Table of ContentsSandy Black Memorial Award
Colby Charles Uptegraft ‘09
The winner of the Sandy Black Memorial Award combines the qualities of brilliance and diligence that have characterized previous winners. This biology major from North Carolina has maintained a near perfect academic average in the sciences and an impressive one in the humanities. He has been involved in substantial community service both on and off campus. Evidence of his commitment to medicine extends from nearby Lake Norman Regional Medical Center to Salta, Argentina. Because you have maintained high scholarship and have interest in helping people through a medical career, you, Colby Charles Uptegraft, are named this year’s winner of the Sandy Black Memorial Award in Premedical Studies. Franz Boas Award in Anthropology
Larissa Alayne Hohe ‘08
The Franz Boas Award is bestowed on the senior anthropology major who in our judgment exhibits both outstanding scholarship and a commitment to intercultural understanding. This year we recognize Larissa Hohe, both for her achievement of Honors in the discipline and for her keen interest in all facets of anthropology. She has also displayed enthusiastic leadership in fostering global understanding on campus and off. It is with great pride we award Larissa Alayne Hohe this year’s Franz Boas Award.
Bremer German Language Award
Rachel Alice Heidmann ‘08
She confounds Goethe’s claim that action leads to error; she dedicates herself instead to the idea that outsiders, émigrés, and transients—all those people on the margins—contribute to the glorious patchwork of the human community. In her edited manuscript of the memoirs of a Holocaust survivor, in her senior thesis on the legal and cultural status of emigrants in Germany, and in her careful readings of Rilke’s poems and Sebald’s novels, she has shown both analytical clarity and profound empathy with the lives of others in Germany. Thus the Bremer Award for German goes to Rachel Alice Heidmann.
Tom Daggy Biology Award
Erin Elizabeth Zwack ‘08
Shannon Elisabeth Pittman ‘08
As a co-recipient of the Tom Daggy Award, we honor a biologist who has distinguished herself in the classroom, the lab, and in her service to other biology majors. She has taken many courses outside biology to prepare for a life of research and discovery. We are proud to name Erin Elizabeth Zwack a Tom Daggy Award recipient for 2008.
The other co-recipient of the Daggy Award has distinguished herself as an excellent student in the classroom and through her extensive research. Her numerous research projects have resulted in publications in peer-reviewed journals, substantial external funding, and numerous presentations at scientific meetings. Thus, we are proud to designate Shannon Elisabeth Pittman a Tom Daggy Award recipient for 2008.
The Sigma XI Biology Research Award
Emma Jane Garren ‘08
Alexandra Marie Greer ‘08
Emma Jane Garren is distinguished by her analytical and passionate approach to doing careful research in developmental biology and neuroscience. She truly enjoys challenging herself in the lab and quickly adapts to new research questions to produce effective results. A self-described ‘micro-phile,’ this co-recipient of the Sigma Xi research award has distinguished herself as an outstanding student and researcher. In the classroom, the laboratory, and every place in between, she spreads her infectious enthusiasm for infectious diseases. Because of her past accomplishments and future potential, we are proud to name Alexandra Marie Greer as a Sigma Xi Award recipient for 2008.
Alberta Amith Devane Religion Award
Anna Peterson Drake ‘08
Alexis Leone Hamilton ‘08
This year the Department of Religion presents the Alberta Smith DeVane Award to two students: A scholar of Judaism’s “holy of holies,” The Song of Songs, this student has consistently enlightened Religion courses with sparks of insight and bright questions. Because of her passion for study, high attainment of knowledge, and commitment to the social good, we award Anna Peterson Drake the Alberta Smith DeVane Award.
A scholar of just war theory and humanitarian intervention, this student has brought rare gifts of disciplined inquiry, constructive argument, and moral earnestness to her work as a Religion major. In acknowledgement of her intellectual strengths and her personal commitment, we award Alexis Leone Hamilton the Alberta Smith DeVane Award.
W. E. B. Du Bois Award
Bianca Shelton Guinn ‘08
The W. E. B. Du Bois Award is presented to the best Sociology major with intellectual maturity, determination, and a command of sociological theories and research. This year's recipient, through her use of both quantitative and qualitative methods in her thesis research, has shown the complexities of understanding a highly sensitive topic. Her thesis project entitled, "No One Wants to Talk About It: Attitudes and Perceptions towards Rape and Rape Victims and Knowledge of Policy, Procedure and Resources at Davidson College" is an outstanding example of sociological research. The Department of Sociology names Bianca Shelton Guinn the 2008 W. E. B. Du Bois Award winner.
back to top Le Prix de Français (French Prize)
Halley Mallama Aelion ‘08
The 2008 recipient of the Prix de Français has distinguished herself through constant excellence in her coursework as well as in her Honors Thesis on Colette. In recognition of her four years of remarkable achievement, of her outstanding contribution as an assistant in the College's Writing Center and a tutor in the French Department, and also for her high level of achievement in literary analysis, the Department of French wishes to congratulate Halley Mallama Aelion.
