University Honor Societies and Awards

Santa Clara University sponsors numerous honor societies and awards to recognize and celebrate significant achievement by students. Some are University-wide, others are located in the college and schools, and some are within specific departments. Students are encouraged to learn more about these opportunities early in their careers at Santa Clara.

HONOR SOCIETIES

Santa Clara University is proud to host 21 prestigious national honor societies in the liberal arts, sciences, business administration, and engineering. These societies reflect a long tradition of academic excellence, tracing their origins back at least 50 years. Some date from the 19th century and one dates from the 18th.

Alpha Sigma Nu

Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society, was founded at Marquette University in 1915. The Santa Clara chapter was installed in 1942, and there are chapters at 28 universities and colleges across the country. Alpha Sigma Nu upholds the Jesuit values of academic excellence and service to the University and the community. Each year new members are selected for their commitment to excellence in scholarship and service.

Beta Beta Beta

Beta Beta Beta Biological Sciences Society, the national honor and professional society for students of the biological sciences, was founded in 1922. The Santa Clara chapter was established in 1994. Its main emphasis is to stimulate scholarship, disseminate scientific knowledge, and promote biological research. Regular membership is reserved for those who achieve a superior academic record and demonstrate a special aptitude for the life sciences. Associate membership is for students with exceptional potential who are just beginning formal study and research in biology.

Beta Gamma Sigma

Beta Gamma Sigma, the national honor society for students of business, was founded in 1913. It currently has more than 160 chapters and a total membership exceeding 100,000, and holds a position analogous to that of Phi Beta Kappa in the arts and Sigma Xi in the sciences.

Eta Sigma Phi

Eta Sigma Phi, the national classics honorary society, was founded at the University of Chicago in 1914 and became a national organization in 1924. Its primary purposes are to further the spirit of cooperation and good will among members of the classics profession, to stimulate interest in the study of the classics, and to increase knowledge of the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. The Epsilon Psi chapter of Eta Sigma Phi was founded at Santa Clara University in 1987. To be eligible for nomination to membership, a student must have taken at least two quarters of Greek or Latin or at least three quarters of classics courses and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education, was founded in 1911, at the University of Illinois. The Santa Clara chapter was established in 1996. Organized to recognize excellence in education, Kappa Delta Pi elects to membership those who exhibit the ideals of scholarship, high personal standards, and promise in teaching and allied professions. To be eligible for membership, students must have completed five quarters of college work, have at least 18 quarter hours of professional education courses programmed, rank in the upper quintile of their class, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better.

Lambda Pi Eta

Lambda Pi Eta is the official communication studies honorary society of the national Communication Association. As an accredited member of the Association of College Honor Societies, Lambda Pi Eta has over 180 active Chapters at colleges and universities across the United States. Theta Rho, the Santa Clara University chapter, was established in 1999. The goals of Lambda Pi Eta are to recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement; stimulate interest in the field of communication majors; provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas about the field; establish and maintain close relationships and understanding between faculty and students; and explore options for further graduate studies. Members must be a communication major or minor; have a junior standing; have completed 18 quarter units in communication; have a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.25 in communication courses; and be in good standing at the University.

Phi Alpha Theta

Phi Alpha Theta, the international honor society in history, was founded in 1921 at the University of Arkansas. There are now more than 475 chapters in 49 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Philippines. The Lamda Upsilon chapter, established at Santa Clara University in 1966, is active in student and educational programs. Members are selected on the basis of excellence in the study and writing of history.

Phi Beta Kappa

Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest national honor society, was founded in 1776 in Williamsburg, Va., by students at the College of William and Mary. Its purpose is to celebrate excellence in all scholarly endeavors and to encourage educational breadth, including languages, mathematics, the sciences, and the humanities. There are now more than 250 chapters at universities throughout the country. The Pi chapter at Santa Clara University was installed in 1977. Installation of a chapter indicates that the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa have found a university�s curricula sufficient in breadth and scholarly quality to warrant being honored by the society. Students are selected for membership on the basis of academic excellence, intensive study in a second language and college mathematics, and breadth of course work.

