List of Awards and Prizes
Bard College Jazz Studies Jeff Marx Award
An award established by the family, friends, and colleagues of Jeff Marx, the noted tenor saxophonist who played with the greats from San Francisco to New York and across Europe. Awarded to music majors who have shown a significant achievement in the development of their creative process while bringing a positive and constructive energy to the Bard Jazz Studies program.
Leo Belsky
Book Awards for Excellence in Language Learning
Awarded to one student from each foreign language program taught at the College, upon the nomination of the faculty in each language program; based on effective language learning, growth and improvement over the course of study, enthusiasm, diligence, commitment, and leadership in the classroom
Olga Borzenko (Latin), Ezra Calderon (Italian), Cyprus Campbell (German), Atticus DeCubellis (Chinese), Nicholas Drucquer (Russian), Keamo Mokone (Arabic), Ellie Nunan (Greek),
Rheana Riego (Spanish), Flynn Sherwood (French), Michaela Siegel (ASL),
Elie Walsh (Korean), Henry Wandover (Hebrew), Timothy Weigand (Japanese)
Bard MBA Capstone Project Award
Given each year for the student whose capstone both demonstrates the highest quality of execution and is most likely to have an impact on business sustainability
Arielle Chaifetz, Denise Martin, Ashbel Soto
Rachel Carson Award
An award given each year to a Bard Center for Environmental Policy student whose thesis both demonstrates the highest quality of research and is most likely to have an impact on policy
Madison Hodges
Center for the Study of Hate Senior Project Support Award
An award established by the Bard Center for the Study of Hate to support senior project research that examines human hatred and its manifestations and given to one or more seniors to provide support, including travel, materials, books, and fees.
Nova Muhammad, Carson Stehling
CINOA Award for Outstanding Dissertation
Established by the American Members of CINOA (Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d’Art), this award is given to a doctoral student at the Bard Graduate Center for the most outstanding dissertation
Julia Lillie
Class of 1969 Award
Established by the Class of 1969 on the occasion of their 35th reunion, an annual award given to a junior or senior who, in the judgment of the faculty and the dean of the College, has demonstrated a commitment to justice, peace, and social equity through scholarly pursuits, community involvement, and personal example
AZ Almodovar
Alice P. Doyle Award in Environmental Studies
An award given annually to a student who shows outstanding potential in the field of environmental studies, particularly in exploring the social dimensions of environmental issues
Sage Liotta
Naomi Bellinson Feldman ’53 Internship Award
Given yearly to support a student internship, preferably related to music or social studies
Mina DeVore
William Frauenfelder Award
An award established in honor of William Frauenfelder, beloved professor of modern languages and literature for more than 30 years, and given to a student excelling in the study of one or more foreign languages
Olga Borzenko
Jean M. French Travel Award
Given annually to a rising senior for travel in the service of their Senior Project in art history
Yue Chen
Harold Griffiths ’31 Award in Chemistry
An award given in memory of Harold Griffiths ’31, through the generosity of his widow, Ethel S. Griffiths, to a deserving third-year student who, according to the faculty of the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computing, demonstrates excellence in chemistry and outstanding potential
Meherin Hossain
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Horowitz Dissertation Writing Award
Inaugurated in 2015, this award is given to a Bard Graduate Center doctoral student working on a dissertation in American art and material culture
Amanda Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Horowitz Foundation for the Arts Award
Established by the Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Horowitz Foundation Institute for the Arts of the Americas and awarded to Bard Graduate Center students for the best qualifying papers in American art and material culture
Allison Donoghue, Mabel Taylor
Peter Hutton Film Award
In honor of Peter Hutton, a renowned filmmaker, professor, and beloved colleague; an award given to a junior or senior film major in recognition of exceptional skill, artistry, and commitment to the art of filmmaking
Eve Ramseyer
Alexander Hirschhorn Klebanoff ’05 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Art History
Awarded to a student whose Senior Project demonstrates extensive scholarship and daring originality. The student should also demonstrate a commitment to art and artists in and around Bard College and show both a deep appreciation and diversified understanding of art history.