William B. Hight, Jr. Teaching Award
Elizabeth Katherine Grundstein ‘08
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| Honors for the education department! (l-r) First year Assistant Professor Hilton Kelly received special recognition from the Student Government Association, and Liz Grundstein ’08 received the William B. Hight Teaching Award. They are pictured with education department chair Associate Professor Rick Gay. |
Established by colleagues, alumni, and friends in memory of Bill Hight, founder and longtime chair of the Department of Education, this award is for the senior who has demonstrated great potential for a successful career in teaching at the secondary level. The 2008 winner is Elizabeth Katherine Grundstein.
Mundo Hispánico (The Spanish Award)
Taylor Towe Denslow ‘08
Taylor Towe Denslow is a remarkable student with a double major in Spanish and in psychology. A very hardworking student, and an exemplary leader who is also kind, and humble, Taylor has always exhibited a keen and genuine interest in learning about Hispanic cultures, especially in regards to medicine, immigration policies, and social issues of diverse Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in relation to Border Studies. Taylor's commitment to others has led her to participate as a volunteer on trips to Ecuador and Cambodia. As president of “Changing Minds,” Taylor has worked diligently to raise awareness of mental health and well-being issues that affect our student body. We are proud to award the 2008 Mundo Hispánico to Taylor Towe Denslow.
Douglas Houchens Studio Art Award
Lauren Elizabeth Cunningham ‘09
This young artist's depth of curiosity has led to drawings made using a seashell instead of a pencil and sculptures made using pencils instead of bronze. Regardless of the media chosen, her vision consistently breathes life, wonder, and elegance where we might least expect to find it. The Art Department is pleased to award this year's Douglas Houchens Award in Studio Art to Lauren Elizabeth Cunningham.
David Halbert Howard , Jr. Chemistry Award
Whitney Harrison Mudd ‘09
The David Halbert Howard, Jr. Chemistry Award is given annually to a rising senior who demonstrates the greatest potential for significant contributions in the field of chemistry. Our recipient this year is known for her determination and considerable skill. It is with great pleasure that the Chemistry Department presents the Howard Chemistry Award to Whitney Harrison Mudd.
Lucile and Max Jackson Award in Art History
Alexandra Olivia Desiree Tait ‘09
Curiosity, initiative, comprehensiveness, and clarity of thought are but a few of the traits that characterize this year's recipient of the Lucile and Max Jackson Award in Art History. Raised in Switzerland and fluent in German, it is no surprise that she would be drawn to the study of the 19th-century Swiss artist Angelica Kauffmann. But only someone with her intellectual and linguistic gifts could be granted special access for summer research in both the Angelica Kauffmann Heimatsmuseum in Schwarzenberg, Austria and the Bünder Kunstmuseum in Chur, Switzerland. Even more remarkably, she also has been granted access to Kauffmann’s paintings, drawings and personal correspondence in the vaults of the Voralberger Landesmuseum in Bregenz, Austria—a privilege usually limited to the professional scholar. It is with much pleasure and a genuine sense of appropriateness, therefore, that we name this year’s recipient of the Lucile and Max Jackson Award in Art History to Alexandra Olivia Desiree Tait.
The Keiser Prize in English
Peter James Schild, Jr. ‘08
The Keiser Prize in English, awarded each year in classical performance, goes this year to senior theatre major Peter James Schild, Jr. Writes one of Pete’s professors, “His performance as Angelo in Measure for Measure may be the best performance by a student in a Shakespearean role I have ever seen.” Pete’s Shakespearean roles span his four years at Davidson, beginning with the romantic lead of Claudio in Much Ado about Nothing, proceeding to Prince Hal and Duke Orsino in For Every Passion Something, and culminating in the notoriously difficult role of puritanically rigid Angelo. Most recently, Pete demonstrated his remarkable range in classical theater by cutting up audiences as Leandre in Scapin.
