The University of
San Francisco recognizes students who have distinguished themselves in
scholarship, service, and loyalty to the University with the following
awards. Such awards are not necessarily given each academic year or at
the commencement exercises.
University-Wide Student Awards
Alumni Relations Awards
The Alumni Board of Governors Award
A University of San Francisco commemorative pen, the gift of
the Board of Governors of the University Alumni Association, awarded to
the senior distinguished for dedicated services to the University and
to the Alumni Association.
The Alumni Loyalty Award
A University of San Francisco commemorative pen, the gift of
the Board of Governors of the University Alumni Association, awarded to
the senior who has demonstrated distinction and loyalty to the
University and to the Alumni Association.
Athletics Awards
The Charles L. Harney Award
A plaque, the gift of Richard A. Parina, '31, in memory of
Mr. Charles L. Harney, to the senior athlete who has maintained the
highest academic average and performed the greatest service to the
University during his or her tenure at the University.
The Dr. Sandee Hill Dedication Award
A plaque, given to the graduating senior student athlete who
shows the most devotion to the sport, teammates, coaches, and
University and maintains a willingness to work through the most
difficult tasks with a positive attitude.
The Green and Gold Club Loyalty Award
A plaque, the gift of the Green and Gold Club, to the
athlete who, by his or her conduct, has been the source of greatest
inspiration to his or her teammates.
The Peter Peletta Award
A plaque, the gift of the Athletic Department in memory of
Mr. Peter P. Peletta, University Athletic Director, 1960-1971, to the
senior most distinguished for unselfish and loyal service to the
athletic programs of the University.
Office of the President Awards
The Pedro Arrupe Award
Granted by the University president, this award is given to a
graduating student who has embodied the ideals of Ignatian spirituality
and Jesuit education. Named in honor of the 28th general of the Society
of Jesus, this award honors a student whose commitments give evidence
of a living faith that seeks to find God in every event and every
person. The promotion of justice and the desire to seek the greatest
good, constitutive elements of the Jesuit tradition, have marked the
choices and activities of the recipient.
The Spirit of St. Francis Award
Granted by the University president, this award is given to a
graduating student who has embodied the ideals of St. Francis of
Assisi. St. Francis, after whom the city of San Francisco is named, has
long been honored by peoples of many religious traditions for his humble
and loving service to all whom he encountered. The recipient of this
award is recognized by the University community for outstanding service,
especially to the poor and disenfranchised.
Office of the University Registrar Awards
The Father Flynn Award
A purse, in memory of the Reverend Hubert Flynn, S.J., for
the senior who has, throughout the entire undergraduate curriculum,
maintained the highest average for scholarship.
The Father Maraschi Award
A purse, in memory of the Reverend Anthony Maraschi, S.J.,
for the senior who, as a transfer student, has throughout the remainder
of the undergraduate curriculum at the University of San Francisco,
maintained the highest average for scholarship.
Theology and Religious Studies Award
The Father Lonergan Award
A purse, a gift of the University of San Francisco, to the
graduating senior majoring in Theology who has maintained the highest
scholastic average in the course of studies.
University Life Awards
The Archbishop Oscar Romero Award
Recognized for his ability to become a voice for the
voiceless while the Archbishop of San Salvador, the Archbishop Oscar
Romero Award is presented to an undergraduate or graduate student who
strives to alleviate poverty and oppression.
The Hilary Williams Ford Award
Recognized for his contributions and commitment to his field
and the University of San Francisco, the Hilary Williams Ford Award is
presented to a graduate students who has initiated positive changes in
the field.
The James F. Kenney Memorial Award
A purse, in recognition of a student who has overcome
difficult circumstances in his or her life with grace, courage, and
strength and whose example is an inspiration to others. The award is in
honor of Jim Kenney, a student at USF in the 1950s who was born with a
severe physical disability and whose joy of life and daily courage, in
spite of this handicap, won him the admiration and respect of all who
knew him.
The John P. Schlegel, S.J. Award
Established in recognition of his work in creating an
inclusive community, the John P. Schlegel, S.J. award is presented to a
graduating student who has embraced the mulicultural objectives of the
University's mission.