Phi Lambda Upsilon

Phi Lambda Upsilon, the national chemistry honor society, was founded in 1899 at the University of Illinois �for the promotion of high scholarship and original investigation in all branches of pure and applied chemistry.� It was the first honor society dedicated to a single scientific discipline. It comprises more than 60 chapters, with membership in excess of 50,000. Members must have senior standing, be in the top 20 percent of their chemistry class, and have a minimum grade point average of 3.5.

Phi Sigma Iota

Phi Sigma Iota, the international foreign language honor society, was founded in 1922 at Allegheny College. The Beta Delta chapter was installed at Santa Clara University in 1982. The society recognizes remarkable ability and achievement in languages, literatures, and linguistics. It stimulates advanced work in these fields, fosters intercultural understanding, and promotes a spirit of amity between our own people and other peoples of the world. Juniors and seniors with at least four advanced-content courses completed in a qualifying language, a grade point average of 3.25 in that language, and a cumulative average of 3.0 may be eligible for membership.

Phi Sigma Tau

Phi Sigma Tau was founded at Muhlenberg College in 1930 as Alpha Kappa Alpha. In 1955, it was incorporated as Phi Sigma Tau, a national honor society in philosophy. Its essential purpose is to promote ties between philosophy departments in accredited institutions and students in philosophy nationally. Santa Clara University received its charter in 1986. To be eligible for membership, students must have completed five quarters of college work, rank in the upper one-third of their class, and have completed at least three courses in philosophy with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Pi Mu Epsilon

Pi Mu Epsilon, the national honor society in mathematics, was incorporated in 1914 at Syracuse University to promote scholarly activity among college students. The California Eta chapter was founded in 1967 at Santa Clara University. Members are selected from the top fourth of their class in general college work. Upper-division students must have completed their mathematical work with honors; sophomores must have achieved a straight-A record in all mathematical courses taken.

Pi Sigma Alpha

Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, was founded at the University of Texas in 1920. There are approximately 460 chapters and more than 100,000 members nationally. In order to qualify for membership, graduating seniors must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in political science and an overall 3.0 GPA; juniors need a 3.7 GPA in political science and an overall 3.0 GPA.

Pi Tau Sigma

Pi Tau Sigma, the mechanical engineering honorary society, was founded in 1915 at the University of Illinois. There are presently 150 chapters and 90,000 members nationwide. The Santa Clara Alpha Epsilon chapter was granted its charter in 1991. Its objectives are to foster high ideals in the engineering profession, stimulate and support departmental activities, promote professional welfare, and develop leadership and citizenship. Members are selected from the top fourth of the junior class and top third of the senior class in the Mechanical Engineering Department.

Psi Chi

Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, was founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and advancing the science of psychology. Presently, there are more than 200,000 members affiliated with more than 700 chapters on college campuses. The Santa Clara chapter was established in 1991. To be eligible for membership, students must have completed 12 or more units in psychology with a grade point average of 3.3, declared a psychology major or minor, and rank in the upper third of their class.

Sigma Pi Sigma

Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society, was founded in 1921 at Davidson College, North Carolina. The society currently has more than 319 chapters and 40,000 members. The Santa Clara chapter was founded in 1969. Sigma Pi Sigma encourages a greater understanding and interest in the advanced study of physics, promotes research, and fosters the spirit of scientific inquiry. Members are selected from the upper quarter of their class and must also have a 3.25 grade point average in physics and mathematics.

Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta, the national English honor society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Santa Clara chapter, Phi Phi, was established in 1987. Sigma Tau Delta recognizes scholarly achievement in all aspects of English language and literature, including creative and critical writing. Members must be in the upper 33 percent of their class and must also have a B average in English.

