The following email was sent to faculty, students, and staff by President Kim Cassidy on Monday, January 25.
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Each year, the College honors members of the faculty, staff, and graduate and undergraduate student bodies as McPherson Fellows. The recipients are recognized for achievement and for service to the community, either within or beyond the boundaries of Bryn Mawr. The awards, now in their 18th year, are supported by the McPherson Fund for Excellence, which honors President Emeritus Pat McPherson鈥檚 extraordinary presidency at Bryn Mawr and her long-standing commitment to encouraging the highest standards of achievement among all members of the College community.
I write to encourage you to nominate outstanding individuals in the Bryn Mawr community for a McPherson Award. You may nominate someone for a McPherson Award in any of the categories described below. Cross-nominations, such as the nomination of a faculty member by a student or of a staff member by a faculty member, are encouraged. I hope you will submit nominations in a number of categories as the strength of the program depends upon the quality of the nominations we receive.
The McPherson Award website, more information, including past recipients, and the form for nominating someone for this prestigious honor.
Faculty
One McPherson Award is given each year to a tenured, tenure-track or continuing, non-tenure-track faculty member for achievement and for community service 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鈥檚 department and the Provost's Office. The faculty McPherson Fellow is chosen from the pool of nominees by the Committee on Appointments in consultation with the Provost. Please send your nomination to Provost Mary Osirim, no later than Friday, February 26.
Staff
McPherson Awards are given to members of the staff for exceptional service to their own community or that of the College. Each recipient receives $1,500. Eligible staff may be part- or full-time employees who have completed at least three years of continuous service at the College by Friday, February 26. The President and those who report directly to her are not eligible, nor are prior McPherson or Distinguished Staff Award winners or the Director of Human Resources. Nominations will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of the President, a member of the Staff Association Executive Council, the Director of Human Resources, the immediate past recipients of the McPherson staff awards, and representatives from the faculty and student bodies. Please send your nomination to Marty Mastascusa, Director of Human Resources, no later than Friday, February 26.
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 Dean of Graduate Studies and the Committee on Graduate Awards. Specific comments on the nominee鈥檚 community service are very helpful. Please send your nomination to Dean Sharon Burgmayer no later than Friday, February 26.
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 Dean of the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research in consultation with their respective Faculty Advisory Committees. Please send your nomination to Dean Darlyne Bailey no later than Friday, February 26.
Undergraduate Students
Three McPherson Award winners are chosen from the senior class in recognition of 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. Please send your nomination to Interim Dean Judy Balthazar no later than Friday, February 26.
I look forward to announcing this year's McPherson Fellows later this spring.