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Lafayette honored students for academic excellence at the annual All-College Honors Convocation April 27 at the Williams Center for the Arts.
Lafayette presented awards to more than 90 students who have attained outstanding academic success. Also recognized were 55 students invited this spring to become members of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most respected undergraduate honors organization, which fosters and recognizes excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.
The keynote speaker was Matthew T. Sitomer, a 2000 Lafayette graduate who is a doctoral student in psychology at Arizona State University.
Also speaking were Lafayette President Arthur J. Rothkopf ’55; Kim Bennett, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and chair of the Faculty Academic Progress Committee; and June Schlueter, provost.
Prizes were awarded by Robert W. Allan, associate professor of psychology and chair of the Faculty Subcommittee on Honors Convocation; and Gladstone A. Hutchinson, dean of studies.
Sitomer is currently studying with Peter R. Killeen, one of the world’s leading experts in animal learning. He previously studied with Armando Machado at Indiana University. He has published his scholarly work in several scientific journals and presented at major psychological conferences.
At Lafayette he won the Burton H. Cohen Memorial Prize in Psychology and the Herbert Rogers Psychology Prize, graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in psychology, with honors, and American Studies. He did EXCEL research with Allan and was a Writing Associate in the College Writing Program. President of the Lafayette chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi, the scientific research society. A member of the varsity track team, he also played baritone saxophone in the jazz ensemble.
(Note: Marquis Scholars and Trustee Scholarship recipients, selected from among Lafayette’s most promising applicants, receive a special financial-aid award and other important educational benefits. EXCEL Scholars do collaborative research with faculty while earning a stipend.)
AWARDS AND PRIZES IN THE HUMANITIES
Art
Frederick Knecht Detwiller Prize. Awarded to a senior art major for distinguished work in art and art history.
Heather A. Badamo ’03, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Vivian B. Noblett Prize in Studio Art. Awarded to an art major – 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.
Christopher J. Metzger ’03, Lisbon Falls, Maine (EXCEL Scholar)
Janice M. Truszkowski ’03, Phillipsburg, N.J. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
English
Gilbert Prize. Awarded annually to students who, in the judgment of the Department of English, have demonstrated superiority in English.
Heather M. Bastian ’03, Hamburg, Pa. (Trustee Scholarship recipient and EXCEL Scholar)
Kimberly A. Enoch ’04, Hatboro, Pa.
Jessica L. Lasak ’05, Broomall, Pa.
Katherine E. Rewinkel ’03, Sunnyvale, Calif. (Marquis Scholar)
Suzanne M. Ryder ’05, Pitman, N.J. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Brandt E. Siegel ’03, Marysville, Ohio (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
William J. Simmons ’04, Trenton, N.J. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Heather A. Wood ’04, Hamilton, N.J. (Marquis Scholar)
Barbara L. Woodfin ’05, Mendon, Mass.
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.
Jordan L. Brugg ’03, Stamford, Conn.
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.
Meghan E. Jackson ’05 (Marquis Scholar)
Andrew P. LaCroix ’06, Wilton, Conn.
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.
Heather M. Bastian ’03, Hamburg, Pa. (Trustee Scholarship recipient and EXCEL Scholar)
I. Clinton Kline Prize. Awarded to the senior who has demonstrated an outstanding record in the oral communication of English and has participated in public speaking and dramatics.
Katherine E. Rewinkel ’03, Sunnyvale, Calif. (Marquis Scholar)
Foreign Languages And Literatures
Class of 1884 R. B. Youngman Greek Prize. Awarded annually to a student who has demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in Greek.
Heather A. Badamo ’03, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
George H. Catlin Prize. Awarded to the senior with the highest average in the study of the classics.
Kimberly Posocco ’03, Scranton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
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.
Jessica C. D’Arienzo ’03, Rochester, N.Y. (Trustee Scholarship recipient)
Kristen M. Murphy ’03, Brewster, N.Y. (Marquis Scholar)
Cherish A. O’Donnell ’03, Toms River, N.J.