Sigma Xi

Sigma Xi was founded in 1886 by a group of scientists at Cornell University to encourage original investigation in pure and applied science. The Santa Clara chapter was established in 1967. Students who have demonstrated an aptitude for original scientific research are eligible for associate membership. The requirements for full membership include noteworthy achievements in research as demonstrated by a doctoral dissertation, publications, or patents.

Tau Beta Pi

Tau Beta Pi, a national honor society for technical students, was founded in 1885 at Lehigh University. There are now more than 195 chapters with a total membership exceeding 296,000. The Santa Clara chapter was established in 1956. This organization recognizes superior scholarship and exemplary character. Members are selected from the upper fifth of the graduating class in engineering and must demonstrate personal integrity, breadth, adaptability, and unselfish activity.

Theta Alpha Kappa

Theta Alpha Kappa is the national theology and religious studies honor society for both professors and students. The society was founded in 1976 at Man-hattan College. The Santa Clara chapter, Alpha Phi, was granted a charter in 1981. Its main purpose is to further the study of theology and religious studies by fostering excellence in these studies. Junior and senior religious studies majors and minors with a grade point average of 3.5 and a cumulative index of 3.0 are eligible for admission to the society.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon

Upsilon Pi Epsilon is the honor society for the computing sciences. The society was founded at Texas A&M University in 1967 to promote high scholarship and original investigation in the computing sciences. The Santa Clara Lambda chapter was established in 1990. Members must be computing majors; have been in residence for at least one quarter; completed 96 units, at least 20 of which must be from computing courses; and earned a 3.3 GPA in computing courses and a cumulative grade point average of 3.35.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The University awards annual scholarships to students based on financial need and academic promise or special talents. For more information, refer to the Financial Information section of this bulletin and to the information bulletin published by Student Records and Financial Services.

UNIVERSITY AWARDS

Nobili Medal��

Established in 1876 by Joseph A. Donohoe, in honor of John Nobili, S.J., founder of the University, this award is given to the male graduate judged outstanding in academic performance, personal character, school activities, and constructive contribution to the University by the faculty and the academic vice president.

Saint Clare Medal��

Established by the University in 1968 in honor of Saint Clare of Assisi, this award is given to the female graduate judged outstanding in academic performance, personal character, school activities, and constructive contribution to the University by the faculty and the academic vice president.

Valedictorian�

Established by the University in 1980, this honor is conferred annually on a graduating senior selected for outstanding academic achievement and University service as determined by the president in consultation with the faculty of the University and the provost.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Applied Ethics

Markkula Prize��

Established in 1997 by the Advisory Board of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics in honor of A. C. �Mike� Markkula Jr.�s leadership as chairman of the board. This award is given annually to a student in recognition of outstanding work in applied ethics.

Community Service

Richard J. Riordan Awards��

Established in 1984 by Richard J. Riordan, these awards are given annually to four students judged outstanding in community service.

Ethnic Studies

Matt Meier Prize��

Established in 1994 in honor of Professor Matt Meier, a major contributor to the field of ethnic studies, this prize is given by the Ethnic Studies Program to the ethnic studies minor or liberal studies minor with an ethnic studies concentration who writes the best essay on an ethnic studies topic.

Forensics

Ryland Prize��

Established in 1897 by the Hon. Caius T. Ryland, this award (formerly Ryland-Owl Prize) is given to the winner of the annual Ryland debate. Focusing on current social and political issues, this public debate is held each spring and judged by a faculty committee.

Journalism

Handlery Prize��

Established in 1947 by Mrs. Rose Handlery in memory of her son Raymond of the class of 1934, this prize is awarded each year to the graduating senior who has contributed most to the success of student publications at the University.

Edward Shipsey, S.J., Journalism Prize�

Established in 1984 by Alfred Orr Kelly in honor of the Rev. Edward J. Shipsey, S.J., the prize is awarded to an outstanding junior student who has made a commitment to a career in journalism.

Leadership

Presidential Leadership Award�

Conferred by the president of the University, this award is given to the student who has effectively exercised a significant leadership position to promote �effective communication, respect for others, and concern for the common good of the University, the local community, and the global society.�

Student Life Award��

This award, established in 1984, is presented to the senior who has contributed to the overall quality of life in the University community.

