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Lafayette honored students for academic excellence at the annual All-College Honors Convocation April 25 at the Williams Center for the Arts.
Lafayette presented awards and prizes to more than 100 students who have attained outstanding academic success. Also recognized were 59 students invited this spring to become members of Phi Beta Kappa.
The keynote speaker was Sandy D. Balkin, a 1994 Lafayette graduate who is senior manager at Pfizer, Inc.
Also speaking were Lafayette President Arthur J. Rothkopf ’55; Robert W. Allan, associate professor of psychology and chair of the Faculty Academic Progress Committee; and June Schlueter, provost and Dana Professor of English.
Prizes were awarded by Diane Cole Ahl, Arthur J. ’55 and Barbara S. Rothkopf Professor of Art History and chair of the Faculty Subcommittee on Honors Convocation, and Gladstone A. Hutchinson, dean of studies.
Balkin served as a senior consultant with Ernst & Young and has done consulting with organizations such as Consumers Union and Astra-Merck Pharmaceuticals. An adjunct associate professor of statistics at Stern School of Business, New York University, he holds master’s and doctoral degrees in business administration from Penn State University.
At Lafayette, he earned a double major in mathematics-economics and music, winning honors in both math and music with his thesis “Fractal Music.” He was the 1994 recipient of the John D. Raymond Music Award for excellence in music. He participated in a variety of musical activities, and was the pianist for the Lafayette College Jazz Ensemble for three years. He has served as a Gateway Career Service mentor and a member of the Lafayette Alumni Council. He is house corporation president for Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
(Note: Marquis Scholars and Trustee Scholarship recipients, selected from among Lafayette’s most promising applicants, receive a special merit-based financial award and educational benefits. In the EXCEL Scholars program, students do collaborative research with faculty while earning a stipend.)
Frederick Knecht Detwiller Prize. Awarded to a senior art major for distinguished work in art and art history.
R. James Madigan III ’04 (English/art), Binghamton, N.Y (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Vivian B. Noblett Prize in Studio Art. Awarded to an art major(s), with preference given to a student with an interest in studio art, who has demonstrated proficiency in painting and drawing and who shows potential for future achievements.
Jena R. Newman ’04 (art), New Rochelle, N.Y. (Trustee Scholarship recipient, EXCEL Scholar)
Thomas G. Yohe Memorial Prize in Studio Art. Awarded to a student who displays creativity in drawing and illustration.
Marisa E. Damiano ’04 (art), Easton, Pa. (EXCEL Scholar)
H. MacKnight Black Poetry and Literature Prize. Awarded annually to the student who submits the best poem or group of poems in a contest conducted by the Department of English.
R. Creighton Conner ’04(English/American Studies), Lewisburg, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
Class of 1883 Prize. Awarded to a senior(s) who, in the opinion of the faculty in the Department of English, has demonstrated excellence in English.
William J. Simmons ’04 (English/philosophy), Trenton, N.J. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Jean Corrie Poetry Prize. Awarded annually to first-, second-, and third-year students who submit the best poetry in a contest conducted by the Academy of American Poets.
Veronica I. Slaght ’07, Pittstown, N.J. (Marquis Scholar)
Gilbert Prize. Awarded annually to students who, in the judgment of the Department of English, have demonstrated superiority in English.
Kellen H. Graham ’04 (English), Camden, N.Y.
Teva W. Miller ’04 (English), Coshocton, Ohio (Trustee Scholarship recipient)
Lauren E. Sheldon ’04 (English), Branchburg, N.J. (Trustee Scholarship recipient, EXCEL Scholar)
Heather M. Trautner ’04 (English), Trout Run, Pa.
Michael J. Bruno ’05 (economics and business), Massapequa Park, N.Y. (Marquis Scholar)
Laura C. Roberts ’05 (English/French), Davidson, N.C. (Marquis Scholar)
Alexis F. Siemons ’05, Moorestown, N.J. (EXCEL Scholar)
Kevin R. Chysna ’06, Northboro, Mass.
