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Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes

Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes

Many of the scholarships, awards, and prizes available at Bard College are made possible by generous contributions from donors who believe in the importance of a college education and want to invest in the future of Bard students. To learn more about supporting Bard’s scholarships, awards, and prizes, email [email protected]. 
 
Bard Annual Scholarship Reception

Bard Annual Scholarship Reception

Congratulations to all the Bard scholars who received a named scholarship and were honored at this year's Annual Scholarship Reception on Monday, November 11, 2024. Thank you to all of the donors who support scholarships. Bard deeply appreciates your dedication and believes that your impact goes far beyond the educational support you provide. You are helping shape tomorrow's leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Undergraduate Award Ceremony Brochure PDF
Awards and Prizes
AWARDS
Awards are given to Bard students in open competition, irrespective of financial need. The awards carry various stipends.

Betsaida Alcantara ’05 Pioneers for Progress Award
Awarded in memory of Betsaida Alcantara ’05 (1983–2022), who exemplified the best of Bard’s hope to inspire people to be passionate agents of change, pioneers for progress, and advocates for justice for those most in need. Given to a junior who has demonstrated strong leadership skills, a commitment to public service, and support for open societies Sierra Ford

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 Bard’s jazz program
Steven Bonacci

Bard MBA Capstone Project Award
Given each year to the students whose capstones demonstrate the highest quality of execution and are most likely to have an impact on business sustainability
Sarah Bergman, Leslie Hubbard, Shelby Mack

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
Will Beane-Rosenberg (Arabic), Zachary Dangor (Russian), Nik Kaplan (Korean), Juliet Kelly (Greek), Lucia Keppeler (German), Francesca Oppenheimer (Latin), Nate Padgett (Italian), Jesse Radzik (Spanish), Syd Senft (ASL), Rachel Smith (French), Andrais Stetson (Japanese), Bambi Vargas (Chinese), Rosa Whittaker (Hebrew)

Rachel Carson Award
An award given each year to a Bard Center for Environmental Policy student whose capstone both demonstrates the highest quality of research and are most likely to have an impact on policy or education
Jessica Dupont, Brendan Walsh

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
Isabel Ahmed, Liam Brosh, Hana Yoshikawa

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 with an outstanding dissertation.
Sarah Scaturro

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
Svitlana Kukharuk

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
Julia Mazerik

Deborah and Philip English Professional Development Award
Established by Philip and Deborah English and awarded annually to students at the Bard Graduate Center to pursue professional development opportunities that further enhance their academic experience
Debaleena Bagchi, Sarah Egan

Naomi Bellinson Feldman ’53 Internship Award
Given yearly to support a student internship, preferably related to music or social studies
Tahia Prachyo

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
Celeste Connell

Jean M. French Travel Award
Given annually to a rising senior for travel in the service of their Senior Project in art history
Julia Pelletier

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
Ava Maki

Philip Hewat-Jaboor Memorial Award
An award given to students of Bard Graduate Center to support travel and research, with a preference for subjects connected to Egypt or European furniture, or the decorative arts of the 18th and 19th centuries
Lauryn Bolz

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
Mya Rose Bailey, R.J. Maupin

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
Bella Ries

Justice for Communities Award
Awarded to a Bard Center for Environmental Policy student who demonstrates outstanding ability and whose work includes a serious commitment to the study of the interrelationships among environmental justice, social justice, and community engagement
Bashir Elhassan

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.
Maya Junkins

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
Jenn Woo

Robert Koblitz Human Rights Award
An award established in 1987 by Bard alumni/ae who are former students of Robert Koblitz, late professor emeritus of political studies, in his name and honor, and awarded annually to a member of the Bard community—student, faculty, administration, or staff—whose work demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to democracy
Parwin Amiri, Henry Mielarccyk

Aldo Leopold Award
An award given to a Bard Center for Environmental Policy student who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to the community
Nina Matthews

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.
Starla Bolle, Ross Werner Winslow

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
Lyra Cauley, Gabriella Goldstein, Samira Hussaini, Kaela Kleinman-Chiang, Claire Kosky, Emily LeCompte, Justin Paulino, Forest Simon, Imogen Szalla, Diana Wardak, Jun Yokomizo-Mauldin, Zizi Zhong