Dawson Escott
Reamer Kline Award
An award given anonymously by an alumnus of the College to deserving students who, in the judgment of the president, best perpetuate the high ideals, devotion, and energetic involvement in the life and work of the College exemplified by Dr. Kline during his 14 years as president of Bard
Jonathan Asiedu
Natalie Lunn Technical Theater Award
The Lunn Award honors the legacy of Natalie Lunn, Bard technical theater director from 1972 to 1999, with two awards: an internship at Bard SummerScape or an award to pursue a technical theater internship at a professional company of the student’s choice
Vivi Potee (professional company), Xeno Szalla (SummerScape)
Jane Emily Lytle and Almon W. Lytle II Senior Project Research Award
An award given to one or more seniors who have moderated in American and Indigenous Studies, historical studies, or environmental and urban studies to provide support for Senior Project research, including travel, materials, books, and conference fees
Moselle Fredericks, Eli Smith, Carson Stehling
Mary McCarthy Award
An award given to a junior who, through competitive selection by a special jury, is deemed the most promising and talented prose writer entering their senior year
Noah Barbosa
Larry McLeod ’76 Award in Jazz
An award established by the family and friends of Larry McLeod ’76 and given annually to a student, not necessarily a music major, who has done much to keep the sound of jazz going at Bard
Cherry Wu
Shelley Morgan Award
An award given to faculty, staff, or students who display the qualities of leadership, compassion, commitment, and dedication to the Bard community
Kris Tulloch
Natural Philosophy Award
An award established by Andrew Choung ’94 and given to a moderated student pursuing a substantial combination of studies in both the natural and social sciences, reflecting the spirit of a Renaissance education
Lauren Mendoza
Photography Advisory Board Scholar Award
An award given annually to one or more moderated Photography Program majors, to cover the material costs associated with Upper College photographic work
Danni Chen, Kate Spangler
Eugenie Prendergast Award
Established to support Bard Graduate Center student travel expenses associated with researching and writing the MA qualifying paper or doctoral dissertation; made possible by a grant from Jan and Warren Adelson
Karlyn Allenbrand, Michael Assis, David Gassett, Boxi Liu,
Josh Massey, Katy Nelson, Jeremy Reeves, Mabel Taylor
Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award
An award given for the senior year to an outstanding student majoring in music
Niall Ransford
Justus and Karin Rosenberg Award
An award given to moderated Bard undergraduate students, with preference to rising seniors, who have shown intellectual leadership to support their research for a written Senior Project in Middle Eastern or Jewish studies, or a combination of both. Preference given to students comparing the Jewish and Middle Eastern narratives.
Erin Dworkin, Grace Molinaro
Serota Award in Computer Science
An award in memory of Kevin Daniel Serota, a maker and professional engineer of unmanned systems; originally a fellowship at Bard’s Center for the Study of the Drone, this award is given annually to a moderated undergraduate in computer science who has shown promise and dedication in using technology to improve the human condition and make a positive impact on society
Arnav Shirodkar
C. T. Sottery Award
An award established by an alumnus of the College and given annually to a junior for significant achievement in chemistry and for an outstanding contribution to the work of the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computing
Olivia Nguyen
Summer Award in Classical Studies
An annual award given to a Bard student in recognition of their work in Classics. The student will undertake self- designed summer study intended to enrich their understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Ezra Beato, Jay Evans, Peter Fields
Sustainability Leaders Award
Given each year for the students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service while enrolled in the Bard MBA program
Hung Tran
Christina R. Tarsell Athletics Award
An award given to commemorate the life and achievements of Chris Tarsell, a beautiful soul who is too soon gone. The award is given to a female athlete who exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and service to the athletics program, with preference given to a member of the tennis team.
Sage Saccomanno
Christina R. Tarsell Service Award
An award given to commemorate the life and achievements of Chris Tarsell, a beautiful soul who is too soon gone. The award is given to a moderated student who enriches the community through humanitarian service and bridge building.
Danielle Dean
Christina R. Tarsell Studio Arts Award
An award given to commemorate the life and achievements of Chris Tarsell, a beautiful soul who is too soon gone. The award is given to a talented junior or senior of integrity whose work exemplifies intellectual openness, humanism, and a passion for light and color.