Abigail M. Stringer ’03, Naples, Fla.
James Alexander Petrie Prize in French. Awarded annually to a student(s) demonstrating a high degree of proficiency in French.
Gabriela J. Martins ’03, Wyckoff, N.J. (EXCEL Scholar)
Melissa C. Papa ’03, Pound Ridge, N.Y.
Erin M. Reynolds ’03, Larchmont, N.Y.
Lucile B. Smith ’03, Neptune, N.J. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Rexroth Prize in German. Awarded to a student for meritorious achievement in German.
Outstanding Senior Award: Sarah J. Harting ’03, West Bloomfield, Mich.
Culture/Literature Studies Award: Nicole M. Kozyra ’05, Marlton, N.J. (Marquis Scholar)
Language Studies Award: Hart N. Feuer ’05, Portland, Ore.
Music
John D. Raymond Music Award. Awarded annually by the Department of Music to a deserving music student.
Christopher B. Michaud ’03, Millerton, N.Y. (Trustee Scholarship recipient and EXCEL Scholar)
Nathan A. Tregger ’03, Niantic, Conn. (EXCEL Scholar)
Philosophy
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.
Sara E. Yevics ’03, Scranton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
Religion
Reverend J.W. and R.S. Porter Bible Prize. Awarded annually to students judged by the Department of Religion to have demonstrated high proficiency in the study of religion, based upon work done in their first and second years.
Sarah J. Bassin ’04, Shawnee Mission, Kansas (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Jena R. Newman ’04, New Rochelle, N.Y. (Trustee Scholarship recipient)
AWARDS AND PRIZES IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Africana Studies
Africana Studies Scholastic Award. Awarded to a student selected by Africana Studies program faculty who has demonstrated academic excellence and potential for future leadership in American society.
Molefi K. Asante ’04, Glenside, Pa.
Christopher J. Metzger ’03, Lisbon Falls, Maine (EXCEL Scholar)
Anthropology and Sociology
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.
Jennifer J. Bennett ’03, Gray, Maine
Economics and Business
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.
Crystal C. Taylor ’03, Hyattsville, Md. (EXCEL Scholar)
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.
Shivani Malhotra ’03, Bangalore, India (EXCEL Scholar)
Financial Executives Institute Award. Awarded to a student in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in accounting and/or finance, promise of future success, and intent to seek a career in corporate accounting or financial management.
Matthew G. Tambellini ’03, Millville, N.J.
Robert F. Hunsicker Educational Prize. Awarded to a student who has done meritorious work in the area of small-business studies.
Suzanne B. Metzger ’03, Fair Lawn, N.J. (EXCEL Scholar)
Institute of Internal Auditors Award for Excellence in Accounting-Related Studies. Given to a student for excellence in accounting and business subjects.
Jeffrey J. Zambrano ’03, Cedar Grove, N.J
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Institute of Management Accountants Award. Given to a student for excellence in accounting.
Daniel A. Williams ’03, Berwyn, Pa.
Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award. Given to a graduating senior for excellence in accounting and for participation in college and community affairs.
Shivani Malhotra ’03, Bangalore, India (EXCEL Scholar)
J.H. Tarbell Award. Awarded to a student who demonstrates an understanding of financial operations and institutions.
Michael Kotov ’03, Warrington, Pa. (EXCEL Scholar)
Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award. Given to a student whose academic performance in economics and business is considered exceptional.
Daniel A. Williams ’03, Berwyn, Pa.
Government and Law
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.
Amanda L. Roth ’04, Easton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Minerva and Emil V. Novak Prize in Government and Law. Presented annually to a student(s) majoring in the Department of Government and Law based on overall excellence in academic work and citizenship in the campus community.
Bethany A. Abele ’03, Verona, N.J. (Marquis Scholar)
Sarah A. Stocker ’03, Harrison, N.Y.