The Priscilla A., Scotlan Award
Established in recognition of Priscilla A. Scotlan's
unselfish dedication and service to the University of San Francisco, the
Priscilla A. Scotlan Award is presented to a graduating student who has
been an "ambassador" for the University community.
College of Arts and Sciences Awards
Undergraduate Awards
The ACS USF Student Chapter Achievement Award
An inscription on the award plaque, to the graduating student affiliate
of the American Chemical Society Student Chapter of the University of
San Francisco, in recognition of outstanding service to the Society and
to the Department of Chemistry.
The Batey Prize
A purse, a gift of the Batey family, to the most outstanding
graduating senior in mathematics.
The Communication Studies Outstanding Student Award
A plaque, the gift of the Department of Communication
Studies, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in the
Department of Communication Studies.
The David Herlihy Prize in History
A purse and plaque, in memory of David Herlihy, '51, HON
'85, distinguished medieval historian, former professor at Harvard
University, and president of the American Historical Association, in
recognition of the best written paper by a graduating history major.
The Dean's Medal for Excellence in the Arts
A medal and a purse, a gift of the College of Arts and
Sciences, to the graduating senior in the Arts who has best exemplified
in academic accomplishments, extracurricular work, and personal life the
values of the University of San Francisco, its mission and goals.
The Dean's Medal for Excellence in the Sciences
A medal and a purse, a gift of the College of Arts and
Sciences, to the graduating senior in the Sciences who has best
exemplified in academic accomplishments, extracurricular work, and
personal life the values of the University of San Francisco, its mission
and goals.
The Department of History Award
A plaque, a gift of the Department of History, in
recognition of the greatest service to the Department in the areas of
student activities and faculty support by a graduating history major.
The Department of Politics Public Service Award
A purse, a gift of the Politics Department, to the
graduating Politics student who demonstrates the most outstanding
service during his or her college years.
The Dr. Elwood Molseed Award
A plaque, the gift of Omicron Theta Chi Fraternity and
Sorority, in memory of Dr. Elwood Molseed, former Assistant Professor of
Biology, to the graduating senior in the pre-professional health
fraternity, Omicron Theta Chi, who has been judged most worthy on the
basis of academic merit and contributions to the life of the University.
The Dr. Mel Gorman Award
A purse and an inscription on the Dr. Mel Gorman perpetual
trophy, in memory of Dr. Mel Gorman, former Professor of Chemistry, to
the outstanding senior affiliate and Chemistry major in recognition of
superior scientific scholarship.
Dr. Raymond Genolio Award
A purse, in memory of Dr. Raymond J. Genolio, former
Associate Professor of Physics, for the graduating senior who ranks
highest in scholarship among the academic disciplines administered by
the Department of Physics.
The Edward L. Kesel Award
A purse and a plaque, in honor of the late Dr. Edward L.
Kesel, long-standing faculty member and department chair of the Biology
Department, to the graduating Biology major with proven academic
excellence, high potential for a career in the biological sciences, and
who has demonstrated leadership and support within the Biology
Department.
The English Department Service Award
A plaque, given to a graduating senior by the English
Department faculty, in recognition of his or her outstanding service and
support to the department, its students, and visitors.
The Esther Madriz Prize for Social Justice
A purse and certificate, in memory of Dr. Esther Madriz,
vivacious teacher, social activist, and esteemed colleague of the
departments and programs of Sociology, Latin American Studies, and
Gender and Sexualities Studies, to the graduating senior whose academic
excellence and commitment to social justice exemplify Esther's
spectacular gifts to USF and the world.
The Father Fred J. Spieler Award
A purse and certificate, the gift of Douglas K. Amis, A.B.,
'71, Ed.D., '82, in memory of the Reverend Fred Spieler, S.J., given to a
senior in recognition of exceptional academic achievement and
outstanding professional development in Media Studies.
Dick Blake Award for Excellence in Student Journalism
A purse and a certificate, gifts of Gabrielle Blake, in
memory of her husband, Dick Blake, class of 1941, to a graduating senior
in recognition of outstanding accomplishments as a student journalist.
The Frank L. Beach Award
A purse and a plaque, in memory of Dr. Frank L. Beach `53,
MA `57, long-time professor and chair of the Department of History and
beloved teacher, in recognition of the highest grade point average
achieved by a graduating History major.