Kendrick Kelley Award in History
Samuel Roger Diamant ‘08
The Kelley Award is part of the Kendrick K. Kelley Program in Historical Studies, established in memory of Ken Kelley, a 1963 honors graduate in history who was killed in Vietnam in 1968. This year’s recipient of the Kelley Award is Samuel Roger Diamant for his honors thesis titled “Local Civil Rights Litigators: Durham’s African American Attorneys, 1933-1954.” The thesis studies a group of Durham-based civil rights attorneys whose activities have heretofore received little scholarly attention.
back to topHenry T. Lilly Award for Excellence in English
Christopher Andrew Catanese ‘08
This year’s winner of the Lilly Award inspires others with an enthusiasm for all things literary. Blurring the boundaries between “English” and other disciplines, between work in class and fun outside of class, this person also blurs the boundaries between “teacher” and “student.” Because you have committed your energy to celebrating literature and literary analysis at Davidson, because you have generously shared your keen wit and insight with us all, and because for you the expected is never enough, we proudly award the 2008 English Department Lilly Award to you, Christopher Andrew Catanese.
William G. McGavock Mathematics Award
Phillip Edward Charles Compeau ‘08
Adam Topaz ‘08
This year’s exceptional senior class includes several mathematicians with the highest possible performance and outstanding talent, making it impossible to narrow to a single winner. In addition to a perfect GPA on an extensive number of mathematics courses, this year's two honorees have made significant advances in answering research questions posed by their faculty mentors. The Department of Mathematics is proud to name Phillip Edward Charles Compeau and Adam Topaz as the 2008 recipients of the William G. McGavock Mathematics Award.
A. K. Phifer Award in Economics
Thaddeus Peter Sieracki ‘09
This year’s Phifer Award winner has been an outstanding student of economics, mastering both the “big picture” implications of the theories and the mathematical details of the models. Further, he has eagerly worked as a tutor to help beginning economics students advance their knowledge, and he is the incoming president of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the economics honorary society. Besides demonstrating superb skills in economics, he has excelled in course work in Spanish, and he will be doing extended research in urban areas in Latin America during the coming summer. The Department of Economics is pleased to present the A.K. Phifer Award to Thaddeus Peter Sieracki.
Physics Award
Kelly Michelle Howell ‘08
For outstanding academic achievement in the study of physics, for her cheerful spirit and positive leadership, for research on the physics of thin films and on atmospheric microwave radiation, and for service to the Davidson College Physics Department and the Society of Physics Students, the Physics Department presents the 2008 Physics Award to Kelly Michelle Howell.
W. Kendrick Pritchett Award in Classics
Erika Lynn Weiberg ’08
Presented to Erika Lynn Weiberg, who exemplifies the qualities displayed by W. Kendrick Pritchett, Class of 1929 — distinguished academic performance, personal integrity, and love of ancient literature, history and archaeology.
J. Harris Proctor Award in Political Science
Hannah Cabourn M. Rogers-Ganter ‘08
This year’s recipient of the Harris Proctor Award has demonstrated sustained excellence in all areas of political science. Her innate curiosity and desire for challenges have led her from work in the U.S. Capitol to independent research at leading universities in Germany. Her honors thesis combines statistical analysis and in-depth case studies to yield new and important insights about renewable energy policy making. She plans to continue this research next year in Germany, but must first choose from among fellowships awarded to fund her research. For all these accomplishments, the Department of Political Science awards the 2008 Harris Proctor Award to Hannah Cabourn M. Rogers-Ganter.
Richard Rosss Memorial Music Award
Alice Mejin Leechor ‘08
Through her exquisite artistry and insatiable curiosity, this year’s award recipient embodies all things honest and radiant in music. Her dedication to serving the community manifests itself in her work as a soloist, chamber musician, and concertmaster for the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra. This year’s Richard Ross Memorial Music Award goes to a young woman whose resonant laughter is music all on its own Alice Mejin Leechor.
Theatre Award
Peter James Schild, Jr. ‘08
The Davidson Theatre Award honors a graduating senior who has made consistent and exceptional contributions to Davidson’s Theatre program over the past four years. Actor, director, and team-leader are only a few titles that capture this student’s talents. This individual has given tireless hours to the Theatre Department by acting in our productions, providing leadership in our classes, and directing our productions. The Theatre Department faculty and staff are delighted to grant the Theatre Award to Peter James Schild, Jr.back to top Porter Vinson Chemistry Award
Nina Elizabeth Mace ‘10
The Porter Vinson Chemistry Award is given annually to a rising junior who shows unusual mastery of the field of chemistry and who has exhibited significant promise for further study. The winner this year has been exceptional in the classroom and in the laboratory. The Chemistry Department is proud to present the Porter Vinson Chemistry Award of 2008 to Nina Elizabeth Mace.