Keegan Valaika
Richard Teitelbaum Award in Electronic Music
This award is given in memory of Richard Teitelbaum, a distinguished member of the Bard faculty and a pioneer in the field of electronic music, to recognize a student majoring in music who has demonstrated creative excellence as an electronic musician
Ben Colling, Talullah Pratt
Bernard Tieger Award in Labor, Community, and History
An award established in memory of Professor Emeritus of Sociology Bernard Tieger, by his family, friends, students, and colleagues, given to a student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship in labor studies or in the studies of communities and preferably a special interest in the Village of Tivoli
Sam Shields
Clive Wainwright Award
An award given annually to one or more Bard Graduate Center MA students for an exemplary qualifying paper that is noteworthy for its originality of concept, soundness of research, and clarity of presentation. Established in honor of the late Clive Wainwright, an esteemed curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum and influential expert in 19th-century decorative arts.
Elliot Camarra, Robert Hewis
Lindsay F. Watton III Memorial Essay Award
An award established by the family and friends of Lindsay F. Watton III that commemorates the life achievements and numerous contributions of Professor Watton to the development of Russian and Eurasian studies at Bard College. It is awarded annually to a student whose essay on topics in Russian and Eurasian studies demonstrates excellence and dedication to the field.
Sarah Martin
Lindsay F. Watton III Memorial Research Award
An award established by the family and friends of Lindsay F. Watton III that commemorates the life achievements and numerous contributions of Professor Watton to the development of Russian and Eurasian studies at Bard College. It is awarded annually to a rising senior whose Senior Project promises excellence in the field.
Nora Furlong
Toby Williams ’13 Award in Classical Studies
An award established by the family of Toby Williams ’13 to one or more students studying classics to support with internships, studying abroad, undertaking research related to their Senior Projects, or an annual award for an outstanding senior project in Classical Studies
Rowan Swain
Christopher Wise ’92 Award in Environmental Studies and Human Rights
An endowed award established in memory of Christopher James Wise ’92, given through the generosity of his friends and family, to support a student’s internship in environmental studies and/or human rights
Maggie Thomas
PRIZES
Lee B. Anderson Memorial Foundation Dean’s Prize
Inaugurated in 2016, this prize is given for an outstanding doctoral dissertation in the field of decorative arts, design history, and material culture
Diana Yang
Bard Biology Prize
A prize given annually to a graduating senior in biology who has demonstrated curiosity, perseverance, resilience, and achievement through engagement with the discipline and the world
Emma Kuntz
Bard College Conservatory of Music Prize
A prize presented to graduating seniors at the Bard College Conservatory of Music who, in the opinion of the faculty, best embody the values of the Conservatory
Arnav Shirodkar
Bard Equity and Inclusion Achievement Prize
A prize awarded each year to the graduating Equity and Inclusion senior who best exemplifies the spirit of the program through academic achievement and personal growth
Amadou Gadio, Emily Joachim
Bard Physics Prize
Awarded to the student or students who, in the judgment of the Bard Physics Program faculty, demonstrate a committed engagement to physics
Emma Derrick, Chloe Dufeu
Margaret and John Bard Scholars Prize
Honorary prizes awarded annually by the faculty of each division of the College for outstanding academic achievement in the field of major interest
The Arts
Justine Denamiel, Eleanor Gresham, Scout Olip-Booth
Languages and Literature
Sam Crocker, Lydia Schultz
Science, Mathematics, and Computing
Andrés Block Martínez, Xuan Ma
Social Studies
Cecilia Giancola, Celestine Mingle
Andrew Jay Bernstein ’68 Prizes
A prize in memory of Andrew Jay Bernstein ’68, given to one or more juniors for the purpose of assisting the preparation of the Senior Project in psychology
Maia Manta, Olivia Weeks
A prize in memory of Andrew Jay Bernstein ’68, given to one or more seniors in recognition of the originality and quality of the Senior Project in psychology
Luka Jijieshvili, Joanna Jones
Marc Bloch Prize
A prize given each year by the Historical Studies Program to the student who completes the best Senior Project in historical studies
Carson Stehling
Heinrich Bluecher Prize
A prize in memory of Dr. Heinrich Bluecher, professor of philosophy at Bard College from 1952 to 1967, given annually by his family, friends, and former students to one or more Upper College students who best exemplify the ideals of scholarship espoused by Dr. Bluecher