The Fred Minnigerode Award
A purse and plaque, in memory of Dr. Frederick Minnigerode
III, former Associate Professor of Psychology, for the outstanding
graduating senior in Psychology.
The Kathileen A. Gallagher Award for Performing Arts and
Social Justice
An inscription on the award plaque and a purse, given by the
Department of Performing Arts, in honor of long standing faculty member
Kathileen A. Gallagher, to the graduating senior who best reflects the
spirit of performing arts and social justice.
The Mauricio Romero Award
A purse, a gift of Elizabeth Romero, to a graduating
Politics Department senior who has demonstrated excellence in both
academics and community services.
The Ralph Lane Peace & Justice Essay Award
A purse, a gift of USF Emeritus Professor Ralph Lane and
Joan Lane, is given each year to the student who writes the best essay
on a peace and justice theme, broadly defined.
The Robert M. Makus Memorial Service Award
A certificate and gift, in memory of Robert M. Makus, former
Professor of Philosophy, to the students who make the greatest
contribution to fostering the Philosophy Department's intellectual
community, thereby continuing the legacy of Professor Makus and making
his vision of the Department come to life.
The Ruth Aubrey Award
A plaque and a purse, gifts of the Honors Program faculty,
in memory of Ruth Aubrey, beloved secretary of the Honors Program in
Humanities, to the graduating senior in recognition of his or her
outstanding performance.
The Sociology Paper Award
A purse and a certificate, in recognition of an outstanding
research paper or analytic essay written by a graduating senior majoring
or minoring in Sociology.
Graduate Awards
The Sport Management Academic Achievement Award
A plaque, a gift of the Sport Management Program directors
and faculty, to the member of the graduating class who has earned the
highest scholastic average throughout his or her entire graduate
program.
The Sport Management Distinction Award
Plaques, gifts of the Sport Management Program directors and
faculty, to the members of the graduating class who have completed a
Master's project and are graduating with distinction.
School of Management Awards
Undergraduate Awards
The A.A. Berti Award
An inscribed desk set, the gift of A. Russell Berti, '26,
JD/LL.B, '28, in memory of his father, Augustin B. Berti, to the
graduating senior in the McLaren School of Management who has earned the
highest record of scholarship.
The Dean's Medal of Excellence
A medal and a purse, gifts of the McLaren School of Management, to the graduating senior who has best exemplified
in academic accomplishments, extracurricular work, and personal life the
values of the University of San Francisco in its mission and goals.
The Dean's Service Award
A plaque, given to a graduating senior in the undergraduate management program who has demonstrated superior academic performance and
outstanding service to the School of Management and to
University student life.
Graduate Awards
The Dean's Medal of Excellence
A medal and a purse, a gift of the Masagung Graduate School
of Management, to a member of the graduating Master of Business
Administration or Master of Business Administration for Executives
student who has best exemplified in academic accomplishments,
extracurricular work, and personal life the values of the University of
San Francisco in its mission and goals.
The Dean's Service Award
A plaque, given to the graduating candidate in the Master of
Business Administration Program who has demonstrated superior academic
performance and outstanding service to the School of Management and to University student life.
The Graduate Business Association Award
Plaques, given by the Graduate Business Association, to the
graduating MBA students who have been recognized by their peers as
providing outstanding service to the Masagung Graduate School of
Management Master of Business Administration Program.
The Master of Business Administration Award
A plaque awarded by the School of Management
Dean and faculty to the member of the graduating MBA class who has
earned the highest scholastic average throughout his or her entire
graduate program.
The Master of Business Administration for Executives Award
A plaque awarded by the School of Management
Dean and faculty to the member of the graduating MBAE class who has
earned the highest scholastic average throughout his or her entire
graduate program.
College of Professional Studies
The CPS Alumni Society Award
A class ring and a plaque, gifts of the CPS Alumni Society,
to the student nominated by his or her peers who exemplified leadership
and accomplishment in the classroom by inspiring, encouraging, and
motivating fellow students.
The Dean's Award for Academic Excellence
A plaque and a purse, gifts of the College of Professional
Studies, to the undergraduate student with the best overall academic
performance during his or her entire undergraduate course of study.