Tyler J. Cohn ’06 (English), Wantagh, N.Y.
Lindsay M. Rutt ’06, Stevens, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
I. Clinton Kline Prize. Awarded to the senior who has demonstrated excellence in acting, directing, or technical theater.
Ryon H. Clarke ’04 (biology), East Thetford, Vt.
Gary M. Wandall ’04 (computer science), Ambler, Pa.
Frank Kline Baker Spanish and Latin American Civilization Award. Awarded annually to students who attain the greatest proficiency in the study of Spanish and Latin American Civilization.
Lauren E. Bogar ’04 (international economics and commerce/Spanish), Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Patrick O. Doherty ’04 (philosophy/Spanish), Toms River, N.J. (Marquis Scholar)
Angela M. Guarino ’04 (government and law/Spanish), Springfield, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Shannon A. Sullivan ’04 (Spanish/government and law), Wading River, N.Y. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
James Alexander Petrie Prize in French. Awarded annually to a student(s) demonstrating a high degree of proficiency in French.
Renee M. Cassidy ’04 (international affairs/French), Andover, N.J.
Jillian M. Dodge ’04 (economics and business/French), Allendale, N.J.
Caroline M. Harrington ’04 (international economics and commerce), Merion, Pa.
Lance A. Leimberg ’04 (economics and business/French), Mount Laurel, N.J.
Rexroth Prize in German. Awarded to a student for meritorious achievement in German.
Outstanding Senior Award:
Shara S. Gregory ’04 (international affairs/German), Collegeville, Pa.
Alyson J. Gross ’04 (international affairs/German), Killingworth, Conn.
Culture/Literature Award:
Teva W. Miller ’04 (English), Coshocton, Ohio (Trustee Scholarship recipient)
Language Studies Award:
Laura B. Raibeck ’06 (mechanical engineering), Albrightsville, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
John D. Raymond Music Award. Awarded annually by the Department of Music to a deserving music student(s).
Abigail M. Frueh ’04 (psychology/music), Havertown, Pa.
Louise M. Olmsted Prize in Ethics. Awarded to a student who, in the judgment of the members of the Department of Philosophy, has done outstanding work in theoretical ethics, applied ethics, or a related field.
Amanda L. Roth ’04 (philosophy/women’s studies), Easton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Reverend J. W. and R. S. Porter Bible Prize. Awarded annually to students judged by the Department of Religious Studies to have demonstrated high proficiency in the study of religion, based upon work done in their first and second years.
Brian M. Geraghty ’05 (history and religion), Hanover, N.H. (Marquis Scholar)
Lexi B. Husid ’05 (government and law), Hopewell, N.J.
Africana Studies Scholastic Award. Awarded to a student(s) selected by Africana studies program faculty who has demonstrated academic excellence and potential for future leadership in American society.
Leslie A. Saint ’04 (psychology/Africana studies), Dunellen, N.J. (EXCEL Scholar)
Paul Bernon Memorial Prize in Sociology. Awarded each year by the faculty in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology to the graduating senior most outstanding in sociology.
Olivia J. Tusinski ’04 (anthropology and sociology), Bernardston, Mass.
John H. Allen Prize. Awarded to the author of the best essay in public finance, as judged by a committee within the Department of Economics and Business.
Eric G. Vacca ’04 (economics and business), Philadelphia, Pa.
Department of Economics and Business Award for Scholastic Excellence. Awarded to a student for outstanding academic performance in economics and business and for leadership in departmental activities.
Ing Chea Ang ’04 (mechanical engineering/mathematics-economics), Penang, Malaysia (EXCEL Scholar)
Robert F. Hunsicker Educational Prize. Awarded to a student who has done meritorious work in the area of small-business studies.