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
Clarise Reichley

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
Leo Belsky

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
Sarah deVeer, Zizi Zhong

William C. Mullen Summer Research Award in Classical Studies
Established by a generous donation from Bill Mullen, longtime Bard professor of classical studies,
to provide support for students seeking enrichment opportunities to further their academic experience
Josephine Rogers

Passloff Award for Summer Study
In honor of Aileen Passloff (1931–2020), L. May Hawver and Wallace Benjamin Flint Professor of Dance at
Bard College for over 40 years, and awarded annually for intensive summer internships in dance who, in the words of Aileen Passloff, are “strong and tireless and full of passion, and [love] dancing as deeply as one could ever love anything”
Elizabeth Mickens

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
Clemens Henning, Izzy Simon

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
Kaizei’Le Butler, Margot Grotstein

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
Mya Rose Bailey, Beatrix Henry, Yaerim Hyun, Tova Kadish, Kenna Libes,
Josh Massey, Clara Murphy, Brielle Pizzala, Keelin Pogue


Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award
An award given for the senior year to an outstanding student majoring in music
Manar Hashmi

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 Oliver Abrams, Gwyn Downey

Rozenberg Leadership Award
Given each year to the students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service while enrolled in the Bard MBA program
Toni Skidmore, Michael Tapia

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
Anna L.

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 Alleisha Romain

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 student athlete who exemplifies the spirit of Chris Tarsell, sportsmanship, and service to the athletics program, with preference given to a member of the tennis team.
Victoria Bagatcholon

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.
Yadriel Lagunes

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.
Mya Muchineuta

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.
Grace Hill

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
Jesse Eliot

Harry Holbert Turney-High ’22 Research Award
A research award established in memory of the distinguished anthropologist and sociologist Dr. Harry Holbert Turney-High ’22 and endowed through gifts from faculty, friends, and his wife, Lucille Rohrer Turney-High
Ifigeneia Gianne, Kaela Kleinman-Chiang, Precious Eseosa Star

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
Daniela Díaz Blancarte, Clara Murphy

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.
Maya Davydova

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.
Samantha Miller

Toby Williams ’13 Award in Classical Studies
An award established by the family of Toby Williams ’13 and given to one or more students studying classics to support internships, studying abroad, and undertaking research related to their Senior Projects, or an annual award for an outstanding Senior Project in classical studies
Peter Fields

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
Klara Awodey

Li-hua Ying Award in Asian Studies
An award in memory of Li-hua Ying, a longtime associate professor of Chinese, who will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, kindness, and optimism, established by her loving family, colleagues, and friends, and given to students and faculty who are either pursuing an Asian studies concentration, studying in Asia, or conducting research in the field
Bo Hopwood

PRIZES
Prizes are given to Bard students in open competition, irrespective of financial need, according to the intentions of the donors. The prizes carry various stipends.

Lee B. Anderson Memorial Foundation Prize
Inaugurated in 2016, this prize is given to a Bard Graduate Center student for an outstanding doctoral dissertation in the field of decorative arts, design history, and material culture.
Amanda Thompson

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
Angel Ramirez

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
Samuel Mutter

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
Josue Salazar Villacis, Miala Wilkerson

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
Ethan Young

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
Natalie Livingston, Brendan Paholak
Languages and Literature
Tyler Epps, Nora Furlong
Science, Mathematics, and Computing
Sasha Rabinowitz, Alleisha Romain
Social Studies
Leigh Ivanova, Ella Walko

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
Arghawan Bani, Polina Rafailova

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
Elene Shamanadze, Syd Senft

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
Robert Cambias, Cecilia Giancola

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
Andres Block Martinez, Lu Marsh

Franz Boas / Ruth Benedict Prize
A prize given to a senior in recognition of achievement demonstrated by the Senior Project in anthropology
Oliver Abrams, Ifigeneia Gianne

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
Blanche Darr

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.
Ethan Clark

Rachel Carson Prize
Honors the outstanding Senior Project in environmental and urban studies that reflects Carson’s determination to promote biocentric sensibility
Kaela Kleinman-Chiang

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 and has a history of extraordinary academic achievement
Garrett Collins