Performing Arts

Charles Lampkin Award��

This annual award, established in 1989 in honor of Charles Lampkin, the late actor and University artist-in-residence, is given to the junior or senior African American student who has demonstrated excellence and commitment to performance in theatre, music, dance, or television.

Women�s Studies

Mary Gordon Prize��

Established in 1992 in honor of Professor Mary Gordon, founder of the Women�s Studies Program and its first director, this prize is awarded to the women�s studies minor student who writes the best essay on a women�s studies topic.

LEAVEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AWARDS

Professor O. Robert Anderson Award��

Established in 1973, this award is given in memory of Prof. O. Robert Anderson, who taught accounting at the University. It is awarded annually to the accounting major judged outstanding in scholarship by the faculty of the department.

Albert F. Bruno Award��

Established in 1982 in memory of Albert F. Bruno by Albert V. Bruno and family, this award is conferred annually to the outstanding marketing major on demonstration of scholarship, leadership, personal character, and career potential.

Charles J. Dirksen Prize��

Established in 1965 by Dr. Eliot Jones in honor of Charles J. Dirksen, late dean and professor of marketing emeritus, this prize is awarded to the junior in the Leavey School of Business judged outstanding in scholarship by the faculty.

Financial Executives Award�

Established at Santa Clara in 1980, this award is given annually by the Financial Executives Institute to the senior, junior, and sophomore finance majors judged outstanding in scholarship and executive potential by the finance faculty and members of the institute.

Charles and Barbara Hazel Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Economics�

Established by Charles and Barbara Hazel, it is awarded annually to the graduating seniors who have achieved superior academic performance as economic majors.

Isabel Jones Prize�

Established by Dr. Eliot Jones in 1956 in memory of his wife, Isabel, this award is given to the senior in the Leavey School of Business judged most outstanding in scholarship by the business school faculty.

Operations and Management Information Systems Award��

Awarded to the junior major judged outstanding in scholarship and executive potential in the field of operations and management information systems.

Organizational Analysis and Management Award��

Granted to the senior major who, through high overall grade point average, has demonstrated noteworthy scholarship, strong leadership, and managerial aptitude in co-curricular activities.

Outstanding Accounting Student Award��

Established in 1973, this award is given annually by the San Jose Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants to the senior accounting major judged outstanding in scholarship and professional career potential by a committee of the chapter.

Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award��

Established at the University by Dow Jones Corp. in 1960, this award is given to the senior finance major with the highest scholastic average.

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AWARDS

William J. and Marijane E. Adams Jr. Awards��

Established in 1990 by William J. and Marijane E. Adams Jr., one award is conferred annually to an outstanding mechanical engineering undergraduate student with financial need; and one award provides a stipend for an outstanding graduating senior in mechanical engineering to continue to graduate school at Santa Clara.

Edmund C. Flynn Memorial Awards��

Established in 1981 by Mrs. Edmund C. Flynn in memory of her husband, these awards are given to the graduating civil engineering student presenting the best thesis and to the two junior civil engineering students with the highest scholastic averages.

Raymond M. Galantine Award��

Established in 1996, this award recognizes an outstanding engineering student who has demonstrated a commitment to putting into practice the Catholic and Jesuit ideal of people in the service of others. The award honors the memory of Raymond M. Galantine �53, whose life was an example of this ideal.

Regan Memorial Award��

Established in 1977 in memory of Patrick W. Regan of the class of 1947, this award is given to the outstanding juniors in civil engineering as determined by the faculty of the department.

School of Engineering Humanities Award��

Conferred each year on an engineering student who has been nominated by members of the humanities faculty and selected by the School of Engineering for outstanding work in the humanities while maintaining a strong record in engineering.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES AWARDS

Chemistry

American Chemical Society Award in Analytical Chemistry��

Sponsored by the American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry to honor a junior student for excellence in both lower- and upper-division analytical chemistry courses.

