraduate student based on financial need. Established by Therese Wienecke Hudson '32.

Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy

Membership in the following national honoraries and honor societies is available to qualified students. Interested students should contact the appropriate dean or department chair for further information.

Alpha Kappa Delta: Alpha Kappa Delta is a national honorary society in sociology.

Alpha Phi Sigma: Alpha Phi Sigma is the national criminal justice honor society.

Beta Gamma Sigma: Beta Gamma Sigma is the national honor society for students of business administration and accounting.

Dobro Slovo: Dobro Slovo is the national Slavic honor society.

Gamma Theta Upsilon: Gamma Theta Upsilon is the International Honor Society in Geography.

Kappa Delta Pi: is an international honor society in education.

Phi Alpha: The Alpha Gamma Chapter of Phi Alpha is an academic honorary society for undergraduate social work/welfare majors.

Phi Alpha Theta: The Chi Delta Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta is an international honor society in history.

Pi Delta Phi: Pi Delta Phi is a national honor society in French. A series of scholarships are offered to members of Pi Delta Phi in a national competition.

Pi Sigma Alpha: Pi Sigma Alpha is a national honorary society in political science.

Psi Chi: Psi Chi is the national honor society for students in psychology.

Sigma Delta Pi: The Eta Psi Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi is a national Spanish honorary dedicated to promoting Spanish language and culture in non-Spanish speaking countries.

Sigma Pi Sigma: Sigma Pi Sigma is a national honor society associated with the American Institute of Physics.

Sigma Tau Delta: Sigma Tau Delta is a national academic honor society for students of English.

Sigma Xi: Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, is a national and international honorary for those with research achievement. Undergraduates who have completed a research project or publication of note are eligible.