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
Liam Brosh

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
Amelia Nanni

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
Ethan Wood

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
Jenn Woo

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.
Nicole Hazan

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
Ezra Calderon, Colin Terrien

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
Shosha Wheeler

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 Able Bloodgood

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
Isabel Cama, Eli Vannata

Hudsonia Prize
A prize awarded each year by Hudsonia Ltd. to qualified and deserving students showing promise in the field of environmental studies
Julia Branscombe

Human Rights Senior Project Prize
Awarded annually by the Human Rights Program faculty for the best Senior Project in human rights
Celestine Mingle

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.
Zara Boss

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.
Rose Maskati

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
Henry Lipson

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
Maya Ellington

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
Sabina Chiva

William J. Lockwood Prize
A prize awarded to the senior student who, in the judgment of the president, has contributed most to the general welfare of the College
Henry Mielarczyk

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
Nora Furlong (critical), Noah Barbosa (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
Cristobal Guerra

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
Meherin Hossain

Adolfas Mekas Prize
Awarded for exceptional scriptwriting by a senior film student
Sameem Nazari

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
Justin Paulino

Elizabeth Murray and Sol LeWitt Studio Arts Prize
A prize given annually to two deserving seniors whose work exemplifies dedication, commitment, and integrity
Tess Cogen, Blossom Bogen-Froese

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
Tinaz Kotval

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
Andie Schultz

Sidney Peterson Prize
A prize given to a senior for exceptional service in the spirit of the late experimental filmmaker
Esme Sacks

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
Josh Krienke

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 Aleksandar Vitanov

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
Anthony Leo

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
Annie White

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
Clarise Reichley

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), Mara Zaki (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
Yadriel Lagunes

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
Andrew Altrock, Robert Cambias, Cecilia Giancola, Mabel Kim, Mya Muchineuta, Julia Pelletier, Alua Samat

Studio Arts Prize
An award given annually to two deserving seniors whose work exemplifies dedication, commitment, and integrity
Bruno Licamele, Maggy Peyton

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
Samira Hussaini

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
Lily Mikita, Thyme Weiss

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
Andres Berman, 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.
Enlik Tagasheva

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.
Rowan Swain

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
Sophie Dubber, Foster Dowd

Scholar Spotlights

Bard students continue to excel in their academic pursuits while embodying the values of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking that Bard fosters.
Undergraduate Scholar Spotlight

Undergraduate Scholar Spotlight

Isabel Ahlam Ahmed ’25
Isabel Ahlam Ahmed ’25, a Bard College student majoring jointly in film production and human rights, has received a scholarship from Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) for the spring 2024 semester. Ahmed is one of 66 undergraduates from around the country selected by 88 volunteer reviewers who scored 1,466 applications over three review phases, and with FEA's American University in Cairo (AUC) Access Partner Scholarship, she will attend AUC via the longstanding tuition exchange between AUC and Bard.
Alizada standing with arms crossed and looking at the camera.

Alumni/ae Scholar Spotlight

Sonita Alizada ’23
Former recipient of the Philip H. Gordon Family Moral Leadership Scholarship

Sonita Alizada is internationally recognized as a rapper and human rights advocate. She has spoken and performed at United Nations events, urging an end to child marriage and standing up for the rights of women and girls, especially in her home country. At Bard, Alizada graduated with a degree in human rights and music and was an active participant in civic engagement efforts in and around the campus community. Alizada will continue her work by pursuing graduate study in public policy at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.
Alumni/ae Graduate Scholar Spotlight 
Photograph by Johnny Sundby

Alumni/ae Graduate Scholar Spotlight 

Marty Two Bulls Jr. MFA ’24
Judith L. Cohen and Lawrence R. Klein Scholarship
Marty Two Bulls Jr. is an artist and educator based in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he is currently a board member of the Rapid City Arts Council. Marty is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe. He comes from a family of diverse artists. His father, Marty Two Bulls Sr., is an accomplished artist and was his first art instructor. Marty grew up in his father’s studio, where he learned the fundamentals of sculpture, illustration, graphic design, and, most importantly, how to make a living as a creative person. Marty has exhibited his artwork nationally and internationally in galleries and museums, with works in several permanent museum collections. Before coming to Bard, he studied printmaking and ceramics at the institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

