Academic Awards

Department Award in Anthropology

Established in 1983 to recognize outstanding scholarship in the discipline.

William Faulkner

William Faulkner is from Great Mills, Maryland. He is a double major in Asian studies and anthropology. Faulkner is a program student ambassador for Asian studies and co-president of the Asian and Pacific-Islander American Culture Club. After graduation, he plans to join the U.S. Air Force and learn Japanese.

McCutcheon Family Art Award

Established in 1991 by Janet McCutcheon in memory of her husband, Frank ’89, to recognize a junior or senior art student who demonstrates promise as an artist.

Khang Doan

Khang Doan is from Ho Chi Minh CIty, Vietnam. He is an art major focusing on photography. While at SMCM, he had interned as a videographer at a Michelin star restaurant and has assisted as a teaching assistant in photography classes. After graduation, he plans to become a freelance photographer and videographer.

Asian Studies Award

Established in 2005 by the Asian Studies faculty to recognize exceptional contributions to the cross-disciplinary area of Asian Studies.

William Faulkner

William Faulkner is from Great Mills, Maryland. He is a double major in Asian studies and anthropology. Faulkner is a program student ambassador for Asian studies and co-president of the Asian and Pacific-Islander American Culture Club. After graduation, he plans to join the U.S. Air Force and learn Japanese.

Department Award for Excellence in Biology

Established in 1985 to recognize a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and achievement in the discipline.

Sophia Koontz

William Faulkner is from Great Mills, Maryland. He is a double major in Asian studies and anthropology. Faulkner is a program student ambassador for Asian studies and co-president of the Asian and Pacific-Islander American Culture Club. After graduation, he plans to join the U.S. Air Force and learn Japanese.
Sophia Koontz of Catonsville, Maryland, is a biology major. She is the president of SMCM Chapter of Beta Beta Beta biology honor society. Koontz will attend Pennsylvania State University to pursue a PhD in plant biology.

Biology Department Award for Academic Distinction and Service

Established for academic achievement and service to the biology program.

Ezra Tapponnier

Ezra Tapponnier of Leonardtown, Maryland, is a biology major. He is a member of Beta Beta Beta honor society. He plans to take a gap year before starting his PhD.

Outstanding Achievement in Principles of Biology

Established in 2003 to recognize a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and achievement in “Principles of Biology.”

Cesia Perez

Cesia Perez is from Riverdale, Maryland. A biochemistry major, she is a member of SMACS/BOSS and the Pre-Health Club. Perez plans to attend medical school and become a pediatrician.

The Mendel Award in Biology for Outstanding Achievement in the Second
Year

Established in 2003 to recognize a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and achievement in genetics and also ecology and evolution.

Caroline McDonald

Caroline McDonald from Frederick, Maryland, is a double major in biology and biochemistry. She has done directed research with Assistant Professor Pruett. She is a member of the varsity field hockey team and has worked as a veterinary assistant. After graduation, McDonald plans to attend veterinary school.

Robert H. Goldsmith Award for Excellence in Chemistry

The Robert H. Goldsmith Award recognizes distinguished service to the department and academic achievement in chemistry.

Mordecai Leavitt

Mordecai Leavitt is from Greenbelt, Maryland. A double major of chemistry and art, he is the president of SMACS and the senior chair of Zero Degrees. He has been the chemistry and biochemistry department lab management intern, a chemistry subject tutor and an organic chemistry lab assistant. After graduation, Leavitt will return for a second summer at Brookhaven National Lab conducting catalysis research and apply to PhD programs in chemistry.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Award for Excellence in Biochemistry

Awarded by the department to recognize
distinguished service to the department and
academic achievement in biochemistry.

Cole Vonderheid

Cole Vonderheid is from Pringle, Pennsylvania. He is a biochemistry major. He serves as vice president of SMACS/BOSS, the ASBMB chapter on campus. Vonderheid aspires to become a cancer researcher with a medicinal chemistry background.

Economics Faculty Award

Established in 1983 to recognize outstanding scholarship in the discipline.

Louise Victoria Lusby Award

In honor of Louise Victoria Lusby who passed away in 2014. She graduated St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2005 as the valedictorian and was a model student and a friend to many. Presented to a current student of high academic achievement in economics.

Nadia Velasco

Nadia Velasco is from Capitol Heights, Maryland. A double major in economics and public policy with a minor in sociology, Velasco is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, Omicron Delta Epsilon and Chi Alpha Sigma honor societies. She is a DeSousa-Brent Scholar, a Landers Scholar and SAGE president. She is also a member of the women’s varsity rowing team and the Dance Club. Velasco plans to volunteer with the Peace Corps, then pursue graduate studies in economic development.

Deak Reynolds Economics Award

Established in 2003 by Deak Reynolds, to be given annually to an outstanding junior or senior majoring in economics.