Bella Bergen, Aleda Rosenblum Katz
Franz Boas / Ruth Benedict Prize
A prize given to a senior in recognition of achievement demonstrated by the Senior Project in anthropology
Laurel Cline
President Leon Botstein Prize
A prize endowed by the Bard faculty on the occasion of 30 years of President Botstein’s leadership of the College, given to a graduating senior with a strong academic record across the disciplines who has been judged by the faculty to have demonstrated intellectual ambition, creativity, and integrity
Kelany De La Cruz
Irma Brandeis Prize
A prize given annually to a third-year student or students with an excellent academic record, whose Senior Project in literature, languages, history, art history, philosophy, or the history of science is outstanding for both broadness of vision and precision of thought. The prize honors Bard’s distinguished, longtime faculty member Irma Brandeis, whose contributions to Dante scholarship and to Bard College exemplify the virtues embodied in this prize.
Robert Cambias
Rachel Carson Prize
Honors the outstanding Senior Project in environmental and urban studies that reflects Carson’s determination to promote biocentric sensibility
Zola von Krusenstiern
Jennifer Day Memorial Prize
A prize in memory of Professor Jennifer Day who believed strongly in the power of travel and cultural experience, awarded annually to provide financial assistance to a student enrolled in an intensive summer session to study Russian who has a history of extraordinary academic achievement
Sarah Shein
Maya Deren Prize
A prize established anonymously in memory of Maya Deren and awarded to a film major for excellence in and commitment to cinema
Maeve Schrode
Alice P. Doyle Prize in Environmental Studies
A prize given annually to a graduating senior whose Senior Project illuminates the social dimensions of environmental issues
Eli Smith
Jacob Druckman Memorial Prize
A prize established by Ingrid Spatt ’69 to honor the memory of Jacob Druckman, a beloved teacher and friend, and associate professor of music from 1961 to 1967, awarded to a senior in the Music Program who demonstrates excellence and innovation in music composition
Zeke Morgan
Lyford P. Edwards Memorial Prize
A prize awarded annually in memory of Lyford P. Edwards, a former professor of sociology at the College, to a student in the senior class who demonstrates excellence in the social sciences
Sam Baker
Elizabeth Frank and Andrew D. Frank ’68 Senior Project Prize in Music Composition
An endowed prize created by Elizabeth Frank in honor of her brother, the composer
Andrew D. Frank ’68. Andrew studied composition at Bard with Jacob Druckman and Eli Yarden and, some forty years after graduating, happened to mention to Elizabeth (Joseph E. Harry Professor of Modern Languages and Literature at Bard) one Sunday afternoon that he was revising his Senior Project just for the sheer fun of it.
Solomon Bagge
William Frauenfelder Translation Prize
A prize established in honor of William Frauenfelder, professor of modern languages and literature from 1934 to 1957 and 1969 to 1977, and awarded to a senior whose project includes a substantial work of literary translation of particularly high quality and attention to scholarship
Maria Puente Flores
Sara Gelbart Prize in Mathematics
A prize honoring a woman whose life was devoted to the encouragement of science and scholarship and given annually to the student who shows the most promise and produces outstanding work in mathematics
Hannah Park-Kaufmann
Antonio Gramsci Prize
A prize awarded annually to a qualified and deserving student, nominated by the Division of Social Studies, who has demonstrated excellence in political studies, political economy, and the policy implications of academic analysis
Hannah Wright
Jerome Hill Prize
A prize given in memory of Jerome Hill to a senior with an excellent Senior Project and for exceptional service to the Film and Electronic Arts Program
Zola Ross-Gray
Hudsonia Prize
A prize awarded each year by Hudsonia Ltd. to qualified and deserving students showing promise in the field of environmental studies
Isaac Pavalon
Human Rights Senior Project Prize
Awarded annually by the Human Rights Program faculty for the best Senior Project in human rights
Nova Muhammad, Zola von Krusenstiern
Ana Itelman Prize for Choreography
A prize established by her family, friends, and admirers in memory of Ana Itelman, professor of dance from 1957 to 1969 and joint founder of the Drama/Dance Program at the College. It is awarded, when the occasion suggests, to dance students who have shown creativity, imagination, and theatrical invention as a choreographer, director, or creator of other forms of performance art and whose work embodies wit, style, dynamism, and visual flair, as did hers.