Adrienne L. Stark ’04 (American studies/economics and business), Oxford, N.J. (Marquis Scholar)
Institute of Internal Auditors Award for Excellence in Accounting-Related Studies. Given to a student for excellence in accounting and business subjects.
Prashant Poddar ’04 (electrical and computer engineering/economics and business), Ranchi, India (EXCEL Scholar)
Institute of Management Accountants Award. Given to a student for excellence in accounting.
Justas Staisiunas ’04 (mathematics-economics), Panevezys, Lithuania (EXCEL Scholar)
Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award. Given to a graduating senior for excellence in accounting and for participation in college and community affairs.
Katie L. Brown ’04 (economics and business/history), Shillington, Pa. (EXCEL Scholar)
J.H. Tarbell Award. Awarded to a student who demonstrates an understanding of financial operations and institutions.
Allison H. Gold ’04 (economics and business), Mamaroneck, N.Y.
Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award. Given to a student whose academic performance in economics and business is considered exceptional.
Douglas A. Schiz ’04 (mathematics-economics), Edison, N.J. (EXCEL Scholar)
Eugene P. Chase Government Prize. Awarded annually to the student who has, in the judgment of the Department of Government and Law, submitted the best written exposition in the field of political science during the academic year.
Alexander J. Sarris ’04 (government and law), Northford, Conn. (Trustee Scholarship recipient)
Minerva and Emil V. Novak Prize in Government and Law. Presented annually to a student(s) majoring in government and law based on overall excellence in academic work and citizenship in the campus community.
Angela M. Guarino ’04 (government and law/Spanish), Springfield, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Tessa L. Shambaugh ’04 (international affairs/government and law), Schenectady, N.Y.
Devan J. Theiler ’04 (government and law), Bridgewater, N.J.
Class of 1910 Prize. Awarded annually by the Department of History to the senior student(s) who has excelled in the study of history or in an allied field of humanities and who, in the determination of the department, manifests the greatest promise for responsible civic leadership and public service.
Michael J. Sparrow ’04 (history/government and law) (EXCEL Scholar)
Willis Roberts Hunt Biology Prize. Awarded annually to the senior biology student(s) felt by the members of the department to be most deserving.
Regina Lamendella ’04 (biology), Staten Island, N.Y. (Trustee Scholarship recipient, EXCEL Scholar)
Julie M. Xanthopoulos ’04 (biology), Lewistown, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
American Chemical Society Division of Polymer Chemistry Award. Presented to the sophomore or junior chemistry major with the most outstanding performance in the first two semesters of organic chemistry.
Ryan T. Evans ’05 (biochemistry), Mohrsville, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
American Chemical Society Prize. Given by the Lehigh Valley Section of the American Chemical Society to the outstanding senior chemistry major for achievement in chemistry.
Katelyn B. Connell ’04 (biochemistry), Modena, N.Y. (EXCEL Scholar)
American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry. Presented to the junior chemistry major with the greatest achievement in the study of analytical chemistry (2002-03 winner).
Alison N. Campbell ’04 (biochemistry), West Chester, Pa. (Trustee Scholarship recipient, EXCEL Scholar)
American Institute of Chemists Award. Presented by the Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Chemists to a senior chemistry major in recognition of his/her demonstrated record of leadership, character, and scholastic achievement.
Alison N. Campbell ’04 (biochemistry), West Chester, Pa. (Trustee Scholarship recipient, EXCEL Scholar)
Chemical Rubber Company Freshman Achievement Award. Presented to the most outstanding first-year student in general chemistry.
Laura E. Hagopian ’06 (chemistry), Chelmsford, Mass. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
William Forris Hart ’27 Chemistry Prize. Presented to a junior or senior chemistry major for proficiency in organic chemistry and potential for further achievement in chemistry.
Katelyn B. Connell ’04 (biochemistry), Modena, N.Y. (EXCEL Scholar)
Merck Index Award. Given to a senior for superior academic work in chemistry and promise of future excellence.