Coen Joshua Dewalt

Coen Joshua Dewalt of Catonsville, Maryland, is a double major in economics and business administration and management. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Epsilon honor societies. Dewalt is the economics program student ambassador and a two-time captain of the men’s rugby team. After graduation, he plans to work in the Baltimore area.

Recognizes the English major who best exemplifies the department’s ideals of literary scholarship, based on his or her knowledge of the field, critical capacity, intellectual curiosity, and scholarly writing.

Bana Ghezai

Bana Ghezai, of Takoma Park, Maryland, is an English and sociology double major with an educational studies minor. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After graduation, Ghezai plans to complete the Master of Arts in Teaching program and become an English teacher.

Margaret Eagle Dixon Award in Literature

Established in 1997 in memory of her mother, a 1904 graduate, by Adele Tomey ’39.

Claire Elizabeth Weedon

Claire Elizabeth Weedon, of Trappe, Maryland, is a member of Sigma Tau Delta honor society and the Dance Club. She will attend graduate school at American University.

Michael S. Glaser Writing Award

Given annually to a gifted and dedicated writer who has worked to hone his or her craft during his or her time at St. Mary’s College and shows exceptional promise for future achievement.

Emma Cecil

Emma Cecil is from High Point, North Carolina. She is an English major with a creative writing minor. She is a part of Sigma Tau Delta and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies and works as a resident assistant on campus. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in editing and publishing.

Edward T. Lewis Poetry Award

Established in 1993 in honor of the 10-year anniversary of Edward T. Lewis’ presidency at St. Mary’s College to recognize promising young poets.

Erin Rhodes

Erin Rhodes is from Silver Spring, Maryland. A double major in English and biology with a minor in creative writing, Rhodes is a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society and also a member of the women’s rowing team. She intends to pursue a career in science writing or science journalism.

Kate Chandler Early Achievement Award for the Study of Literature, Writing and the Environment

Established in 2016, one award is given to a student completing a St. Mary’s Project in environmental humanities and one award is given to a student beyond the first year engaged in undergraduate research or writing in the environmental humanities.

Ariana Lecouras

Ariana Lecouras is from Severna Park, Maryland. She is majoring in environmental studies with minors in English, African and African diaspora studies and history. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Lecouras is a member of the varsity cross country and track teams, the Kate Chandler Campus Farm and the Habitat for Humanity Club.

Abby Shackelford

Abby Shackelford is from Catonsville, Maryland. She is an English major, creative writing and anthropology double minor. Shackelford is member of the women’s varsity rowing team and part of the AVATAR review board. She will pursue a career as a novelist.

David Beers Quinn Award in History

Established in 1978 to recognize outstanding scholarship in the discipline. In 1986, named in honor of a distinguished former professor of history.

Elisia Lewis

Elisia Lewis is from California, Maryland. She is a history major with minors in anthropology and African & African diaspora studies. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies. She is an intern at the Hilda C. Landers Library and a program student ambassador as well as a member of the History Club. She plans to pursue a dual graduate degree in history and library science.

Ella Price

Ella Price of Crofton, Maryland, is a history major. Following graduation, she starts a master’s degree in modern history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Alison Quinn Award in History

Established in 1984 by David Beers Quinn in honor
of his wife, to benefit students who demonstrate
an interest in history and specialize in the subject.

Bridget Norton

Bridget Norton is from Annapolis, Maryland. A history and political science major with a minor in museum studies, she is the social media editor and a staff writer for The Point News. Norton plans to pursue a career in a museum field, possibly curation, conservation or heritage education.

Foreign Language Book Prizes

Chinese- Ben Handler

Ben Handler, of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, is a double major in art and Asian studies with a minor in Chinese. He is a member of the varsity rowing team and is currently studying in Taiwan. Future plans include applying for a Fulbright to return to Taiwan.

French – Ryan Knight

Ryan Knight is majoring in math with a minor in ILC-French. Knight is senior adviser to the Fencing Club. He plans to pursue a graduate degree in math.

Spanish – Yasmin Isabel Cazares Ramirez

Yasmin Isabel Cazares Ramirez of Beltsville, Maryland, is an anthropology and ILC-Spanish double major with minors in museum studies and educational studies. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Cazares Ramirez is active in the Anthropology Club. After graduation, she will join the Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Latin American Studies Award

Julia Carter

Julia Carter of Rockville, Maryland, is studying psychology and Spanish. She has earned the Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish and completed her 90-Hour Child Care Certification. Carter is a member of Psi Chi and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies, the president of The Nightingales A Cappella and the assistant director of Programs Board. She will join the Master of Arts in Teaching program after graduation.

Mattie M. Key Award in Mathematics

Established by a bequest from alumna Mattie Maddox Key for excellence in mathematics.