The Dr. Gene Ulansky Portfolio Award
A plaque and a purse, gifts of the College of Professional
Studies, to the undergraduate student who has demonstrated exemplary
application and understanding of experiential learning.
The Ignatian Service Award
A plaque and a purse, gifts of the College of Professional
Studies, awarded to the graduating student who has exemplified the
Jesuit ideals using his or her education in the service of others,
maintained high ethical standards, and promoted justice both within USF
and the broader community.
School of Education
The Dean's Service Award
A certificate, presented to graduating students in
recognition of their outstanding contributions to enhancing and
fostering positive relations and providing service to fellow students,
faculty, administrators, and alumni of the School.
The Elizabeth D. Bigelow Award
A certificate presented to a student for outstanding service
to faculty and students of the Counseling Psychology program in the
School of Education.
The Outstanding Doctoral Student Award
A certificate presented by the faculty of the School of
Education to doctoral students who have demonstrated an ability to bring
theory and knowledge to bear on the solution of a significant
educational problem.
The Outstanding Student in Teacher Education Award
Certificates presented by the faculty of the Teacher
Education Program to students who by competence, caring, and commitment
exemplified the best qualities of today's teacher.
School of Nursing and Health Professions Awards
The Dean's Medal for Promoting Professionalism
A bronze medal, awarded to the graduating senior who has
contributed most to promoting professionalism among the students in the
School of Nursing and Health Professions.
The Frances Monet Carter Award for Clinical Excellence in
Psychiatric Nursing
A purse awarded to the graduating Senior in the first
Baccalaureate degree program in the School of Nursing and Health Professions who, in the
opinion of the psychiatric nursing faculty, has demonstrated outstanding
clinical practice in psychiatric/mental health nursing, and who has
applied the principles inherent in psychiatric/mental health nursing to
individuals experiencing emotional pain in other clinical settings.
Military Science Awards
The American Legion Award for Military Excellence
A gold medal, the gift of the American Legion, to the cadet
who, while achieving academic proficiency, has demonstrated outstanding
qualities in military leadership, character, and citizenship.
The American Legion Award for Scholastic Excellence
A gold medal, the gift of the American Legion, awarded to
the candidate who has ranked in the top 25% of the class in academics
and who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership.
The American Veterans of World War II Award
A medal awarded to the candidate who has demonstrated
diligence in discharge of duty and overall concern for the personnel in
ROTC.
The Daughters of the American Revolution Medal
A gold medal, the gift of the Daughters of the American
Revolution, to the candidate who has been in the top 25% of the ROTC
class and who has demonstrated qualities of loyalty, patriotism,
dependability, good character, and leadership.
The Distinguished Military Graduates
Awarded to cadets who are in the top third of the class
nationally.
The George C. Marshal Award
A certificate awarded to the candidate who has demonstrated
leadership, scholastic excellence, overall proficiency, and dedication
to the military. (The awardee may not be a USF student.)
The Golden Bear Brigade Nursing Excellence Award
Two plaques, one for the recipient and the other for the
recipient's university, presented to the top-rated ROTC Nursing student
selected in competition with 21 universities in five states. (The
awardee may not be a USF student.)
The Henry R. Morris Leadership Excellence Award
This award is presented annually to the senior cadet who has
excelled in all aspects of the ROTC program, and has demonstrated
outstanding leadership while working for the welfare and development of
his fellow cadets.
The Professor of Military Science Meritorious Service Award
Presented for outstanding contributions as a staff officer,
and outstanding performance as a trainer, teacher, and mentor for
underclassmen.
The Reserve Officer's Association Award
A gold medal and a gift certificate for a dress uniform, to
the candidate who is in the top 10% of the ROTC class and who has
demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, moral character, and
high aptitude for military service.
The Retired Officer's Association Award
A medal, for exceptional potential for military leadership.
The Sergeant York Ribbon Award
This award is presented to the senior cadet who, quietly and
without fanfare, has labored long and hard behind the scenes, often
without recognition, in support of the ROTC program.
The Superior Cadet Award
A medal, the gift of the Department of the Army, to the
cadet with the highest academic standing and demonstrated officer
potential.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the USA Award
A medal pendant and ribbon bar, for general excellence in
Military Science.
