Honors Convocation 2026
Celebrating the achievements of Muhlenberg's students, faculty, and staff
Honoree Stories
Search by name to read about 2026 student honorees:
The Muhlenberg College Honors Convocation is a formal academic ceremony designed to honor and celebrate leadership, scholarly excellence, and achievement in the college community. This year’s program was held on Sunday, April 26, in Egner Memorial Chapel, with an address is provided by Tad Robinson, Ph.D., professor of philosophy.
Faculty Awards
The Class of 1932 Research Professor
Established in 1986, this professorship provides course release time for up to one year for a faculty member to pursue research or other creative work that will result in publication or presentation consistent with their discipline.
The Donald B. Hoffman Research Fellowship
Named in honor of Donald B. Hoffman ’32, this fellowship supports faculty in scholarship or creative activity that results in publication, performance, or exhibition while enhancing the reputation of the college.
The Crossette Family Faculty Fellowship for International Research
This award was established by the Crossette family to support faculty development research grants with a preference for international research, so that Muhlenberg may expand its horizons through increased global experience.
The Robert C. Williams Faculty Award
Established in memory of the life and service of Robert C. Williams, academic vice president and dean of the college from 1985 to 1987, this award honors a junior faculty member for distinguished scholarship and research or public performance.
The Daniel J. and Carol Shiner Wilson Grant for the Completion of Scholarly Projects
These awards are presented to faculty to assist with the completion of a significant work of scholarly activity.
The Ruth and Joel Spira Prize for Distinguished Teaching
This award was established by Joel and Ruth Spira to recognize and inspire excellence in teaching within and beyond the confines of the traditional classroom by supporting superior performance in undergraduate research instruction.
The Faculty Rising Scholars Award
This award is funded by John M. Heffer P’96 and Richard C. Crist ’77 P’05 P’09, as well as the collective efforts of the entire Board of Trustees. Muhlenberg College is pleased to offer the Faculty Rising Scholars Award to support the scholarship of tenure-track faculty and to provide exciting research opportunities for first- and second-year students.
Outstanding Academic Advisor
This award was established in testimony to the high value the college places on academic advising.
Staff Awards
The Student Government Award
Awarded to a current member of the faculty, staff or management team for outstanding service to students over a period of at least three years in promoting student involvement, responsibility and action.
The Chairman’s Award
Awarded to a college staff member who has made significant and meaningful contributions in support of the college’s mission over the lifetime of their service.
The Hamre Prize
Awarded to recognize significant contributions made by an administrative employee, including managers, staff associates, and service personnel, during the past calendaryear.
Student Academic and Leadership Awards
The Leslie R. Anders Memorial Prize
Awarded to the senior chemistry or biochemistry major who has the highest academic average in chemistry or biochemistry after seven semesters.
The Dr. Edwin R. Baldrige Memorial Award
Awarded to a graduating history major who plans to enter the teaching profession.
The Dr. Charles S. Bednar Award in Political Science
Awarded in honor of Charles S. Bednar, Ph.D., former chair of the Department of Political Science, to a senior political science major who best exemplifies academic excellence through qualities such as superior scholarship, intellectual curiosity and public service.
The Dr. Charles S. Bednar Educate for Democracy Award
Awarded to a rising senior from any major in good academic standing who shows evidence of deep understanding of the key elements of American democracy through their participation in activities directly related to civic engagement and democracy.
The Harry A. Benfer Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a rising senior in good academic standing who promotes goodwill and who has an appreciation for all phases of college life, those being the characteristics most evident in the life of Harry A. Benfer.
The Dr. Robert A. Boyer Prize
Awarded to a student who exemplifies the outstanding qualities of the late Robert Boyer, Ph.D., professor of physics, including sound scholarship, adherence to high standards of ethical and moral principles, and a deep commitment to the religious dimension of a liberal arts education.
The Rev. Dr. H. H. Bruning Gift Fund Prize
Awarded to a junior and a senior whom the faculty deem most worthy.
The Lucille Cafouros Award in Sociology
Awarded for the most outstanding contribution to the study of sociology.
The Elizabeth A. Carlson Memorial Prize in Dance
Awarded for outstanding creative leadership in dance.
