Bridgewater College annually recognizes outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni at the College Awards Ceremony each spring. Past recipients of alumni awards are listed on the alumni website.
Founder’s Awards
Martha B. Thornton Faculty Recognition Award
“This endowment shall be used to recognize annually one full-time faculty member who is judged worthy of such recognition based on his or her classroom teaching and advising of students. This recipient shall be chosen by a committee of chief academic administrators appointed by and including the President of the College.”
| Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Roslyn Vargas, Associate Professor of Business Administration | 2025 |
| Ernest “Skip” Burzumato, Senior Instructor of Sociology | 2024 |
| Jennifer Babcock, Senior Instructor of Communication Studies | 2023 |
| Christian Sheridan, Associate Professor of English | 2022 |
| Christine Carrillo, Associate Professor of Music | 2021 |
| Charles Hale, IV, Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences | 2020 |
| Jennie Carr, Associate Professor of Education | 2019 |
| Jill Lassiter, Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences | 2018 |
| Joseph Crockett, Professor of Chemistry | 2017 |
| Stephen Baron, Harry G. M. Jopson Professor of Biology | 2016 |
| Julia Centurion-Morton, Associate Professor of World Languages and Cultures | 2015 |
| Charles Fleis, Associate Professor of World Languages | 2014 |
| Holly Ratwani, Associate Professor of Business Administration | 2013 |
| Barbara Long, Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences | 2012 |
| Lori Gano-Overway, Associate Professor of Health and Exercise Science | 2011 |
| Mary Frances Heishman, Professor of Health and Exercise Science | 2010 |
| Philip Spickler, Associate Professor of Physics | 2009 |
| Alice Trupe, Associate Professor of English | 2008 |
| Leroy Williams, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science | 2007 |
| Nancy St. John, Professor of Family and Consumer Science | 2006 |
| Nan Covert, Associate Professor of Art | 2005 |
| Donald Witters, Professor of Psychology | 2004 |
| Stephen Longenecker, Professor of History | 2003 |
| Jeffrey Pierson, Associate Professor of Communication Studies | 2002 |
| Jesse Hopkins, Jr., Professor of Music | 2001 |
| Harriett Hayes, Assistant Professor of Sociology | 2000 |
| Richard Bowman, Professor of Physics | 1999 |
| Martha Armstrong, Associate Professor of Accounting and Business Administration | 1998 |
| Carole Grove, Professor of Education | 1997 |
| Gary Tyeryar, Professor of English | 1996 |
| Ralph MacPhail, Jr., Professor of Theatre, Speech and Communications | 1995 |
| Laura Mapp, Associate Professor of Physical Education | 1994 |
| W. Steve Watson, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion | 1993 |
| John White, Associate Professor of Mathematics | 1992 |
| W. Robert McFadden, Anna B. Mow Professor of Religion | 1991 |
| Michael Hensley, Professor of Biology | 1990 |
Faculty Scholarship Award
This award will be conferred annually upon a full-time faculty member who is judged worthy of such recognition based on his or her established record of scholarly achievement. This recipient shall be chosen by a committee of academic administrators and senior faculty appointed by and including the President of the College.
| Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Kevin Pallister, Associate Professor of Political Science | 2025 |
| Michael Hough, Associate Professor of Art | 2024 |
| Stephen Baron, Harry G.M. Jopson Professor of Biology | 2023 |
| Martin Kalb, Associate Professor of History | 2022 |
| Mahan Ellison, Associate Professor of World Languages and Cultures | 2021 |
| James Josefson, Professor of Political Science | 2020 |
| Erin Miller, Associate Professor of Psychology | 2019 |
| Stanley Galloway, Professor of English | 2018 |
| Scott H. Suter, Associate Professor of English | 2017 |
| Scott D. Jost, Associate Professor of Art | 2016 |
| Larry C. Taylor, Associate Professor of Music | 2015 |
| Nan Covert, Associate Professor of Art | 2014 |
| Lori Gano-Overway, Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences | 2013 |
| Brian M. Kelley, Associate Professor of Psychology | 2012 |
| Stephen Longenecker, Professor of History | 2011 |
Dr. Ben and Janice Wade Award
“This Award will be conferred annually upon the Bridgewater College classroom teacher who has demonstrated outstanding classroom teaching performance, the encouragement of which was a priority of Dr. Wade during his tenure (1979-85) as Bridgewater’s Executive Assistant to the President, Provost, and Professor of Religion.”
| Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Edgar Lickey, Associate Professor of Biology | 2025 |
| Amanda Campbell, Professor of Health and Human Sciences | 2024 |
| Donna Hoskins, Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences | 2023 |
| Benjamin Albers, Associate Professor of Sociology | 2022 |
| L. Alan Eby, Professor of Psychology | 2021 |
| Michele Strano Clark, Associate Professor of Communication Studies | 2020 |
| Scott Suter, Professor of English | 2019 |
| Scott Cole, Associate Professor of Theatre | 2018 |
| Jean R. Hawk, Professor of Education | 2017 |
| Robyn A. Puffenbarger, Associate Professor of Biology | 2016 |
| Brandon D. Marsh, Associate Professor of History | 2015 |
| Melissa Hoover, Associate Professor of Mathematics | 2014 |
| Randall C. Young, Associate Professor of Psychology | 2013 |
| James D. Bowling, Associate Professor of Mathematics | 2012 |
| Michael S. Hensley, Harry G. M. Jopson Professor of Biology | 2011 |
| Melanie K. Laliker, Associate Professor of Communication Studies | 2010 |
| Verne E. Leininger, Associate Professor of Mathematics | 2009 |
| K. Gary Adams, Professor of Music | 2008 |
| James Frueh, Associate Professor of History and Political Science | 2007 |
| Edward Huffstetler, Professor of English | 2006 |
| Gavin R. Lawson, Associate Professor of Biology | 2005 |
| Susan L. Piepke, Professor of Foreign Languages | 2004 |
| Catherine Elick, Professor of English | 2003 |
| Carol A. Scheppard, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion | 2002 |
| Manown Kisor, Jr., Associate Professor of Business Administration | 2001 |
| William E. Abshire, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion | 2000 |
| Robert B. Andersen, Associate Professor of History and Political Science | 1999 |
| Laura Desportes, Associate Professor of Psychology | 1998 |
Bridgewater College Founder’s Award
“The Bridgewater College Founder’s Award shall be conferred annually upon the Bridgewater College senior who best demonstrates the values of the College’s founder, D.C. Flory. The highest honor bestowed upon a student of the College, the Founder’s Award recognizes a student’s contributions-both in and out of the classroom-during their time at Bridgewater. The recipient shall be chosen by the President of the College based on the recommendation of a nomination review committee composed of administrators and senior faculty.”
| Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Ally Phalen | 2025 |
| Aidan Keller | 2024 |
| Hannah McPherson | 2023 |
| Lauren Eye | 2022 |
| Gemma Leonard | 2021 |
| Keon Nesmith | 2020 |
| Johnny Haizel-Cobbina | 2019 |
Daniel Christian Flory Award
“The highest honor bestowed annually upon a staff member of the College, the Daniel Christian Flory Award recognizes the staff member who made the most outstanding contribution to fulfilling the mission of Bridgewater College over the previous year. The recipient shall be chosen by the President of the College based on the recommendation of a nomination review committee composed of administrators.”
| Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Jada Blinn, Director of Strategic Analysis and Reporting | 2025 |
| Mark Griffin, Senior Associate Director of Admissions | 2024 |
| Shay Kelley, Helpdesk Supervisor | 2023 |
| Vashon “J.J.” Jefferson, Campus Safety Officer John Painter, Campus Police Officer |
2022 |
| Heather Grant, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Performance Elizabeth Howley, Associate Dean of Students for Community Dr. J. Neal Rittenhouse, Associate Dean of Students for Health and Wellness |
2021 |
| Whitney Smith, Associate Dean of Students for Engagement | 2020 |
| Cynthia Howdyshell-Shull, Registrar | 2019 |
James O. and Sylvia Kline Bowman Peace And Justice Award
“The Kline-Bowman Peace and Justice award shall be conferred annually to a member of the faculty and staff in recognition of significant on- or off-campus service that best embodies the Kline-Bowman Institute’s mission ‘to promote the building of peace in communities ranging from the local to the global.’ The recipient shall be chosen by the President of the College based on the recommendation of the advisory committee of the Kline-Bowman Institute for Peace and Justice.”
| Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Denise Miller, Director of Academic Support and Disability Services | 2025 |
| Jaime Penney, Senior Director of Advancement Services & Research | 2024 |
| Dr. Robert Miller, Chaplain | 2023 |
College Award Descriptions
Rhodes School of Arts and Humanities
Ruth and Steve Watson Humanities Award
An award to recognize rising juniors or seniors who demonstrate dedication and sensitivity for the humanities courses embedded in the liberal arts tradition of Bridgewater College.
Art
Paul M. and Betty Kline Student Art Scholarship
Presented to a junior or senior art major who has demonstrated significant growth and accomplishment in the study and production of visual art.
Communication Studies and Theatre
Outstanding Senior Award in Strategic Communications
Honors the senior with the highest grade point average majoring in strategic communications.
Outstanding Theatre Artist Award
Presented to the student who exhibits exceptional accomplishment in theatrical performance, production, and scholarship.
English
Outstanding Senior in English Award
Given to the most outstanding graduating senior in English.
Outstanding Senior In Professional Writing Award
Given to the most outstanding graduating senior in professional writing.
History and Political Science
Daniel W. Bly-Lamar B. Neal History and Political Science Outstanding Senior Award
Recognizes the outstanding senior student within the department as determined by academic performance and faculty evaluation.
Dr. David McQuilkin Endowed Scholarship
Recognizes a rising senior in the department who has demonstrated a high level of intellectual, scholarly, and academic proficiency in history, political science, and/or global studies.
John W. Wayland Scholarship in Public History
Recognizes a rising senior pursuing a degree in history, public history, or teacher education who demonstrates high academic proficiency and the potential for a career in public facing history.
Michael Robert (“M.R.”) Zigler Service Award
Awarded to a student within the department for exceptional off-campus community service and named for an outstanding Brethren peace advocate, ecumenist and humanitarian from the BC class of 1916.
Dr. Stephen Longenecker Award for Excellence in Historical Research and Writing
Named in honor of a longtime member of the Department of History and Political Science and accomplished historian, the Dr. Stephen Longenecker Award for Excellence in Historical Research and Writing, recognizes the student or students who have produced an exceptional thesis in the Senior Seminar in History. The award recipient is selected by a faculty panel of historians.
Music
Nelson T. Huffman Award for Musical Excellence
Made possible by the children of Nelson T. Huffman, longtime music faculty member at Bridgewater College. Presented to a senior music major who best represents scholastic and music excellence.
Future Music Educator Award
The Future Music Educator Award is given to a rising sophomore or junior who demonstrates exceptional musicianship and scholarship and who shows a strong commitment to music education.
Philosophy and Religion
Philosophy Award
The department gives its philosophical achievement award to the graduating senior with the most extensive record of excellent academic work in philosophy courses.
Religion Award
The department gives a scholarly achievement award to the graduating senior with the most extensive record of excellent academic work in biblical religion and theology courses.
Philosophy and Religion Award
The department gives its scholarly achievement award to the graduating senior with the most extensive record of excellent academic work in philosophy and religion courses.
Dr. William E. Abshire Award For Scholarly Excellence
The Dr. William E. Abshire Award for Scholarly Excellence honors the intellectual skills and abiding commitment to the liberal arts Dr. Abshire shared with Bridgewater College for thirty-seven years. The award recognizes students who have completed exemplary scholarship in philosophy or religion on a single manuscript or project during the current academic year.
Sociology and Criminology
C. Wright Mills Award
Presented to a student who practices “public sociology” and models the daily use of his/her sociological imagination beyond the classroom.
Arlie Hochschild Research Award
Presented to the graduating senior whose conduct of research exemplifies the most ambitious traditions of the discipline.
Zygmunt Bauman Scholar Award
The Zygmunt Bauman Scholar Award is given to a student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship, leadership in the classroom, and exemplifies academic citizenship in the department.
