College Achievement & Service Awards
Celebrating Excellence at Bryn Mawr College
At Bryn Mawr College, excellence takes many forms — in the classroom, in the lab, in the community, and in the quiet, everyday acts of dedication that make this institution extraordinary. The College Achievement & Service Awards recognize the students, faculty, staff, and community members who embody Bryn Mawr's deepest values: intellectual rigor, a commitment to justice, and an unwavering investment in one another.
These awards honor those who go above and beyond, including those who lead with integrity, build belonging, and leave a lasting mark on the Bryn Mawr community and the world beyond it. Explore the awards below to learn more about the individuals and contributions we celebrate each year.
McPherson Awards for Excellence
Bryn Mawr's flagship annual honors program, the McPherson Awards for Excellence recognize outstanding achievement and community service among faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate seniors. Supported by an endowed fund honoring President Emeritus Mary Patterson McPherson, these awards celebrate the highest standards of scholarship and dedication to community life.
Community Building Honor Roll
The Community Building Honor Roll celebrates undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate students whose actions foster belonging, inclusiveness, and connection across campus. Established in 2017 at the initiative of student affinity group leaders, this honor recognizes the full range of community-building contributions — from everyday acts of care to prominent leadership.
Dr. Hayley S. Thomas Senior Diversity Prize
Established in memory of Dean Hayley S. Thomas, a beloved member of the Bryn Mawr community whose work in mentoring, diversity programming, and student support left an enduring legacy, this prize honors a graduating senior who demonstrates exceptional commitment to diversity and inclusion at Bryn Mawr and beyond.
Kevin J. Robinson Award
Presented annually to a graduating student of the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, the Kevin J. Robinson Award honors those who exemplify the values Kevin Robinson held most dear: honesty, integrity, and an abiding commitment to social justice, equality, and fairness for all people.
Helen Taft Manning Award
The Helen Taft Manning Award honors individuals or groups — alumnae, trustees, faculty, staff, students, or friends of the College — who have made extraordinary contributions to Bryn Mawr through unusual service and dedication. Named for the distinguished former professor, dean, and acting president of the College, this award recognizes both sustained commitment and singular acts of service.
Unsung Heroes
The Unsung Heroes program shines a light on the dining hall, housekeeping, facilities, and transportation staff members whose contributions to campus life often go unnoticed but are deeply felt. Organized by The Impact Center for Community, Equity and Understanding in partnership with the Black at Bryn Mawr Tour team, this annual celebration invites the campus community to nominate and honor those who make Bryn Mawr a better place every day.
Service Milestones: Honoring Years of Dedication
Bryn Mawr College is proud to recognize employees who have devoted 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 or more years of service to the College. These milestones reflect not just tenure, but a lifetime of contributions to our students, our mission, and our community. Browse the stories below to meet the colleagues whose careers have helped shape Bryn Mawr into the institution it is today.
