Awards

All-College

Oreon E. Scott Award is presented to the graduating senior who has achieved the highest academic standing over a four-year period of study. The donor of this award was a long-time Bethany trustee and a graduate of the class of 1892.

Francis O. Carfer Prize is given to the senior who, in the judgment of the Honors Committee, has made the most outstanding contribution to the College. Mr . Carfer, a trustee of Bethany College for 29 years, was a graduate of the class of 1909. Recipients of the award must display sound academic accomplishments and characteristics of loyalty, service, and devotion to Bethany.

The John R. Taylor Memorial Award in Liberal Arts is presented annually to a student who demonstrates: exceptional scholastic achievement; service to the College in terms of cross-disciplinary extracurricular activity; and a deep understanding of, and abiding commitment to, the core liberal arts values expressed in the Mission documents of Bethany College. That is, in the words of its founder, Alexander Campbell, “to liberate the individual from ignorance, superstition, vulgar prejudice, and the tyranny of others.” Preference is given to students who have benefited from immersion in an international experience.

Aleece C. Gresham Award, announced each spring at the Darline Nicholson Spring Breakfast honoring senior women, was initiated in 1987 and is presented to a senior woman who has attended Bethany for at least five semesters. To be eligible for selection, senior women must have a grade-point average of at least 2 .75, must have participated in and displayed leadership in a variety of co-curricular activities, and must have shown dedication and commitment to Bethany College.

Bethany 2000 Prize recognizes the member of the senior class who has best demonstrated loyalty and commitment to Bethany College through involvement in a wide variety of activities. The recipient must maintain at least a 3 .0 grade-point average and demonstrate the characteristics of enthusiasm, dependability, and dedication.

The Pittsburgh Bethany College Club Award is presented to the outstanding woman in the junior class. The award is based on the qualities of leadership, character, conduct, and scholarship. The Club, comprising the Bethany alumnae of Pittsburgh, has placed a plaque in Phillips Hall on which the names of winners are engraved. In addition, an individual gift is made to the recipient.

W. F. Kennedy Prize is given to the outstanding man in the junior class. This prize, established by Mr . Kennedy of Wheeling, West Virginia, is awarded on the basis of the student’s contribution to the College community life through leadership in activities, in personal character, and in scholarship.

Richard B. Kenney First-Year Leadership Award is granted to a first-year student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship, leadership, and character at Bethany, who has become actively involved in Bethany, and who has contributed service and devotion to the College community. The student must achieve at least a 3 .50 grade-point average during the first year at Bethany. The award honors the late Dr. Kenney, T.W. Phillips Professor of Old Testament Literature, who taught at Bethany from 1964-1986. The award was established by the Freshman Activities Council of 1986-1987.

Research Awards

Gans Fund Awards are presented to juniors, seniors, and graduates of the College who are engaged in approved study and research in some specific field of the sciences at Bethany College or elsewhere. The direct charge is “for the encouragement of research and discovery in the various fields of science.” These awards were established by Wickliffe Campbell Gans of the class of 1870 and Emmet W . Gans in memory of their father and mother, Daniel L . and Margaret Gordon Gans.

Social Groups

Anna Ruth Bourne Award stimulates scholarship among the women’s social groups. A silver cup, provided by an anonymous donor in honor of the former distinguished chair of the English Department, is awarded to the recognized women’s group whose active membership earns the highest scholarship standing each semester. The group winning the cup for four semesters is presented with a smaller replica as a permanent trophy.

W. Kirk Woolery Award encourages scholarship among the men’s social groups. A silver cup, donated by friends of the late Dr . Woolery, a former Dean and Provost of the College, is held by the recognized men’s social group or housing organization whose membership (active membership only in the case of fraternities) earns the highest scholarship standing each semester. Any group winning the cup for four semesters is presented with a smaller replica as a permanent trophy.

Travel Awards

Bettie Blanck Travel Award is made to the student whose proposal for international travel best promises to augment study in English literature. The award was established by Thomas A . Hopper, class of 1967, in honor of his mother, a member of the class of 1944.

Benjamin Chandler Shaw Travel Award is granted to the junior man who has distinguished himself by leadership, character, conduct, and scholarship and whose proposal for international travel most significantly supplements his educational objectives. The award is funded by the late Dr . Carl Lincoln Schweinfurth in recognition of the late Dr . Shaw, Bethany’s George T . Oliver Distinguished Professor of History and Political Science. Dr . Shaw joined the Bethany faculty in 1935, served from 1945 to 1966 as Chair of the Department of History and Political Science, and continued part-time as a faculty member until 1975.

Biology

Beta Beta Beta - B. R. Weimer Award, established in honor of the late Dr . Weimer, Professor of Biology and Dean of the Faculty, is given each year to the senior in Biology who has attained the highest academic rank in this major.