More About Marty
Scholarships Impact Report

Scholarships Impact Report

Did You Know?
The first endowed scholarship was established with a bequest of $2,000 in 1870, a bequest from the Rev. John McVickar. McVickar was John Bard’s uncle, and he was instrumental in the establishment of Bard.
Read Impact Report →

Spotlight on Scholarship Recipients

  • Nicolas Cadena ’27
    Nicolas Cadena ’27
    Milton and Sally Avery Scholarship (Graduate)

    Nicolas is a Colombian-born filmmaker and artist based in New York City. Although he has been studying film since his undergraduate years, it wasn’t until recently that he felt confident enough to create work that embodies a distinctly personal artistic voice.

    Nicolas Cadena ’27

    Nicolas Cadena ’27
    Milton and Sally Avery Scholarship (Graduate)

    Nicolas is a Colombian-born filmmaker and artist based in New York City. Although he has been studying film since his undergraduate years, it wasn’t until recently that he felt confident enough to create work that embodies a distinctly personal artistic voice. Before entering Bard's MFA program, Nicolas worked in documentary filmmaking and non-fiction oral history, serving as a field producer for the National Oral History project "StoryCorps" and living partially on the road from 2018 to 2020. That experience exposed him to a wealth of narratives and perspectives that deeply impacted his approach to filmmaking, helping him to refine his own voice. Nicolas feels his films have since grown out of personal diaries, reflecting both his international perspective and a poetic understanding of his relationship with nature. For Nicolas, cinema is a way of engaging with the world, and Bard College has provided a unique environment to develop a form of filmmaking that stretches beyond the boundaries of conventional cinema.
  • Blanche Darr ’25
    Blanche Darr ’25
    Class of ’65 Scholarship

    Blanche is a fourth-year student pursuing a five-year double degree in violin performance and anthropology. On campus, she is a peer counselor, a trustee leader scholar (TLS), and project leader of the Musical Mentorship Initiative, a project that provides free music education to needy children.
     
  • Nora Graf ’28
    Nora Graf ’28
    George Martin/Hans Thatcher Clarke Scholarship

    Nora had a unique path in education before coming to Bard. She went to a school in Hungary that specialized in music and arts education, and her primary instrument was the piano at the time. Bard was the first institution that she felt supported her in pursuing two very different interests at the same time. She has always been passionate about both arts and sciences, which led me to choose percussion and psychology.
  • Emily Huang ’26
    Emily Huang ’26
    Karen G. Olah ’65 Scholarship

    Emily is a first-generation student currently in her junior year pursuing a dual degree in economics and mathematics. She is currently the chair of the Socially Responsible Investment Committee of Bard Student Government. The committee's mission is to leverage power over corporations through shareholder engagement. She is also the head treasurer of the Asian Students Organization, a research intern for Levy Economics Institute, and a peer counselor.
  • Norwood Keaton ’26
    Norwood Keaton ’26
    Donald M. Johnson ’56 and Arthur F. Martin Jr. ’56 Reunion Scholarship

    Norwood grew up in Queens and is studying biology. He is deeply interested in gut microbial health and the complex intersections between social barriers and access to healthcare. He is particularly drawn to understanding community dynamics and issues that bridge both social and medical realms. Beyond his scientific pursuits, he explores jazz, delves into sociology, strategizes ways to address structural inequalities in our increasingly conservative landscape, and actively engages in volunteer work. His ultimate goal is to become an epidemiologist.
  • Ethan Malpica-Santiago ’26
    Ethan Malpica-Santiago ’26
    Posse Scholar

    Ethan is from Puerto Rico. He is a theater and performance major whose current goal in life is to be surrounded by inspiring individuals in and out of the classroom. His favorite thing at Bard is the connections he has made with other students, many of which have been fostered by the theater community and faculty. Fittingly, he is also one of the club heads for the Bard Musical Theater Club.
Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes at a Glance
Photo by Karl Rabe

Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes at a Glance

  • 1868
    first scholarship established
  • 245
    scholarships, awards, and prizes
  • $60,096
    average Bard scholarship
  • $72.5M
    institutional aid for 2023–24

Annual Scholarship Reception and Undergraduate Award Ceremony

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
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