History
Class of 1910 Prize. Awarded annually by the Department of History to the senior student 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.
Megan A. Caufield ’03, Massena, N.Y. (Marquis Scholar)
Kimberly Posocco ’03, Scranton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
AWARDS AND PRIZES IN THE NATURAL SCIENCES
Biology
Willis Roberts Hunt Biology Prize. Awarded annually to the senior biology student(s) felt by the members of the department to be most deserving.
Mark S. Brault ’03, York, Maine (EXCEL Scholar)
Ashley K. Palmer ’03, West Simsbury, Conn.
Chemistry
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.
Joyce H.L. Ong ’04, Penang, Malaysia (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.
Daniel A. Ruddy ’03, Dunmore, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and 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 (2001-02 winner).
Daniel A. Ruddy ’03, Dunmore, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and 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.
Abby R. O’Connor ’03, Newton, N.J. (EXCEL Scholar)
Chemical Rubber Company Freshman Achievement Award. Presented to the most outstanding first-year student in general chemistry.
Myat T. Lin ’04, Yangon, Myanmar (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.
Daniel A. Ruddy ’03, Dunmore, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Merck Index Award. Given to a senior for superior academic work in chemistry and promise of future excellence.
Karin A. Hessler ’03, Hamburg, N.J. (Marquis Scholar and 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.
Daniel A. Ruddy ’03, Dunmore, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Computer Science
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.
Mayank Lahiri ’05, Muscat, Oman (EXCEL Scholar)
Geology And Environmental Geosciences
James L. Dyson Geology Award. Presented annually to that student(s) majoring in geology who, by academic achievements and character, exemplifies the ideals by which James L. Dyson lived and worked.
Daniel D. Latham ’04, Islip Terrace, N.Y. (EXCEL Scholar)
Brian A. Schubert ’04, Richmond, Va. (EXCEL Scholar)
Mathematics
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 (2002 winners).
Ekaterina Jager ’05, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (EXCEL Scholar)
Myat T. Lin ’04, Yangon, Myanmar (EXCEL Scholar)
Volkan Öktem ’04, Minsk, Belarus (EXCEL Scholar)
Wesley S. Mitman Prize. Awarded to the graduating senior most outstanding in mathematics.
Michael P. Lowe ’03, Easton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
Psychology
Burton H. Cohen Memorial Prize. Awarded annually to a senior psychology major who has demonstrated the necessary inclination, intellectual curiosity, determination, and potential to become a dedicated, creative, selfless teacher. The term “teacher” is to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the word.
Hiranya U. Parakrama ’03
Herbert W. Rogers Psychology Prize. Awarded annually to the outstanding senior psychology major(s) judged by the department to be the most deserving.
Kelly A. Egan ’03, Vernon, N.J. (EXCEL Scholar)
AWARDS AND PRIZES IN ENGINEERING
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.
Frank P. Enea III ’03, Easton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
William G. McLean Tau Beta Pi Prize. Awarded annually to a sophomore engineering student based on academic performance, campus citizenship, and professional orientation.
Usman S. Khan ’05, Karachi, Pakistan (EXCEL Scholar)
Chemical Engineering
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.
William D. Pyrz ’04, Harleysville, Pa.
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.
Jessica R. Molek ’03, Reedsville, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL 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.
Ryan P. Collins ’03, Whitehouse Station, N.J. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Stanley C. Cook ’03, West Chester, Pa.
Lehigh Valley Section of the American Chemical Society Award. Given to the outstanding senior chemical engineering major(s) for achievement in chemistry.
Stanley C. Cook ’03, West Chester, Pa.
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.
Kimberly L. Miller ’03, Portland, Ore. (Marquis 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 R. Hontz ’05, Bethlehem, Pa. (Marquis 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.
Alanna L. Cleary ’03, Bloomsburg, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Ryan P. Collins ’03, Whitehouse Station, N.J. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Jessica R. Molek ’03, Reedsville, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and 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.