Beta Beta Beta Prize is awarded the student who has received the highest grades in the initial courses in biology.

Business

The Accountancy Award is presented to the senior who maintains a grade point average of 3 .5 or higher and demonstrates excellence in the study of accountancy.

The Business Award is presented to a senior(s) majoring in a functional area of business such as management or finance who maintains a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and demonstrates excellence in the study of the chosen field. Based on the number of majors there may be more than one business award in an academic year.

Ernest L. and Dorothy Miller Korb Entrepreneurial Spirit Award is presented to the senior who best displays an entrepreneurial spirit and honors Ernest L . Korb and his wife, Dorothy Miller Korb, both graduates of Bethany College. The selection committee chooses the recipient.

The Eugene Miller Award is presented to a Bethany student who has made a significant contribution to communication and to economics and business. This award honors Eugene Miller, Class of 1947, long-time member of Bethany’s Board of Trustees, for his lifetime accomplishments in the areas of economics and journalism spanning the last half of the 20th century. Dr . Miller is recognized as a journalist, editor, author, professor, business executive, and officer in the Navy.

Chemistry

The Jerry R. Allison Chemistry Award is granted to the senior concentrating in Chemistry who has achieved the highest cumulative grade-point average in the department. The Award is given by his family in memory of Dr . Allison, who received The Senior Chemistry Award in 1967, awarded on the same criteria.

The Ida Darsie Woman in Science Award was established by the Bethany College Chapter of the American Chemical Society to honor Bethany’s first female graduate in Chemistry. Ida Darsie was a trailblazer and her legacy lives on with every female science graduate today. The Ida Darsie Woman in Science Award recognizes a female science student that has shown continued dedication to the study of science while at Bethany. Their dedication in and out of the classroom signifies a deeply rooted passion in furthering their knowledge of science and improving the world around them. They are a student that exemplifies what it means to be a Bethanian: intelligent, dedicated, multi-faceted, and compassionate.

Freshman Chemistry Award is presented each year to the student who attains the highest grade-point average in a first-year level chemistry course.

Communications and Media Arts

E. E. Roberts Distinguished Prize in Campus Media is awarded to an outstanding student who excels in work with one of the student media and in academic work in the Communications and Media Arts Program.

Sara M. Cannon Award is presented to an outstanding student who excels in work with the campus media systems.

James W. Carty Jr. Award is presented each year to an outstanding student who excels in work with the campus print or online media.

Charlotte Manion Yurko Award is presented to the Communications and Media Arts senior with the highest scholastic average in the major.

James Keegan Prize in International Communication is presented to a student whose academic achievement reflects an appreciation for the role communication plays in international affairs.

Computer Science

David Brown Prize recognizes outstanding achievement in Computer Science. It is given in honor of the professor who established the Computer Science program at Bethany.

Economics

Forrest H. Kirkpatrick Award is presented annually to the outstanding senior majoring in economics. The award is named in honor of the late Dr . Kirkpatrick, long-time professor and dean of the College.

The Eugene Miller Award is presented to a Bethany student who has made a significant contribution to communication and to economics and business. This award honors Eugene Miller, Class of 1947, long-time member of Bethany’s Board of Trustees, for his lifetime accomplishments in the areas of economics and journalism spanning the last half of the 20th century. Dr . Miller is recognized nationally as a journalist, editor, author, professor, business executive, and officer in the Navy.

The W. Randolph Cooey Value Added Award is presented to the graduating senior in the Department of Economics and Business who gained the most value added from their time at Bethany College.

Education

Caldwell Award for Leadership in the Art and Science of Teaching, established by Fran and Harry R . Caldwell, Bethany College graduates, is awarded to the outstanding senior Elementary Education major who has demonstrated exceptional academic accomplishment, as well as special talent and creativity, and who exemplifies the belief that effective teaching extends beyond the classroom into the community.

Exceptional Middle School Education Award recognizes exemplary performance in scholarship and teaching, the Exceptional Middle School Education Award is presented each year to an exceptional senior middle school education major. In addition to his or her overall professional disposition, the candidate has demonstrated pedagogical strength in his or her instructional strategies and respective field of study.

Exceptional Secondary Education Award recognizes exemplary performance in scholarship and teaching, the Exceptional Secondary Education Award is presented each year to an exceptional senior secondary education major. In addition to his/ her overall professional disposition, the candidate has demonstrated pedagogical strength in his or her instructional strategies and respective field of study.

English

Florence Hoagland Memorial Award, given by a graduate of the class of 1944, is presented to the outstanding senior English major. The award honors the memory of the late Florence Hoagland who was for many years Professor of English at Bethany.

