McPherson Award for Excellence
Nomination Form (Word document)
6 February 2009
Dear Friends,
As the spring semester gets underway, I write to encourage you to nominate outstanding individuals in the Bryn Mawr community for a McPherson Award. As you may know, the College honors McPherson Fellows annually from the faculty, the staff, and the graduate and undergraduate student bodies. These recipients are recognized for excellence and service to the community, either within or beyond the boundaries of this institution. The awards, now in their twelfth year, are supported by the McPherson Fund for Excellence, which honors Pat McPherson’s extraordinary presidency at Bryn Mawr and her long-standing commitment to encouraging the highest standards of achievement among all members of the College community.
You may nominate someone for a McPherson award in any of the categories below. Cross-nominations are encouraged, e.g. of a faculty person by a student or of a staff person by a member of the faculty, and we hope you will submit nominations in a number of categories. The strength of the program depends upon the quality of the nominations we receive. Please read the descriptions of the awards that will be made within each group and let us know whom you would like to see recognized for their contributions and accomplishments. You are welcome to send an e-mail or print copies of the nomination form.
The 2009 McPherson Awards will be announced in the late spring and early summer. Undergraduate student awards will be given on May Day, the GSAS awards will be announced at the Dean’s reception in April, the GSSWSR awards will be announced at graduation rehearsal, the faculty award will be given at Commencement, and staff awards will be given at the annual picnic.
Faculty
One McPherson Award is given each year to a tenured, tenure-track or continuing, non-tenure-track faculty member for excellence and community service, either at Bryn Mawr or elsewhere. The award supports either a research stipend of $7,500 or a reduction from three courses to one course in the semester following the next sabbatical leave, to be scheduled in coordination with the faculty member’s department and the Provost's Office. The McPherson faculty fellow is chosen from the pool of nominees by the Provost in consultation with the Committee on Appointments. If you know someone who should be considered for this award, please send your nomination to Provost Kim Cassidy no later than Friday, 20 February 2009.
Staff
McPherson Awards, which continue the tradition of the Distinguished Staff Awards, are given to members of the staff for exceptional service to the Bryn Mawr community. Each recipient receives $1,500. Eligible staff may be part- or full-time employees, and must have at least three years of continuous service at the College by 20 February 2009. The President and those who report directly to her are not eligible, nor are prior McPherson and Distinguished Staff Award winners, or the Director of Human Resources.
All eligible nominations will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of the President of the College, a member of the Staff Association Executive Council, the Director of Human Resources, the immediate past winners of the McPherson staff awards, and representatives from the faculty and student bodies. To nominate individuals for these awards, please send an e-mail or a completed nomination form to Joe Bucci, Director of Human Resources, no later than Friday, 20 February 2009.
GSAS Students
One or more McPherson Award recipients are selected from the student body of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for academic achievement and exceptional community service, whether at Bryn Mawr or elsewhere. The winners share a $5,000 award, and are chosen from the pool of nominees by the Interim Dean of Graduate Studies and the Committee on Graduate Awards. Specific comments on the students’ community service are very helpful. If you know a graduate student who deserves this award, please send your nomination to Interim Dean Elizabeth McCormack no later than Friday, 20 February 2009.
GSSWSR Students
One or more McPherson recipients are selected from the student body of the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research for academic achievement and a distinguished record of community service. The winners share a $5,000 award, and are chosen from the pool of nominees by the Director of the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research in consultation with her Faculty Advisory Committee. If you know someone who should be considered for this award, please send your nomination to Director Marcia Martin no later than Friday, 20 February 2009.
Undergraduate Students
Three McPherson Award winners are chosen from the senior class for their academic achievement and a distinguished record of community service. Each receives $3,600 to support an internship that allows her to pursue academic, career, personal or service interests. Students who are nominated and are being considered for this award are invited to submit a proposal for an internship. Recipients are selected by the Dean of the Undergraduate College in consultation with the Awards Committee. If you know someone who should be considered for this award, please send your nomination to Dean Karen Tidmarsh no later than Friday, 20 February 2009.
I look forward to announcing this year's McPherson Award winners to you.
With all best wishes,
Jane Dammen McAuliffe
President