William Vinson Mathematics Award
Benjamin Benson Altman ‘10
This award recognizes a sophomore with unusual mastery of mathematics and significant promise for further study. This intercollegiate wrestler has proved that he is also proficient at wrestling with mathematics problems, based on his excellent performance in both theoretical and applied courses. The Department of Mathematics is proud to name Benjamin Benson Altman as the 2008 recipient of the William D. Vinson Mathematics Award.
Daniel Blain Woods Award
Rachel Bernice Hope ‘09
The winner of the Daniel Blain Woods Award in Premedical Studies is a student from Georgia. She combines the qualities of a good doctor – intelligence, technical skills, and an empathetic heart. This year’s winner is described by those who know her as compassionate, warm, mature, and energetic. She always has a smile and words of encouragement for everyone. Her community service and medical experience extend from Davidson to the highlands of Kenya. Because of your strong academic achievement, sense of community, compassion for humanity, and love of medicine, you, Rachel Bernice Hope, are named this year's winner of the Daniel Blain Woods Memorial Award in Premedical Studies.
William Gatewood Workman Psychology Award
Brenna Taylor Burns ‘08
Each year the Psychology Department bestows as its highest award the William Gatewood “Gaty” Workman Award. The award commemorates the standards of excellence demonstrated by Dr. Workman in his professional attainments in teaching, research, and service: to the discipline and profession, and to Davidson College. The 2008 Gaty Workman Award goes to Brenna Taylor Burns.
Writing Awards from the Department of English Vereen Bell Memorial Award in Creative Writing
Poetry
1st Prize: Tyler Massey ‘08 - The Fact of Being Brief
2nd Prize: Leily Kleinbard ‘09 - My Mother as a House
3rd: Kendra Chapman ‘08 - The White Expanse of Sand
Fiction
1st Prize: Christina Wilson ’10 - Holy Water
2nd Prize: Ross McDonald ‘08 - All Growed Up
R. Windley Hall Award for First-Year Writing
1st Prize: Jessica Malordy ’11 - Two Stories: 1972 (The English in Ireland)
2nd Prize: Greg Marcil ’11 - The “Double Life”: Kate Chopin’s Portrayal of Women in Marriage
3rd Prize: Kate Weddington ’11 - Ironic Relationships in Persuasion and Hermann and Dorothea
Charles Lloyd Award for Non-Fiction Prose
1st Prize: Tiffany Gibert ’08 - Gertrude Stein’s Avant-garde: A Linguistic Regression in Verse
1st Prize: Patrick McArdle ’08 - Over-Joyce: “The Dead” Replaying Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
3rd Prize: Ayesha Omer ’09 - Love of Allah
The Samuel D. Maloney Essay Prize
Sarah Grace Pinson ‘08
This award is given for the best student essay concerning any aspect of religious life as it relates to its social, cultural, and/or ethical dimensions. This year’s winner of the Samuel D. Maloney Essay Prize is Sarah Grace Pinson for her essay, “Some More than Others? Gendered Sin in Kierkegaardian and Feminist Theology.”
The Sigma XI Psychology Research Award
Karl Thomas Schmidt ‘08
Annually the department acknowledges the most distinctive attainments by a student performing research in psychology. For the range, commitment, and excellence in his work, this year’s Sigma Xi Research Award in Psychology goes to Karl Thomas Schmidt.
The John D. Kelton Psychology Award
Catherine Elizabeth Ransone ‘08
John D. Kelton’s work as teacher, psychologist, and Davidson icon is acknowledged through an award. It is based on excellence and perspective, two of Dr. Kelton’s chief characteristics, in the student’s essay that is the best written in a Senior Capstone course in Psychology. This year’s John D. Kelton Psychology Award winner is Catherine Elizabeth Ransone.
Edward L. Palmer Psychology Award
David Cyr Kerns ‘08
The Psychology Department at Davidson was recently honored by receiving the American Psychological Association’s inaugural Departmental Award for the Culture of Service in the Psychological Sciences. This award provides impetus and resources to annually celebrate that student who has distinctively served others through psychology. The Psychology Department has named this award the Edward L. Palmer Psychology Award, commemorating the countless ways in which his life and work have graced others, professionally and personally. This year’s recipient of the Edward L. Palmer Psychology Award is David Cyr Kerns.
The Welsh Prize in Composition
Mario Alonzo Silva, Jr. ‘09
The award is for the best original music composition by a Davidson student. Established in 2006 in honor of Wilmer Hayden Welsh, Composer and Professor of Music from 1963-91.
The Rufus Hallmark Writing Award
Christopher Parker Hobson ‘09
Named after the distinguished musicologist Rufus Hallmark, Davidson Class of 1965, this award recognizes the best essay on a musical topic written in the previous year.
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