Myat T. Lin ’04 (biochemistry), Yangon, Myanmar (EXCEL Scholar)
J. Hunt Wilson ’05 Prize in Analytical Chemistry. Awarded annually to the senior chemistry major with the highest ranking in courses and research in analytical chemistry.
Elizabeth L. Ponder ’04 (biochemistry/cultural biomedicine), Collegeville, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
James P. Schwar Prize. Awarded annually in honor of James P. Schwar, professor of computer science from 1962-2000, to a deserving computer science student.
Joseph R. Crobak ’06 (computer science), Mechanicsburg, Pa. (Trustee Scholarship recipient, EXCEL Scholar)
Benjamin F. Barge Mathematical Prize. Awarded annually to first-year students or members of the sophomore class in recognition for excellence in mathematics. Students are selected after competition among the members of the class for meritorious solutions of original problems (2003 winners).
Ekaterina A. Jager ’05 (electrical and computer engineering/mathematics-economics), Tashkent, Uzbekistan (EXCEL Scholar)
John A. Kolba ’06 (electrical and computer engineering), Chelmsford, Mass. (Marquis Scholar)
Joshua R. Porter ’06 (electrical and computer engineering), Pittstown, N.J. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Professor James P. Crawford Prize in Mathematics. Awarded to a student who has made a special contribution to the mathematics community at Lafayette by participating in and providing leadership for the cocurricular activities of the department.
Ekaterina A. Jager ’05 (electrical and computer engineering/mathematics-economics), Tashkent, Uzbekistan (EXCEL Scholar)
Wesley S. Mitman Prize. Awarded to the graduating senior most outstanding in mathematics.
Philip T. Dimitrov ’04 (mathematics/economics and business), Sofia, Bulgaria
William C. Rappolt ’67 and Walter Oechsle ’57 Neuroscience Prize. Awarded to outstanding seniors based on scholarship in the classroom and laboratory and service to the major, college or community.
Alyssa M. Picchini ’04 (neuroscience), York, Pa. (Trustee Scholarship recipient, EXCEL Scholar)
Meghan C. Ramsey ’04 (neuroscience), Lakeville, Minn. (Trustee Scholarship recipient, EXCEL Scholar)
Herbert W. Rogers Psychology Prize. Awarded annually to the outstanding senior psychology major(s) judged by the department to be the most deserving.
Leslie A. Saint ’04 (psychology/Africana studies), Dunellen, N.J. (EXCEL Scholar)
William G. McLean Tau Beta Pi Prize. Awarded annually to a sophomore engineering student based on academic performance, campus citizenship, and professional orientation.
Andrew S. Baker ’06 (civil engineering/international studies), Seattle, Wash. (Marquis Scholar)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers Donald F. Othmer Award. Given to the junior student majoring in chemical engineering who has attained the highest grade point average for two years.
Lucas J. Landherr ’05 (chemical engineering), Preston, Conn. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
American Institute of Chemists Award. Presented by the Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Chemists to a senior chemical engineering major in recognition of his/her demonstrated record of leadership, character, and scholastic achievement.
James LaBuz ’04 (chemical engineering), Drums, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
Charles Duncan Fraser Prize. Awarded annually to the senior student(s) who, in the judgment of the Department of Chemical Engineering, is best qualified for advanced work in materials science and engineering.
Garret D. Nicodemus ’04 (chemical engineering), Lake Charles, La. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Brian E. Root ’04 (chemical engineering), Benton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Ryan M. Van Horn ’04 (chemical engineering), Gibsonia, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
Lehigh Valley Section of the American Chemical Society Award. Given to the outstanding senior chemical engineering major(s) for achievement in chemistry.
Jessica E. Hronich ’04 (chemical engineering), West Pittston, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Lehigh Valley Section of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Award. Presented to a senior in the Department of Chemical Engineering who has compiled an impressive record in the undergraduate years in chemical engineering and who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in one or more extracurricular activities.