Alanna L. Cleary ’03, Bloomsburg, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Rebecca L. Geisler ’03, Sinking Spring, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Carl J. Staska Prize. Awarded each year to a student who has demonstrated a degree of proficiency in chemical laboratory skills.
Rebecca L. Geisler ’03, Sinking Spring, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Jessica R. Molek ’03, Reedsville, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Luther F. Witmer Prize. Awarded annually to the senior with the most outstanding accomplishments in materials science and engineering.
Ryan P. Collins ’03, Whitehouse Station, N.J. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Jessica R. Molek ’03, Reedsville, Pa. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Carroll Phillips Bassett Prize. Awarded annually to senior students deemed most outstanding by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Ting Fong M. Chui ’03, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong (EXCEL Scholar)
Frank P. Enea III ’03, Easton, Pa. (Marquis Scholar)
Jennifer Langoski ’03, North Brunswick, N.J. (Trustee Scholarship recipient)
Jeremy L. Lucas ’03, Peckville, Pa. (EXCEL Scholar)
Nathan A. Tregger ’03, Niantic, Conn. (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.
Peter A. Totev ’04, Oberursel, Germany (EXCEL 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.
James T. Mangarillo ’03, Hampton Bays, N.Y. (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Lawrence J. Conover ’24 Electrical Engineering Prize. Presented each year to a senior in electrical engineering upon recommendation of the Department of Electrical Engineering.
Mark P. Kolba ’03, Chelmsford, Mass. (Marquis 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.
Brandon M. Cochenour ’03, Lower Burrell, Pa.
Finley W. and Ethelwyne H. Smith Electronic Engineering Prize. Awarded annually to the electrical 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.
Guangxi Wang ’03, Shanghai, China (EXCEL Scholar)
Mechanical Engineering
Karl J. Ammerman Prize. Awarded annually to the “most deserving student” in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, selected by the faculty of the department.
Christina A. Stenman ’03, Windsor, Conn. (Marquis Scholar)
SPECIAL ACADEMIC AWARDS AND PRIZES
Military Science
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 Lieutenant Colonel Harry M. Jones ’66, U.S. Army (Ret.).
Max R. Rovzar ’06, Cranston, R.I.
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, Allentown, N.J.
Damian M. Gill ’05, Staten Island, N.Y.
Alexander M. Lassman ’06, South Windsor, Conn.
Special Awards
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 C. Ramsey ’04 (Trustee Scholarship recipient and EXCEL Scholar)
Eugene P. Chase Phi Beta Kappa Prize. Awarded to a sophomore(s) who has demonstrated scholarship as a first-year student.
Susan E. Bowers ’05 (Marquis Scholar)
Gabriella J. Engelhart ’05 (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
Veronica E. Hart ’05 (EXCEL Scholar)
Ekaterina A. Jager ’05 (EXCEL Scholar)
David K. Mitchell ’05 (Marquis Scholar)
Trent H. J. Mohney ’05 (Marquis Scholar)
Blerta Shtylla ’05 (EXCEL Scholar)
Kimberly A. Smith ’05
Lafayette Alumni of the Lehigh Valley Performing Arts Award. Awarded annually to a senior residing in the greater Lehigh Valley who has made a significant contribution to Lafayette’s performing arts program while demonstrating strong academic achievement.
Elizabeth R. Youngkin ’03, Easton, Pa.
Lafayette Alumni of the Lehigh Valley Scholarship Award. Awarded annually to a senior residing in the greater Lehigh Valley who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement.
Michael P. Lowe ’03 (Marquis Scholar)
Katherine M. Powell ’03 (Marquis Scholar)
Janice M. Truszkowski ’03 (Marquis Scholar and EXCEL Scholar)
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.
Sarah L. Rosenzweig ’03, Columbia, S.C.
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.
Prince Chidyagwai ’05 (EXCEL Scholar)