American Chemical Society Polyed Award��

Sponsored by the Polymer Education Committee of the American Chemical Society to honor outstanding achievement in the Organic Chemistry I, II, and III course sequence.

American Institute of Chemists Foundation Award��

Awarded to an outstanding senior chemistry major in recognition of a record of leadership, ability, character, and scholastic achievement.

CRC Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award��

Sponsored by the Chemical Rubber Co. to honor a freshman student for outstanding performance in the General Chemistry I and II course sequence.

Professor Joseph F. Deck Award��

Established in 1973, this award is given by the Chemistry Department faculty to the outstanding student majoring in chemistry who has excelled in studies and undergraduate research, extracurricular activities, leadership, and generous tutoring of fellow students, while maintaining a B average.

Classics

Arete Prize��

Established in 1997, this prize is given to the classics major or minor who writes the best single essay or research paper on a classical topic, as determined by the Classics Department faculty.

Walter J. Kropp Prize�

Established in 1997 in memory of Walter J. Kropp, S.J., by the faculty of the Classics Department, this award is given to the senior classics major who has attained the highest average in classics courses.

Communication

Communication Department Prize��

Established in 1985 by alumni and friends, this award is given by the Communication Department faculty to the graduating senior who best meets the goals of the department.

Justin T. McCarthy Award��

Established in 1976 in memory of Justin T. McCarthy, this award is given to the senior student who has excelled in oratory or other forms of public expression.

English

Academy of American Poets Prize��

Founded in 1994 by Victoria Verga Logan and Frank Verga Jr., in memory of Tamara Verga, this prize is given to the undergraduate who writes the best group of poems as determined by an annual competition.

Freshman Essay Prize�

Established in 1983, this prize is given by the English Department to honor an outstanding student essay written during English 1 (Composition and Rhetoric I).

Christiaan Theodoor Lievestro Prize�

Founded in 2000 by Christiaan T. Lievestro, this prize is awarded to the student who produces the best critical essay in an English senior seminar as judged by a faculty committee.

McCann Short Story Prize��

Established in 1894 in honor of Daniel M. McCann, B.S. 1884, this award is given by the English Department to the author of the best short story as determined by an annual competition.

Shipsey Poetry Prize��

Established in 1954 by Richard W. Schmidt in honor of the late Edward Shipsey, S.J., this prize recognizes the outstanding contribution in the art of poetry as determined by an annual competition.

Katherine Woodall Prize in Literary Criticism��

Established in 1995 by Katherine Woodall, this prize is awarded to the senior English major whose essay demonstrates knowledge of the critical reception of the work and an exceptional articulation of an original reading of a text.

History

The Redwood Prize��

An annual prize established in 1908 by the executive committee of The Redwood, this award is given to the student who writes the best essay on a historical subject as determined by the History Department faculty.

Italian

San Jose Civic Club Prize��

Established in 1956, this award is given by the Italian faculty to the student most diligent in the study of Italian.

Language

Richard F. Rebello Phi Sigma Iota Award��

Established in 1986 by the family of the late Richard Rebello, longtime University staff member, these awards are given by the Modern Languages Department to junior or senior language majors for outstanding accomplishments in the study of a foreign language and culture.

Liberal Studies

Academic Achievement Award��

Established in 1995, this award is given to the senior liberal studies major with the highest overall grade point average at Santa Clara.

Pre-Teaching Award��

Established in 1995, this award is given to the senior liberal studies students judged most outstanding in scholarship and professional service who plan to go on to careers in teaching.

Mathematics

George W. Evans Memorial Prizes��

Established in 1972 by the family and friends of the late George W. Evans II, professor of mathematics at the University, these awards are given to the male and female students placing highest in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. A third award is given to the student judged most outstanding in mathematical writing and research by a panel of mathematics consultants.

Freshman Mathematics Prize��

Established in 1958, this annual award is given by the faculty of the Mathematics Department to the freshman student who demonstrates excellence in mathematical study and achievement, determined by a competitive examination each spring.