The Franklin H. Claire ’59 Memorial Award for Excellence in Marketing
Awarded for outstanding scholastic achievement by a senior in marketing and marketing-related courses, including GPA, intellectual curiosity, and demonstrated interest in pursuing marketing as a career.
The Class of 1969 Graduate Study Award
Awarded to a matriculated senior who is entering a graduate or professional school in any area.
The Class of 1969 Music Award
Awarded to the student winner of an annual music performance competition by members of the Class of 1969.
The Jeanette Eichenwald Interfaith Award
Awarded to a student in recognition of exemplary commitment to deepening understanding among people of different faiths, particularly Jews and Christians.
The Russell B. Everett Romance Language Award
Awarded to a senior manifesting superior academic performance in at least one Romance language and literature.
The Lillian and Anthony Fiddler Memorial Award in Music
Awarded to the most outstanding senior in music.
The Doris E. Flamish Memorial Award
Awarded to a Muhlenberg student studying natural science who shares Doris’s love of animals and who intends to pursue a career as a veterinarian or a similar field.
The William A. Flamish Memorial Award in Neuroscience
Awarded to a student in the neuroscience major who exceeds faculty expectations for meritorious work and who embodies, at a deep level, the department’s highest ideals of fostering creativity, critical reasoning, and proficient skill in advancing new knowledge in neuroscience.
The William M. French Award in Education
Awarded to a rising senior who has the highest grade point average in the Muhlenberg’s Department of Education.
The Dr. George A. Frounfelker Award
Awarded to nontraditional students for excellence in continuing education.
The Russell Fulford Award
Awarded to a junior with the highest average in history or economics.
The Futter Prize for Achievements in and Contributions to German Studies
Awarded to a student for achievement in and contribution to German studies when first established, this prize has since been expanded to all languages.
The Carl E. Grothehen Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Psychology
Awarded to a student who best exemplifies the emergence of excellence through the study of psychology, a characteristic notable in the progress of Carl E. Grothehen.
The Espi Guinto Young Writer’s Award
Awarded to a rising sophomore who shows superior writing potential in their scholastic field of endeavor.
The Dr. John A. W. Haas Award
Awarded as a scholarship to a junior who has shown evidence of outstanding scholarship during three years at Muhlenberg, in honor of the fourth president of Muhlenberg College.
The Susan E. Halamay Journalism Award
Awarded for excellence in the field of journalism.
The George H. Hambrecht Law School Award
Awarded to a student who has been accepted to law school and shows promise of making law a successful career.
The Frederick E. Hanson Scholarship Award
Awarded to a student for study abroad. The criteria for selection includes not only above average academic ability and participation in extracurricular campus activity but also traits of personality that will enable the student to benefit from foreign study and contribute to international understanding and friendship.
The James W. and Barbara H. Herrick Award
Awarded to a senior majoring in international studies who is deemed most worthy by representatives of the faculty in the Department of Political Science and the Department of Accounting, Business, Economics, and Finance.
The Morris S. Hoats Award
Awarded to a senior who has shown the greatest interest in and application of literature and the cultivation of a literary mind.
The Wayne Kenneth Hollabaugh P’88 and Linda J. King Hollabaugh P’88 Award
Awarded to a student in the theatre major who makes the greatest artistic and intellectual contributions to the theatre community.
The Huebner Global Education and Awareness Award
Awarded to a rising junior or senior of exceptional ability with a serious commitment to globalization and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
The Carol E. Hutchinson Memorial Prize in Research in Psychology
Awarded to a student contemplating a career in psychology whose performance most clearly exhibits the inquisitive spirit and devotion to experimental research that was so prominent in Carol Hutchinson.
The Hyman-Goodman Award
Awarded to an outstanding junior in the history major whom the department deems most worthy.
The Louis J. Jacobs Premedical Prize
Awarded to a senior student of any major with a concentration in the premedical discipline who maintains a grade point average of 3.75 or higher, who has been accepted into medical school with the intent of becoming a physician, and who exhibits good character as well as leadership and humanitarian values.
The Dr. Victor L. Johnson Scholarship
Awarded annually to a rising junior or senior history major in good academic standing, considered deserving by the history department, given in honor of the late emeritus professor of history.
