Columbia College Endowed Awards
The following awards are distributed annually to students in Columbia College at either Class Day or the King's Crown Leadership Awards Ceremony. While most awards are selected by faculty, administrators, and alumni, Columbia College seniors have the opportunity to nominate and vote on finalists for the Edward S. Brainard Memorial Prize, the Charles M. Rolker Prize, and the Alumni Prize.
You can also visit the web page for Columbia College Academic Honors for information about Latin Honors, Salutatorian, Valedictorian and more.
Award Descriptions
The Edward S. Brainard Memorial Prize is a cash prize awarded to the member of the graduating class who is judged by classmates to be most worthy of distinction for qualities of mind and character. The senior class is invited to nominate their peers for this award and later votes to determine the recipient.
The Charles M. Rolker Prize is a cash prize awarded to the member of the graduating class who is judged by classmates to be most worthy of special distinction because of scholarship, participation in student activities, or any combination thereof. The senior class is invited to nominate their peers for this award and later votes to determine the recipient.
The Charles H. Bjorkwall Prize is a cash prize awarded annually to a member of the graduating class for unselfish service to the College community. The prize was established by Ottle Emma Bjorkwall in memory of her brother, Dr. Charles H. Bjorkwall.
The Campus Life Leadership Awards are conferred from time to time to that student or students whose participation and involvement in undergraduate campus life at Columbia have enhanced the very spirit of student life on campus, and have created a more purposeful, caring and celebrative community at large. The measure of the undergraduate experience can be found not only in academics but in the service and acceptance that one extends to others. The recipient of this award has been successful in their endeavor to create a more understanding and accepting environment that preserves the ideals and heritage of the College.
The Costantino Colombo Outstanding Leadership Service Award is a cash award presented each year to one CC and one SEAS student, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service in working with a broad base of undergraduate constituents and administrators in enhancing undergraduate student life. The students will embody those qualities and characteristics exhibited by Chris Colombo during his 16 years of service as Dean of Student Affairs - innovation, vision and dedication.
The Alumni Prize is awarded by the Alumni Association of the College to the senior judged by classmates to be the most faithful and deserving. The senior class is invited to nominate their peers for this award and later votes to determine the recipient.
The Robert Lincoln Carey Memorial Prize is a cash prize and trophy in the form of a lion awarded annually by the Alumni Association of the College to the senior who, through a combination of leadership qualities as exercised in the non-athletic extracurricular program of Columbia College and outstanding achievement in the academic program of the College, best exemplifies the ideals which Robert Lincoln Carey sought to engender in the students of Columbia College.
The Alumni Association Achievement Award is a cash prize and trophy in the form of a Columbia Lion awarded annually to the member of the Senior Class who is judged to be most outstanding for qualities of mind, character, and service to the College.
The Richard H. Fox Memorial Prize is awarded to a Senior who has shown for the College the greatest interest and helpfulness. The student must have participated in some non-athletic activities and must be one who combines intelligence with a kindly interest in his or her fellows.
The Robert Shellow Gerdy Prize is awarded to a Senior who throughout the undergraduate years, has made a significant contribution as a member of the staff on one or more College student publications, especially Jester, Columbia Review, and Spectator.
The Leonard A. Pullman Memorial Prize is awarded to a Senior who displays those qualities of outstanding scholarship and significant service to the College exemplified in the life of Leonard Pullman, Class of 1962. The recipient must occupy a position of responsibility in a non-athletic Columbia College activity. The student’s name is inscribed on a plaque in the student activities center.
The Stanley I. Fishel / Zeta Beta Tau Prize is awarded to a fraternity member who has demonstrated leadership, academic achievement, and participation in athletics or other campus activities.
The James Christopher Caraley Memorial Prize is awarded to a Junior who has demonstrated the greatest commitment to the value of preservation of the natural environment. This prize was established in memory of James Christopher Caraley, 1959– 1979, Class of 1981, by his family and friends.
The Robert Harron Award is awarded to a Junior for qualities of grace and generosity. The prize was established by his friends in memory of Robert Harron who, in the course of his thirty years of service at Columbia, was Assistant to the President and Director of University Public Relations.
The Milch Prize is awarded to a Junior who, by leadership in extracurricular as well as scholastic activities, has, in the judgment of instructors and classmates, done the most to enhance the reputation of Columbia College. The prize was established by Dr. and Mrs. Henry Milch.
The Van Am Prize is awarded to a Sophomore most distinguished for service, character, and courtesy in relations with faculty members, fellow students, and visitors. A cash prize is awarded to the student activity of the winner’s choice. Established by the Class of 1898 on the occasion of its twenty-fifth anniversary.