The Paul R. Halmos Prize��

This prize is awarded to the senior student or students with an outstanding academic record judged to have distinguished themselves in mathematics or computer science beyond the standard course work.

Music

American Choral Directors Association National Choral Student Award��

This award is given to a student who has been involved in continued participation in choral ensembles, has provided service to the ensemble and conductor, has demonstrated a high degree of choral proficiency and music literacy, and has contributed to the advancement of choral singing at the University.

Department of Music Certificate for Distinguished Musical Performance��

Established in 1980 by the faculty of the Music Department, the performer�s certificate is awarded to a student demonstrating exceptional accomplishment in music and excellence in musicality and technical proficiency.

Arrigo and Catherine Descalzi Prize��

Established in 1990 in honor of Arrigo and Catherine Descalzi, this award is presented to the senior music student who, in the judgment of the Music Department faculty, best demonstrates technical and artistic growth and dedication to the art of music.

Natural Science

Orella Prize��

Established in 1915 by Dr. Firim R. Orella, B.S., 1889, and funded in 1945 by his wife, Albertine S. Orella, this prize is awarded to the senior science student who attains the highest average in scientific subjects.

Philosophy

Fallon Prize��

Established in 1995 in memory of Timothy Fallon, S.J., by the faculty of the Philosophy Department, this award is given to the junior student demonstrating outstanding achievement in the study of philosophy.

Sourisseau Prize��

Established in 1956 by Eva Sourisseau in honor of her parents and family, this award is given by the Philosophy Department faculty to the senior student demonstrating outstanding achievement in the study of philosophy.

Physics

Carl H. Hayn Physics Prize�

Established in 1997 by William and Katherine Duffy in honor of Carl H. Hayn, S.J., longtime physics professor at Santa Clara University. The prize is awarded annually to the most outstanding student in the sequence Physics for Scientists and Engineers I, II, and III as selected by the faculty who teach the sequence.

Political Science

Michael Shallo Prize��

Established by the University in 1955 in honor of Michael Shallo, S.J., this award is given by the Political Science Department faculty to the student judged most proficient in political science.

Psychology

Wilhelm Wundt Award��

Established in 1988, this annual award is given by the Psychology Department faculty to the senior student who has excelled in scholarship, research, and service to the department.

Religious Studies

Religious Studies Prize�

Established in 1950 by the president of the University, this prize is given each year by the Religious Studies Department faculty to the student most proficient in religious studies.

Sociology and Anthropology

Witold Krassowski Sociology/Anthropology Awards��

Established in 1979 by the department, alumni, and friends in honor of Professor Witold Krassowski, the first sociologist at Santa Clara, these prizes are awarded by the faculty to the students in the department demonstrating exemplary research in sociology and anthropology.

Theatre and Dance

William H. Leahy Prize��

Established in 1925 in honor of William H. Leahy by his wife and his brother James, this prize is awarded to the graduating senior who has made the greatest contribution to dramatic art at Santa Clara as determined by the members of the Theatre and Dance Department.

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AWARDS

Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Award��

Established by the Department of the Army at Santa Clara in 1973, this annual award is given by the Military Science Department faculty to the cadet in a communications or electronics field who excels in academic achievement, demonstrated leadership potential, and meritorious contribution to the ROTC program.

Association of the U.S. Army ROTC Medal��

Established at Santa Clara in 1956 by the Department of the Army, this award is given by the Military Science Department faculty to the junior cadet judged most outstanding in meritorious academic attainment, exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity.

George C. Marshall ROTC Award��

Established at Santa Clara in 1977 by the Department of the Army, this award is given by the Military Science Department faculty to the cadet judged most outstanding in military studies and leadership.

Superior Cadet Award�

Established by the Department of the Army at Santa Clara in 1958, these ribbons are given by the Military Science Department faculty to the cadet in each of the four years of training who consistently demonstrates potential qualities of an officer, outstanding performance of duty, and overall proficiency.