Justine Denamiel, Hannah Herschend
Ana Itelman Prize for Performance
A prize established by her family, friends, and admirers in memory of Ana Itelman, professor of dance from 1957 to 1969 and joint founder of the Drama/Dance Program at the College. It is awarded, when the occasion suggests, to dance students who have shown onstage in both acting and dance the expressiveness she worked to develop.
Justine Denamiel
Walter A. Johnston ’02 Prize in Critical Theory
Awarded to the best Senior Project displaying a theoretical approach to literature, aesthetics, politics, or human rights
Javin Lee-Lobel
William E. Lensing Prize in Philosophy
An annual prize in memory of William Lensing, professor of philosophy from 1949 to 1981, given to one or more Upper College philosophy majors chosen by the program’s faculty for excellence in the field
Bella Bergen
Levy Economics Institute Prize
Awarded annually to a senior with an outstanding academic record, whose Senior Project represents originality of thought in economics and public policy and who has contributed consistently to furthering the goals of the Levy Institute while at Bard
Yuzhe Lin
William J. Lockwood Prizes
A prize awarded to the senior student who, in the judgment of the president, has contributed most to the intellectual life of the College
Hannah Park-Kaufmann
A prize awarded to the senior student who, in the judgment of the president, has contributed most to the general welfare of the College
Darrion Thornburgh
Wilton Moore Lockwood Prize
Established in 1927 by Mr. Wilton Moore Lockwood, a prize awarded to students who have submitted particularly distinguished creative and critical writing in coursework
Vivian Hoyden (critical), Anna Nelson (creative)
Jamie Lubarr ’72 Research Prize
A prize awarded in honor of Jamie Lubarr ’72 to a student in anthropology, film, or photography, to facilitate the making of an ethnographic or documentary film, video, or photographic series as part of a Senior Project that combines anthropology and the visual media
Mary Mendez, Eva Rasskazova
Amie McEvoy Prize for Public Service
A prize established by the Board of Trustees of the College and given annually in the name and honor of Amie McEvoy, executive assistant to the president and secretary to the Board and the Bard faculty from 1981 to 2020, to a rising junior or senior student selected by the president who exemplifies a commitment to public service and the life of the College, and aspires to a superb command of language
Sarah Seager
Adolfas Mekas Prize
Awarded for exceptional scriptwriting by a senior film student
Yizhen Dai
Edmund S. Morgan Prize in American and Indigenous Studies
A prize honoring the student who has written the outstanding Senior Project in American and Indigenous Studies
Vivian Hoyden
Elizabeth Murray and Sol LeWitt Studio Arts Prize
A prize given annually to two deserving seniors whose work exemplifies dedication, commitment, and integrity
Raven Atsalis-Gogel, Scout Olip-Booth
Paul J. Pacini Prize in Music
A prize created by Paul J. Pacini and given to a deserving voice student in the Music Program to assist with expenses associated with recitals, performances, Moderation, or the Senior Project
Mara Zaki
Don Parker Prize for Dance
A prize awarded annually to one or more seniors in the Dance Program who have shown the greatest development and progress as performers at Bard
Hannah Herschend
Don Parker Prize for Theater and Performance
A prize awarded annually to one or more seniors in the Theater and Performance Program who have shown the greatest development and progress as performers at Bard
Scotty Hindy
Sidney Peterson Prize
A prize given to a senior for exceptional service in the spirit of the late experimental filmmaker
Keiko Xu
M. Susan Richman Senior Project Prize in Mathematics
A prize named in honor of Dr. Richman, mathematician, university educator and administrator, and mother of two mathematicians, given annually to recognize the senior student exhibiting the most mathematical creativity,
as determined by the mathematics faculty
Darrion Thornburgh
Seymour Richman Music Prize for Excellence in Brass