World Languages and Cultures
Raymond N. and Virginia Andes Award
An award for excellence in world languages in honor of Dr. Raymond N. Andes, past Chair of the World Languages and Cultures Department and Professor Emeritus of French, and his wife Virginia Andes, who taught languages and supported international students attending Bridgewater College.
Coffman School of Natural Sciences
Biology
Excellence in Biology Award
Presented to the top 10 percent of graduating seniors majoring in biology as determined by grade point average (GPA).
Excellence in Environmental Science Award
Presented to the top 10 percent of graduating seniors majoring in environmental science as determined by grade point average (GPA).
Outstanding Research Award in Biology
Awarded to the graduating senior biology major who has successfully completed a research study and has reflected on the experience most genuinely.
Outstanding Research Award in Environmental Science
Awarded to the graduating senior environmental science major who has successfully completed a research study and has reflected on the experience most genuinely.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
John Martin Award for Organic Chemistry
Given to an outstanding student in the organic chemistry class and named for Dr. John W. Martin ’44, Professor of Chemistry at Bridgewater College from 1961-1985.
Garland L. Reed Chemistry Award
Granted to a sophomore or junior student that has excelled in their chemistry studies and contributed to the chemistry and biochemistry community. Named in honor of Garland L. Reed ’48, an FDA administrator.
Dr. Stuart R. Suter Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to a rising junior or senior chemistry student with an interest in research. Given in honor of Dr. Stuart R. Suter ’63, a research chemist and patent attorney.
American Chemical Society Outstanding Senior Award
Given to the most outstanding graduating senior in chemistry, who is recognized by the local chapter of the American Chemical Society and awarded a one-year membership in the ACS.
Joseph M. and Jane A. Crockett Award
Recognizes the excellent academic performance of two first-year students in chemistry courses annually. Named for Dr. Joseph M. Crockett and his wife Jane. Dr. Crockett, who taught chemistry at Bridgewater College for 35 years, held the position of A. LeRoy and Wanda H. Baker Chair of Science and was named Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus, upon his retirement.
Engineering and Physics
Dale V. Ulrich Physics Scholarship Award
Based on academic merit and presented to a rising senior in the form of a scholarship towards senior year tuition; a plaque; and the addition of the recipient’s name to the permanent plaque located in the McKinney Center for Science and Mathematics.
Mathematics and Computer Science
Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Award
Given to the most outstanding graduating senior in computer science.
Outstanding Senior in Data Science and Analytics Award
Given to the most outstanding graduating senior in data science and analytics.
Psychology
Donald R. Witters Psychology Awards
Three annual senior psychology awards:
The Outstanding Academic Award, for consistently superior performance in the classroom.
The Outstanding Leadership Award, for extraordinary demonstration of leadership across the campus.
The Outstanding Research Award, for excellence in demonstrated research and potential to contribute to the knowledge base within the discipline.
Nolen School of Business and Professional Studies
Economics and Business Administration
Robert L. Hueston Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to honor and to recognize the outstanding contributions made by Robert L. Hueston to the study of accounting at Bridgewater College and to assist in perpetuating the tradition of academic excellence which he nurtured over the years.
David G. and Margie Messick Smith Endowed Scholarship
Given to a rising senior who shows exceptional promise in the field of management.
David E. Will Endowed Scholarship for the Support of Public Accounting
Given to one or more select rising seniors who are concentrating their studies in accounting and intend to pursue a career with a public accounting firm as a certified public accountant.
Outstanding Senior in Economics and Business Administration Award
Given to the most outstanding graduating senior in economics and business administration.
Education
Virginia Scholars Award
Honors one outstanding woman at each of Virginia’s four-year colleges and universities who has given or who evidences a potential for distinctive service in any field of education.
Student Leadership Award
Awardees have demonstrated an exemplary ability to act as a positive role-model, guide, and influence peers within the teacher education program.
Excellence in Research Award
Presented to Teacher Education Program candidates for excellence in education research such as pedagogical methods, evidence-based strategies or other topics related to best practices in teaching. Eligible nominees must have completed a research project under the guidance of Teacher Education Program faculty within the current year and have been nominated for the award by faculty in the Teacher Education Program.