Alayna Sievert

Alayna Sievert of Lusby, Maryland, is a mathematics major, educational studies minor. She is a captain of the women’s varsity volleyball team and a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC). After graduation, Sievert plans to become a high school mathematics teacher and a volleyball coach.

Department Award in Mathematics

Established to recognize students who have demonstrated academic excellence and achievement in the discipline.

Amber Manspeaker

Amber Manspeaker of Finksburg, Maryland, is an applied physics and mathematics double major. She is captain of the women’s tennis team. She works part time in the Quantum Research and Applications Branch at NAWCAD. After graduation, Manspeaker will pursue a PhD in quantum optics.

Department Award in Computer Science

Established to recognize students who have demonstrated academic excellence and achievement in the discipline.

Kendahl Toft

Kendahl Toft is from Vista, California. He is a computer science major. Toft has been on the varsity men’s basketball team and has served as an orientation leader. He plans to pursue a career as a software engineer.

Alice Fleury and Arthur S. Zamanakos Prize in Music

Established in 2010 to recognize students who demonstrate promise in music studies, instrumental performance, or choral performance.

Pierre Petitjean

Pierre Petitjean, of Leonardtown, Maryland, is a performing artts major, educational studies minor. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After graduation, Petitjean will enter the Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Mattie M. Key Award in Music

Established by a bequest of alumna Mattie Maddox Key to recognize excellence in music.

Kat Adams

Kat Adams of Arbutus, Maryland, is a performing arts major, education minor. She is currently a member of the SMCM Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and Music Club. After graduation, she will join the Master of Arts in Teaching program. She plans to teach K-12 music.

The Neuroscience Award

Established in 2007, it is given to a graduating senior with a minor (or student-designed major) in the neurosciences, who demonstrates superior depth of understanding, critical thinking, and research and communication skills in the field of neuroscience and participation over and above what is expected in the SMCM neurosciences program.

Christina Rutherford

Christina Rutherford of Greenbelt, Maryland, is a double major in neuroscience and psychology. She is a DeSousa-Brent Scholar and active in the Neuroscience Club and is a biology and neuroscience teaching assistant and tutor. After graduation, Rutherford plans to study neurology in medical school.

William James Prize

Established in 1986 to recognize superior understanding and written expression of philosophical discourse.

Blaire Dickens

Blaire Dickens of Ellicott City, Maryland, is a philosophy and English double major. They are a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After graduation, Dickens intends to go into the trades while pursuing writing.

Henry Rosemont, Jr. Peace and Justice Award

Established in 2010 in honor of Professor Emeritus Henry Rosemont to recognize students who demonstrate commitment to social justice and peace issues through their academic work and/or practical engagement.

Chrysanthe Kallimanis

Chrysanthe Kallimanis of Olney, Maryland, is a double major in environmental studies and philosophy. She is a lead intern for the Coastal Community Resilience internship group, the manager for the men’s lacrosse team and participates in community-engaged research. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in geography after graduation.

Department Award in Physics

Established in 1993 to recognize a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and achievement in the discipline.

Alexus Annika Kumwembe

Alexus Annika Kumwembe is from Lanham, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society, Kumwembe interned last summer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophyscis and will soon publish her own research. She is a tutor and physics program student ambassador. She will pursue a PhD in electrical engineering with the goal to create nanotechnology for the enhancement of astronomical instruments.

Physics Faculty Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research

Established in 2017 to recognize a student who has demonstrated outstanding research at the undergraduate level.

Alex Stornelli

Alex Stornelli of California, Maryland, is a physics major, mathematics minor. He conducts research with the physics department and has submitted a paper on general relativity to the journal “Universe” published by MPDI. After graduation, he intends to pursue a master’s degree in physics.

Department Award in Political Science

Established in 1983 to recognize outstanding scholarship in the discipline.

Hudson Christensen

Hudson Christensen of Annapolis, Maryland, is a political science and public policy double major. He is the student member of the SMCM Board of Trustees, president of the Volleyball Club and member of the varsity tennis team. He plans to work at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

Hampton Davey Award

Established by the Lee family in 2000 as a tribute to Associate Professor of Political Science Hampton “Red” Davey, recognizing an outstanding St. Mary’s College senior majoring in political science.

Sam Parizek

Sam Parizek of Baltimore, Maryland, is a political science and English double major. He is a peer tutor at the Writing and Speaking Center and past participant in The Washington Program. Parizek plans to pursue a career in local politics after graduating.

Public Policy Award

Established in 2000 to recognize academic excellence in the interdisciplinary major of public policy.