Christine Burleson Memorial Award, given by a graduate of the class of 1936, is presented to a senior English major who has attained excellence in this field. The award honors the memory of the late Christine Burleson who was professor of English and Dean of Women from 1932 to 1936.

Cammie Pendleton Awards, named in honor of A . Campbellina Pendleton, Professor of Language and Literature at Bethany from 1884 to 1909, are presented to the outstanding junior and sophomore majoring in English. These awards were given by Dwight B . MacCormack, Jr . of the class of 1956, in memory of his grandmother, Dr . T . Marion MacCormack.

Helen Louise McGuffie Award recognizes excellence in research-based, literary critical analysis. To select winners of this award, the Department of English judges an annual essay competition open to juniors and seniors.

The W. W. Eaton Award, founded in 2016 by alumni and named for Bethany’s first Professor of English, supports and encourages outstanding Bethany English majors. One or more Eaton Awards are made each year on the basis of applications judged by a committee of English faculty and alumni.

Equine Studies

MaryBeth Trout Horsemanship Award is awarded to a student involved in the Equestrian team who has demonstrated excellence in horsemanship, leadership, and coursework. This award is named in memory of Bethany graduate MaryBeth Trout.

History

Frank Alfred Chapman Memorial is a fund established by Dr . Stanton Crawford to provide for an annual award to the outstanding history student . Preference is given to students of American History and the history of the Ohio Valley .

Thomas R. Burns Award in History and Political Science is given to an outstanding student who has completed more than one full year of study as a major in either History or Political Science and has demonstrated great promise for scholarly achievement in his or her chosen field of study.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Frank Roy Gay Award, established in 1982, is given to the senior interdisciplinary major who maintains a grade-point average of 3 .5 or above and displays outstanding leadership qualities in the Bethany community. The award is named for the former Professor of Classics at Bethany who taught English literature, religion, and philosophy.

Japanese Cultures

Wheeling-Nisshin Japanese Culture Award is presented to a student who has shown excellence in the study of Japanese language and cultures and has significantly promoted interest in Japanese cultures in the College community.

Leadership

The R. Darryl Ponton Student Leadership Award is given to students who planned, developed, and implemented, Bethany College's first peer mentor program. These students identified a need within the college community, took the initiative to work with faculty, administration, and alumni to devise a program to meet the need, thus exemplifying the very definition of leadership.

Mathematics

W. H. Cramblet Prize recognizes outstanding achievement in mathematics. It is named in honor of Mr . Cramblet, the 11th president of Bethany College.

James E. Allison Award is presented annually to the senior mathematics major who has excelled in the field of mathematics and best exhibits outstanding character and a giving spirit in all phases of life. This award was established by family and friends in memory of Professor Allison, a 1962 graduate of Bethany College and a member of the faculty in mathematics for 36 years.

Philosophy

Winfred E. Garrison Prize is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in one or more areas of philosophy. The award honors the memory of the late Dr . Garrison, a member of the class of 1892, whose humane concerns and scholarly achievements contributed significantly to the areas of higher education, history, and philosophy.

Physical Education

John J. Knight Award is presented to the senior male Physical Education major displaying outstanding scholarship and athletic participation during his four years at Bethany. To be eligible for selection, the student must have an overall grade-point average of at least 2 .75 and a grade-point average of at least 3 .20 in Physical Education.

S. Elizabeth Reed Award is presented to the senior female Physical Education major displaying outstanding scholarship and athletic participation during her four years at Bethany. To be eligible for selection, the student must have an overall grade-point average of at least 2 .75 and a grade-point average of at least 3 .20 in Physical Education.

Physics

J.S.V. Allen Memorial is a fund established by the family and friends of Professor Allen to provide for an annual award to the outstanding physics student.

Political Science

Thomas Jefferson Prize in Political Science is given to a student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in the field of Political Science through superior academic achievement and participation in the political life of the campus.

The International Relations Award is presented to the senior who maintains a grade point average of 3 .5 or higher and demonstrates excellence in the study of world politics through coursework, travel and study abroad.

The John G. Chernenko Award was established in honor of this public servant, labor leader, and long time friend of Bethany College. Chernenko served as United States Marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia in the administrations of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He has dedicated his life to national and state public affairs and was thrice elected to the West Virginia State Senate, serving the First Senatorial District. The Award is presented annually to the junior political science major with the highest overall grade point average.

Pre-Medical Studies

The Leonard Emory Yurko Award is presented yearly to the outstanding senior pre-medical student, as judged by the Health Professional Advisory Committee. The award is made to a senior who has applied for admission to medical school and who is judged to exhibit outstanding character and excellent scholarship in 32 semester hours of course work required of all medical school applicants.

Psychology

Thomas R. Briggs Award is presented annually to the senior in psychology who has maintained the highest academic average in the department. The award is a memorial to the late Mr . Briggs, class of 1978, recipient of the Psychology Society Award in 1978.