Health and Human Sciences
Health And Human Sciences Excellence in Academics
Given to a senior student pursuing a major in the health and human sciences department who embraces learning, demonstrating excellence in his/her grade point average, and engages in the learning process in the classroom and beyond.
Health and HumanSciences Excellence in Leadership and Service
Given to a senior student pursuing a major in the health and human sciences department who demonstrates excellence in leadership, character, and service.
Majors of the Year
Health and Exercise Science Major of the Year
Health and Physical Education Major of the Year
Human Development and Family Science Major of the Year
Awarded to the most outstanding senior student pursuing a major in the health and human sciences department who clearly is a positive role model for other students in the major. The major of the year demonstrates strong academic skills and is actively involved in the classroom and in career-related experiences.
Rugby H. St. John Endowed Scholarship in Family and Consumer Sciences
Awarded annually to a student seeking a degree in family and consumer sciences with preference given to those seeking to gain certification in secondary education. Selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, and character.
College Wide Awards
Philomathes Society Community Engagement Gift
This gift reflects the Philomathes Society’s desire to encourage intellectual curiosity, research, and creativity by honoring a student who has been actively involved in a non-profit community organization and has used their academic talents to assist the organization. The gift will be given to the community organization on behalf of the student.
Philomathes Society Graduate School Scholarship
Reflects the Philomathes Society’s investment in life-long learning by honoring a senior who plans to enter graduate school immediately after graduation.
Philomathes Society Love of Learning Scholarship
Reflects the Philomathes Society’s desire to encourage intellectual curiosity, research, and creativity by honoring a student who demonstrates a desire to pursue an individual intellectual project while at Bridgewater College.
Esther Mae Wilson Petcher Memorial Scholarship
Given to a rising senior who is in the top half of the class and demonstrates leadership in campus activities with an emphasis on religious life. Honors the memory of Esther Mae Wilson Petcher, class of 1944.
Merlin and Dorothy Faw Garber Award for Christian Service
Named for the late Dr. Merlin Garber and his wife, Dorothy, who were Bridgewater College alumni and deeply involved in the life of the Church of the Brethren as pastors. The award honors outstanding Christian service.
Melissa D. Jett Community Service Award
Presented to a senior who has demonstrated consistent and exemplary leadership in community service while a student at Bridgewater College. Honors the memory of Melissa D. Jett, class of 1999.
Alumni Association Citizenship Award
Presented to a senior who exemplifies good citizenship and positively contributes to class, extracurricular activities, and the College community.
Alumni Scholarship
Presented to a rising junior or senior whose parent or parents graduated from Bridgewater College.
Dr. Jacob S. Huffman Outstanding Student Leadership Award
Given to one Bridgewater College senior each year to support them as they embark on their career, either in the workforce or the pursuit of graduate studies. Named for Dr. Jacob S. Huffman, class of 1933, who was known as an outstanding representative of servant leadership, and is equally considered a model of humility in this service.
James O. and Sylvia Kline Bowman Peace and Justice Award
The Kline-Bowman Peace and Justice Award shall be conferred annually to a currently enrolled Bridgewater college student in recognition of significant on- or off- campus service that best embodies the Kline-Bowman Institute’s mission “to promote the building of peace in communities ranging from the local to the global.”
Carlyle Whitelow Award
The town of Bridgewater and the Bridgewater Rotary Club annually give the Carlyle Whitelow Award to a current Bridgewater College student who exemplifies Carlyle’s kindness and generosity of spirit, demonstrating a commitment to service to others.
John Painter and Vashon “J.J.” Jefferson Award
Campus Police Officer John Painter and Campus Safety Office Vashon “J.J.” Jefferson are remembered as two members of the BC family who cared deeply for our community. The took their duty to serve and protect campus seriously and did so while sharing their gifts of laughter and warmth every day. John and J.J. loved the fact that their work here enabled them to emphasize how mistakes and difficult situations can be important lessons in moving forward. To that end, this award recognizes a current student who exemplifies these character traits.