In memory of Seymour Richman (1932–48)—a talented and joyous trumpet player—established by his brother and sister-in-law, Irwin and M. Susan Richman, and given annually to an outstanding senior brass instrument player at the Bard College Conservatory of Music whose performances have embodied creativity, originality, and dedication
Joel Guahnich
Robert Rockman Prize
A prize established by the Class of 1966 to honor and acknowledge Robert Rockman, a beloved teacher devoted to making the Bard experience come to life for more than 40 years, and awarded to a junior or senior for excellence in literature and theater
Benjamin Stroman
Arwa Salih Middle Eastern Studies Prize
An annual prize honoring the spirit and scholarship of writer and student activist Arwa Salih, awarded to a Middle Eastern Studies major in the Upper College chosen by the program’s faculty for excellence in the field
Arisleida Herrera
Bill Sanders ’90 Memorial Prize
A prize given in memory of Bill Sanders ’90 to a student for appreciative, elegant, and insightful critical writing in English literature
Lukas Olausson
Margaret Creal Shafer Prizes in Composition and Performance
Given by the Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle to music majors who have excelled—one as a composer, the other as a performer—and demonstrated active participation in the Music Program
Steven Bonacci (composition), Anthony D’Amore (performance)
Dr. Richard M. Siegel ’43 Memorial Prize in Music
Given in memory of Dr. Richard M. Siegel ’43 to a student majoring in music who, in the judgment of the faculty, demonstrates academic excellence
Sam Grossman
Dr. Richard M. Siegel ’43 Memorial Prize in Science
Given in memory of Dr. Richard M. Siegel ’43 to a student majoring in science who, in the judgment of the faculty, demonstrates academic excellence
Nine Reed-Mera
Stuart Stritzler-Levine Seniors to Seniors Prize
A prize awarded by the Lifetime Learning Institute, a continuing education program for senior citizens on the Bard campus, to support undergraduates in the preparation of their Senior Projects and named in honor of Dean Stuart Stritzler-Levine and his 50th anniversary at Bard College
Danielle Dean, Josh Guerrero, Ray Smith, Carson Stehling, Nine Reed-Mera
Studio Arts Prize
An award given annually to two deserving seniors whose work exemplifies dedication, commitment, and integrity
Aru Ibanez, Tina Kinsbourne
Adolf Sturmthal Memorial Prize
A prize established in 1987 by the family, former students, and friends of Adolf Sturmthal—economist, educator, and author, who served on the Bard faculty from 1940 to 1955—and awarded annually to a senior student who has done outstanding work in the field of economics
Aqela Nussrat
Carter Towbin Prize for Theater and Performance
A prize awarded annually in memory of Carter Towbin to an Upper College theater and performance student in recognition of creativity, versatility, and overall contribution to the work of that program
Riley Cerabona, Grant Venable
Special Carter Towbin Prize
A prize awarded to one or more majors or nonmajors in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the technical work of the Theater and Performance Program
Megan Lacy, Silas Lloyd
Lindsay F. Watton III Memorial Prize in Russian and Eurasian Studies
A prize established by the family and friends of Lindsay F. Watton III, professor of Russian language and literature, awarded annually to a senior whose Senior Project demonstrates excellence in the field of Russian and Eurasian studies. The project should be interdisciplinary and reflect a knowledge of Russian or the Slavic/Eurasian language relevant to the theme of the project.
Sydney LePlae
William Weaver Prize in Music and Languages
The renowned translator and authority on opera, William Weaver, a distinguished member of the Bard faculty, devoted his career as writer and teacher to exploring the links between language, music, and the visual arts. This prize is awarded to a senior Conservatory student whose work is in the spirit of William Weaver.
Alex Buckman
Written Arts Prize
A prize offered by the faculty of the Written Arts Program to the graduating senior or seniors whose Senior Project is of the highest quality
Jonathan Asiedu