Lannon Fritts

Lannon Fritts is from Havre de Grace, Maryland. She is a public policy major with minors in environmental studies and music. She is the program student ambassador for political science and a career mentor with the Center for Career and Professional Development. Fritts has led the Veggie Co-op for several years, been active in theater productions, vocal ensembles and the Music Club. She plans a career in teaching.

Lisa Zsebedics Memorial Award

Established in 1985 in memory of Lisa Zsebedics, a former student, to recognize an outstanding first- or second-year student committed to understanding the human development process.

Mary Katherine PingDie Govan

Mary Katherine PingDie Govan of Charlottesville, Virginia, is a psychology major with minors in special education and women, gender and sexuality studies. She is a DeSousa-Brent Scholar, a member of the executive board for the Asian and Pacific-Islander American Club and on the varsity sailing team. After graduation, she will join the Master of Arts in Teaching program with a special education licensure.

Margaret Floy Washburn Award

Established in 1990 to recognize outstanding research in psychology.

Jayden Washington

Jayden Washington, of Lothian, Maryland, is a member of Psi Chi honor society and a research assistant for Professors Aileen Bailey and Torry Dennis. He is also a teaching assistant and a residence hall coordinator. He plans to pursue a career in behavioral neuroscience research.

Psychology Major Award

Established in 1993 to recognize a psychology, human development, or human studies major who demonstrates a superior understanding of the themes and methods of that discipline.

Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson of Mechanicsville, Maryland, is majoring in psychology. She is the Psychology Department student ambassador, co-founder and president of the Psychology Club, and vice president of Psi Chi. After graduation, she plans to get her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

Jaie M. Perrizo Human Services Award

Established in 1993 to recognize a junior or senior psychology, human development, or human studies major who demonstrates outstanding potential as a practitioner in human services.

Sanai Chase

Sanai Chase is from Lusby, Maryland. A psychology major and an education minor, she works as a patient care technician and postpartum doula. After graduation, she intends to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.

Wilhelm Wundt Award

Established in 2003 to recognize a student’s excellence in quantitative and methodologicalcourse work.

Julia Carter

Julia Carter of Rockville, Maryland, is studying psychology and Spanish. She has earned the Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish and completed her 90-Hour Child Care Certification. Carter is a member of Psi Chi and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies, the president of The Nightingales A Cappella and the assistant director of Programs Board. She will join the Master of Arts in Teaching program after graduation.

Leo Montenegro

Leo Montenegro, of Washington D.C., is a double major in psychology and ILC-Spanish. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi honor societies. Montenegro plans to teach English as a foreign language after graduation before applying to graduate school.

Department Award in Sociology

Established in 1983 to recognize outstanding scholarship in the discipline.

Emily Henderson-Adams

Emily Henderson-Adams of Gambrills, Maryland, is a sociology major with minors in women, gender and sexuality studies and African and African diaspora studies. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Kappa Delta honor societies and a DeSousa-Brent Scholar. She plans to pursue a career and graduate schooling focused on diversity, equity and social services.

Torre M. Meringolo Theater Award

Established in 2009 to benefit rising juniors or seniors who demonstrate great promise in acting with preference given to first-generation students.

Kathryn Chojna

Kathryn Chojna of Potomac, Maryland, is a performing arts major and music minor. She has been involved with the SMCM theater productions since her first year and has been involved in Dance Club. After graduation, Chojna plans to work as a performer in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

African & African Diaspora Studies Award

Established in 2018 by the African & African Diaspora Studies program to recognize a student minoring in the program who has demonstrated excellence in comprehending issues relating to Africa and the diasporic spread of Africans throughout the world.

Elisia Lewis

Elisia Lewis is from California, Maryland. She is a history major with minors in anthropology and African & African diaspora studies. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies. She is an intern at the Hilda C. Landers Library and a program student ambassador as well as a member of the History Club. She plans to pursue a dual graduate degree in history and library science.

Rhoda-Stark Memorial Award in Gender Studies

Established in 2001 in memory of Richard H. Rhoda and John D. Stark by Mark A. Rhoda to recognize students who demonstrate excellence in research, writing, activism, and/or the performingarts that addresses gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender issues.

Emily Feldman

Emily Feldman is from Westminster, Maryland. She is an English major with a creative writing minor. She is captain and president of St. Mary’s Ultimate Team. After graduation, she plans to begin a career in the editing and publishing industry.

Women, Gender, & Sexuality Award

The WGSX Award for scholarship and social responsibility was established in 2006 by the women, gender and sexuality studies faculty to recognize students who have demonstrated excellence in both scholarly works and socially responsible pursuits.

Claire Stephenson

Claire Stephenson of Annapolis, Maryland, majored in psychology and minored in women, gender and sexuality studies. She was president of FUSE and a member of The Nightingales A Cappella and the Burlesque Club. Since graduation, she has been working for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities and plans to earn her master’s degree in social work.