The Keith M. Keenly Microbiology Award
Awarded to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, interest, and potential in the field of microbiology.
The Miriam E. Koehler Award for Excellence in Mathematics
Awarded to a first-year or sophomore mathematics student for excellence in mathematics.
The Carol Emhardt Kuntzleman Memorial Award
Awarded to a sophomore or junior young woman who exhibits zeal for excellence and a high level of participation that characterized the academic work and extracurricular activities of Carol Emhardt Kuntzleman.
The Carol Emhardt Kuntzleman Memorial Award in Mathematics
Awarded to an academically outstanding rising junior or rising senior female mathematics student.
The Ralph A. and Mary A. Lichtenwalner Memorial Prize
Awarded to an outstanding student who has consistently demonstrated curiosity and dedication in their study of the biological sciences as determined by the biology department faculty.
The Alphonse C. Lova Memorial Award in Chemistry
Awarded to a rising senior chemistry or biochemistry major who is planning a career in medical research.
The Seena Marcus Art Award
Awarded to an outstanding student in performing or visual arts majors.
The Dr. Anthony J. Marino Jr. Award in Computing Science
Awarded to an outstanding rising junior or senior computer science major.
The Professor Roberta Meek Africana Studies Award
Awarded to a student who displays a dedication to Africana studies in a variety of ways that can be determined on an individual basis, demonstrates a passion for scholarship and activism, and displays a commitment to the pursuit of social and racial justice.
The Wesley S. Mitman Mathematical Prize
Awarded to a senior most outstanding in mathematics.
The Dr. Theodore W. Schick, Jr. and Marcella Moyer Schick ’77 Award in Philosophy
Awarded to a senior philosophy major who has achieved outstanding scholastic records, loves wisdom, has developed the powers of critical thinking, and has fostered the spirit of philosophical inquiry.
The Clifford R. Moyer Memorial Prize in Physics
Awarded to a physics major who displays exceptional qualities of scholarship, perseverance, and commitment typified by Clifford Moyer.
The Muhlenberg Goodwill Prize
Awarded to a senior who has shown by their activities as guided by devoted instructors the best character development in social work useful to the community, state, and nation, as typified by the Muhlenbergs of Pennsylvania.
The Robert W. and Edythe M. Mull Award for Excellence in Mathematics
Awarded to a junior most outstanding in mathematics.
The Novartis Endowed Science Scholars Program Award
Awarded to a junior or senior science major who has achieved a 3.5 or higher grade point average in the major field of study and who has clearly indicated the intention to pursue postbaccalaureate work in the sciences leading to an advanced degree.
The Dr. Robert S. Ochner Award
Awarded to a rising senior with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or better who is involved in extracurricular campus and/or community organizations, plans to matriculate into a graduate program, and has a recommendation from the Dean of Academic Life.
The Arthur C. Peters Memorial Prize
Awarded to a student deemed worthy by a committee consisting of faculty of the department of chemistry or biochemistry.
Phi Sigma Iota Award in French
Awarded to a senior who has done outstanding work in French, in course work and in other activities.
Phi Sigma Iota Award in Spanish
Awarded to a senior who has done outstanding work in Spanish, in course work and in other activities.
The Dr. John J. Reed Scholarship
Awarded annually to a rising junior or senior history major considered deserving by the Department of History who shows great potential to continue in this field, given in honor of the late John J. Reed, Ph.D., professor of history.
The D. Irvin and Marjorie M. Reitz Scholarship
Awarded to the student who exemplifies the qualities of sincerity, integrity, scholarship, and dedication to improving existing conditions in the business world.
The Todd L. Romig Memorial Prize
Awarded to a junior who most exemplifies the true characteristics of the scholar athlete.
The Martin A. Rosoff Clu Memorial Award
Awarded to the student who has revealed, through schoolwork or related activities, sympathetic concern and scholarly interest in the relationship of Judaism and Christianity to each other, to other religions, and to human culture, philosophy, and the liberal arts.
The Dr. Dominic J. Salines ’41 Memorial Award
Awarded to the senior pre-medical student who exhibits the greatest aptitude for the medical profession and the largest potential for success as a general practitioner.