Garret D. Nicodemus ’04 (chemical engineering), Lake Charles, La. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Lehigh Valley Section of the ASM Award. Awarded annually to the student(s) who has attained the most impressive record in the introductory materials course.
Matthew J. Root ’06 (chemical engineering), Benton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Dr. E.L. McMillen-K.K. Malhotra ’49 Prize. Awarded to a junior(s) who has attained a high cumulative average in chemical engineering and who has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the Unit Operations Laboratory.
Garret D. Nicodemus ’04 (chemical engineering), Lake Charles, La. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
William D. Pyrz ’04 (chemical engineering), Harleysville, Pa.
Naa Larteokor Quarcoo ’04, Accra, Ghana (EXCEL Scholar)
Donald U. Noblett Prize in Chemical Engineering. Given to a chemical engineering major(s) based on high academic achievement, with outstanding promise of future excellence in his/her career.
Fernando Molina-Polo ’04 (EXCEL Scholar)
William D. Pyrz ’04 (chemical engineering), Harleysville, Pa.
Carl J. Staska Prize. Awarded each year to a student(s) who has demonstrated a degree of proficiency in chemical laboratory skills.
William D. Pyrz ’04 (chemical engineering), Harleysville, Pa.
Lauren S. Sefcik ’04 (chemical engineering), Saddle Brook, N.J. (Marquis Scholar)
Luther F. Witmer Prize. Awarded annually to the senior(s) with the most outstanding accomplishments in materials science and engineering.
Garret D. Nicodemus ’04 (chemical engineering), Lake Charles, La. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Brian E. Root ’04 (chemical engineering), Benton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Carroll Phillips Bassett Prize. Awarded annually to senior students deemed most outstanding by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Michelle DiMeglio ’04 (B.S. civil engineering/A.B. English), Morton, Pa. (Trustee Scholarship recipient)
Theresa E. Kearney ’04 (civil engineering), Pearl River, N.Y. (EXCEL Scholar)
Peter A. Totev ’04 (B.S. civil engineering/A.B. economics and business), Oberursel, Germany (EXCEL Scholar)
Nathan L. Tyson ’04 (B.S. civil engineering/A.B. geology), Easton, Pa. (EXCEL Scholar)
Carroll Phillips Bassett Prize for Juniors. Awarded annually for outstanding work up to and including the junior year.
Stephen T. Bono ’05 (civil engineering), Upper Saddle River, N.J. (Marquis Scholar)
Susan E. Bowers ’05 (civil engineering), Williamsport, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
Ronald T. Manney ’05 (civil engineering), Coal Township, Pa. (EXCEL Scholar)
Michael L. Nilson ’05 (civil engineering), Wantagh, N.Y. (Trustee Scholarship recipient, EXCEL Scholar)
Russell C. Brinker Prize in Civil Engineering. Awarded to that junior in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department who, in the opinion of that department’s faculty, is deemed most deserving on the basis of self-reliance, scholarship, and student activities.
Susan E. Bowers ’05 (civil engineering), Williamsport, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
Lehigh Valley Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers Outstanding Senior Award. Awarded to a senior civil engineering student who exhibits outstanding scholastic ability as well as involvement in extracurricular activities.
Nathan L. Tyson ’04 (B.S. civil engineering/A.B. geology), Easton, Pa. (EXCEL Scholar)
Moles Student Award. Given to a student in engineering whose academic achievement and enthusiastic application shows outstanding promise of personal development leading to a career in construction engineering and management.
Peter A. Totev ’04 (B.S. civil engineering/A.B. economics and business), Oberursel, Germany (EXCEL Scholar)
Lawrence J. Conover ’24 Electrical Engineering Prize. Presented each year to a senior in electrical engineering upon recommendation of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Volkan Oktem ’04 (electrical and computer engineering/economics and business), Minsk, Belarus (EXCEL Scholar)
J.J. Ebers Memorial Award. Given to a student, selected by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, based on high academic achievement and noteworthy professional interest in the field of electrical engineering.