The John H Hull Student Research Award is given annually to the senior psychology major, who in the judgment of the departmental faculty, shows the greatest promise for advancing knowledge in the field of psychology through independent research.

The Psychology Service Award is given annually to the senior psychology major, who in the judgment of the departmental faculty, has made the greatest contribution to advancing the mission of the department and supporting students of psychology at Bethany College.

Religious Studies

Osborne Booth Prize is given to the student who excels in the field of Religious Studies and in the overall academic program. The late Dr . Booth was T . W . Phillips Professor of Old Testament Literature when he retired in 1964 after 35 years of teaching at Bethany.

Harold R. and Evelyn N. Watkins Pre-Ministerial Award, recognizes a junior or senior who has demonstrated outstanding Christian leadership and service.

Social Work

The Lester N. and Helen W. Frantz Award is presented to a senior who demonstrates outstanding achievement in Social Work by maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major, active participation in the Social Awareness Club, outstanding achievement in field placement, community involvement outside of the social work curriculum and maintaining a good member standing in NASW.

The Lynn Frantz Adkins Award for Outstanding Involvement in Social Work, endowed by the faculty and graduates of the Social Work Program in honor of its founder, recognizes a junior social work major. Recipients of the award must have a minimum GPA of 3 .0 in the major and overall, maintain active participation in the Social Awareness Club, serve in a leadership capacity in at least one campus organization, and demonstrate dedication to helping peers.

Visual and Performing Arts

Rush Carter Prize in music is presented to a member of the senior class in recognition of outstanding achievement in music. The prize honors the memory of the late Professor Carter, who was a member of the Bethany faculty from 1934 to 1945.

George K. Hauptfuehrer Award in music is sponsored by Sigma Tau Epsilon in honor of the late Professor Hauptfuehrer, Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music. The award is presented to a Bethany student who has demonstrated musical excellence and has participated actively in campus musical organizations. Preference is given to seniors.

Charles H. Manion Award is presented to the outstanding senior in Visual Arts who has an emphasis in one of that program’s areas. The award memorializes Mr . Manion, long-time trustee of Bethany College, who was associated with the steel industry in the Ohio Valley and who enjoyed painting. The award is provided by his daughter, Mrs . Leonard Yurko of Weirton, W .Va .

A. Kenneth Stevenson Theatre Award is presented each year to the outstanding Bethany junior or senior of any discipline who has contributed most significantly to the Bethany College Theatre activity. The award also provides for guest artists to enhance the program in Theatre. Mr . Stevenson, of Washington, Pa ., was a long-time supporter of the Bethany College Theatre program until his death in 1979.

David Judy Prize, an endowed prize, is awarded each year at Honors Day to the senior who has achieved outstanding academic success as a major in The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Bethany . The award honors the late David Jones Judy, Jennie Steindorf Renner Professor of Fine Arts . Professor Judy taught at Bethany from 1967 until his retirement in 1993 and served as Chair of the Department of Fine Arts and Director of the Bethany Theatre .

The Wes Wagner Award is presented to a Bethany College student who has demonstrated artistic ability, exceptional creativity, as well as overall academic accomplishment. This special award was established by Ruth Wagner Corey with the Community Foundation for the Upper Ohio Valley, in memory of Professor Wesley Wagner, an outstanding artist, professor, mentor, and friend of Bethany from 1967 until 1988. Mr . Wagner continued to have a profound impact upon the arts community of Wheeling until his death in 2006. His creative spirit lives on in his former students, friends and art lovers of the Upper Ohio Valley and beyond.

World Languages and Cultures

Pearl Mahaffey Prize is awarded to the outstanding senior majoring in World Languages and Cultures. The award was established by Mrs . Walter M . Haushalter and other former students of Bethany’s Emeritus Professor of Foreign Languages. The prize honors Professor Mahaffey, a faculty member from 1908 until 1949 and a trustee of the College at the time of her death in 1971.

Leonora Balla Cayard Prize is awarded to an outstanding German student. This prize honors Dr . Leonora Balla Cayard who was Professor of German and Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages until her retirement in 1986.

Theodore R. Kimpton Prize is awarded to an outstanding French student. This prize, which is restricted to those students whose native language is other than French, was established by the late Professor Kimpton, Assistant Professor of Foreign Languages at Bethany prior to his retirement from full-time teaching in 1975.

Shirley Morris Memorial Award was established by Theta Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha in memory of Shirley Morris, a member and past president of the chapter. The award is given to an outstanding student in the field of modern languages. Selection is made by the World Languages and Cultures program.

Margaret R. Woods Prize, sponsored by the Kappa Xi Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, is awarded to an outstanding Spanish major. The prize honors Professor Woods who was a faculty member from 1943 until her retirement in 1965.