Senior Female Scholar Athlete
Awarded to a senior female scholar athlete.
Senior Male Scholar Athlete
Awarded to a senior male scholar athlete.
The Dr. John V. Shankweiler Prize
Awarded to an outstanding student in biology in memory of the late John V. Shankweiler, Ph.D., professor of biology.
The Paul C. Sherr Essay Prize
Awarded to the senior majoring in English who writes the best piece of nonfiction, research or impressionistic, about any aspect of English or American literature.
The Dr. John and Ethel Shintay Scholarship Award
Awarded to the senior majoring in English who writes the best piece of non-fiction, research or impressionistic, about any aspect of English or American literature.
The Dr. Robert E. Shoemaker Graduate Fellowship
Awarded to a high academic ranking senior who plans to undertake graduate education.
The Stanley D. Sloyer Award in Music
Awarded to student(s) who has, through his/her ensemble participation, significantly enhanced the performance capabilities of the ensemble.
The Dr. Harold L. Stenger, Jr. Fellowship for Graduate Study in Literature
Awarded to the graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in literary studies as an undergraduate and who intends to pursue graduate school in literary studies.
The Harry C. and Mary M. Trexler Trust Pretheological Prize
Awarded to a senior pretheological student selected as having demonstrated outstanding academic ability, character, and fitness for the ministry to aid and encourage in the continuation of studies.
The Sojourner Truth Award
Awarded to graduating women who have demonstrated academic excellence in women’s studies or demonstrated an outstanding commitment to women’s issues.
The William Wackernagel Award for Excellence in German
Awarded to a junior or senior student for excellence in the German language and literature honoring Professor William Wackernagel, the “Grand Old Man” of Muhlenberg (1880-1920).
The Paul M. White Business Award
Awarded to four students who are rising juniors or rising seniors who specialize in the broad retail field.
The Women’s Auxiliary of Muhlenberg College Scholarship in Honor of the Rev. George F. Eichorn Jr.
Awarded to a junior who intends to become an ordination candidate or an associate in ministry or enter the teaching profession.
The Women’s Auxiliary of Muhlenberg College Pretheological Scholarship
Awarded to a junior pretheological student for potential contribution in the ministry.
The Women’s Auxiliary of Muhlenberg College Music Scholarship for a Junior
Awarded to a junior recommended by the department of music for outstanding performance as a student of music.
The Ann E. Wonsiewicz Scholars in Education Award
Awarded to a graduating senior, a rising senior, and a graduating MAT student who has completed (or in the process of completing) student teaching.
The Rev. Dr. Arvids Ziedonis Jr. Fellowship for Graduate Studies Related to Foreign Language, Literatures, Cultures, or Theology
Awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in studies of a foreign language, literature or theology and intends to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate, of which foreign language, literature, culture, or theology is an integral component, to continue service within the local or international community.
External Academic Awards
Critical Language Scholarship
Fulbright Research Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Student Leadership Awards
College Sports Communicators Award
Awarded to either a sophomore, junior, or senior class standing, starter or otherwise, who made a contribution to the varsity team.
The Community Engagement Award
Awarded to the student who has contributed significantly through community engagement.
The Dean of Students Award
Awarded to the fraternal organization that has had the greatest impact upon its members, the college and the larger community.
The Tara Demarzo Dedication Award
Awarded to a student for outstanding contributions to the campus community.
The Greek Leader of the Year Award
Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership within both the college community and the Greek system.
The President’s Award
Awarded to the student organization that has contributed in the most positive way to Muhlenberg College.
The Resident Advisor of the Year Award
Awarded to a senior resident advisor who has demonstrated outstanding leadership service within the college residence hall community.
The Student Activities Award
Awarded to the student who has consistently demonstrated leadership in the area of student activities programs.
The Student Government Achievement Award
Awarded to a current student who contributes significantly in an innovative manner to the student body and the college as a whole.
The Student Leader of the Year Award
Awarded to a senior for outstanding commitment to leadership service at Muhlenberg College.
The Dr. Priscilla E. Howard Outstanding Tutor Award
Awarded to a senior who has received the greatest number of outstanding peer evaluations and who exemplifies the philosophy of a peer tutoring program.