Prashant Poddar ’04 (electrical and computer engineering/economics and business), Ranchi, India (EXCEL Scholar)
Finley W. and Ethelwyne H. Smith Electronic Engineering Prize. Awarded annually to the electrical and computer engineering senior who has earned, at the end of the junior year, the highest cumulative average attained by any senior who is working for department honors with a project in the electronics or communications field.
Matthew R. Loh ’04 (electrical and computer engineering), Singapore (EXCEL Scholar)
Karl J. Ammerman Prize. Awarded annually to the “most deserving student” in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, selected by the faculty of the department.
Ing Chea Ang ’04 (mechanical engineering/mathematics-economics), Penang, Malaysia (EXCEL Scholar)
Carl G., Jr. ’67 and Deborah B. Anderson P’01 Mechanical Engineering Prize. Awarded to a mechanical engineering major on the strength of high academic achievement and promise for excellence in his or her career.
Adam P. Simpson ’04 (mechanical engineering), Aston, Pa.
James F. Bryant ’40 Excellence Award. Awarded to a junior student who meets standards of excellence, as did James F. Bryant, by demonstrating high academic achievement, lettering in at least one varsity sport, and showing noticeable and noteworthy evidence of community service.
Meghan L. Sweeney ’05 (neuroscience), Yardley, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Eugene P. Chase Phi Beta Kappa Prize. Awarded to a sophomore(s) who has demonstrated scholarship as a first-year student.
Alisandra B. Carnevale ’06 (history and government & law), Princeton, N.J.
Teresa J. Cridge ’06, Newtown, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
Laura E. Hagopian ’06 (chemistry), Chelmsford, Mass. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Maureen E. Jackson ’06 (Marquis Scholar)
Joshua R. Porter ’06 (electrical and computer engineering), Pittstown, N.J. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Matthew J. Root ’06 (chemical engineering), Benton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Lafayette Alumni of the Lehigh Valley Scholarship Award. Awarded annually to a senior(s) residing in the greater Lehigh Valley who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement.
Amanda L. Roth ’04 (philosophy/women’s studies), Easton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
David A. Portlock Study Abroad Memorial Prize. Awarded annually to an outstanding student who will benefit most from studying abroad.
Alissa E. Romano ’04 (biology), Abington, Pa.
Paul Tully Memorial Prize. Presented to the student who best exemplifies the progressive principles of social and political service-democratic ideals to which Paul Tully devoted his life.
Benton M. Wilmoth IV ’05 (government and law/international affairs), Marysville, Ohio (Marquis Scholar, EXCEL Scholar)
Professor Carolynn Van Dyke Prize. Awarded annually to a student majoring in any subject (preference for computer science) to provide funds for a nontraditional learning experience.
Andrew N. Phillips ’05 (computer science), Middletown, Md.
Leopard Medal. Awarded to the first-year cadet who contributes the most to the advancement of Army ROTC at Lafayette College. The cadet must be academically in the top 10 percent of his/her ROTC class and the top 25 percent of his/her academic class. The award is made possible through the generous contributions of Harry M. Jones ’66, Lieutenant Colonel, U. S. Army retired.
Kyle T. Berglin ’07 (history and government & law), Quogue, N.Y.
College President’s Award. Awarded annually to the outstanding cadets from each class in terms of overall achievement measured by scholastic excellence, leadership, military performance, and extracurricular involvement.
Theodore C. DeMaria ’04 (economics and business), Allentown, N.J.
Damian M. Gill ’05 (chemical engineering), Staten Island, N.Y.
Max R. Rovzar ’06, Cranston, R.I.
Michael T. Werner ’07 (biology), Neenah, Wis. (Marquis Scholar)
A National Leader in Undergraduate Research. Alyson Gross ’04 presented her honors research on picaresque novels with Margarete Lamb-Faffelberger, associate professor of German, at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.