Awards

Nomination Deadline

April 5, 2024

Nominations are accepted for:

Best Honors Thesis
Best Philosophical Work
Best Philosophical Work by a First- or Second-Year Student

Nominations may only be submitted by Philosophy faculty.

For more information, contact philosophy@uconn.edu.

Undergraduate Philosophy Medal

Since 2010 the Philosophy Department has awarded a prize to a graduating senior for academic achievement in Philosophy as measured by the highest number of high grades in philosophy courses. In 2013 the award was named The Anne L. Hiskes Award for Academic Achievement in Philosophy, after the donor who began the tradition. In 2017 it was renamed the Undergraduate Philosophy Medal.

2023 Recipient

Benjamin Liljedahl

Past Recipients

2022
Jason Tosta

2021
Isaiah Glessner

2020
Julia Gaul

2019
Brooke Parmalee

2018
Jesse Amar

2017
Olta Shkembi

2016
Peter Charles Bassine

2015
Sarah Purtill

2014
Emily Boushee

2013
Gabriella Benea

2012
David Swerling

2011
Conor Coleman

2010
Elaine DuRoss McCafferty

Best Philosophical Work

This award recognizes the best piece of philosophical work by a student at any undergraduate level.  Philosophical work is construed broadly as to include any philosophical writing such as essays, outstanding responses to exam questions, short stories or other prose, poetry, as well as non-written media including audio or video recording. Each faculty member can nominate one work per academic year. The selection will be based on academic excellence, creativity, novelty, and overall contribution to philosophical thinking.

Best Philosophical Work by a First- or Second-Year Student

This award recognizes the best piece of philosophical work by a first- or second-year student. Philosophical work is construed broadly as to include any philosophical writing such as essays, outstanding responses to exam questions, short stories or other prose, poetry, as well as non-written media including audio or video recording. Each faculty member can nominate one work per academic year. The selection will be based on academic excellence, creativity, novelty, and overall contribution to philosophical thinking.

Leadership in Philosophy Award

This award recognizes undergraduate students who have distinguished themselves in philosophical leadership, outreach, or service work. The selection will be made by the Undergraduate Awards Committee in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Department Head.

Best Honor’s Thesis

This award recognizes the best undergraduate Honor's Thesis in philosophy. Each faculty member can nominate one work per academic year. The selection will be based on academic excellence, creativity, novelty, and overall contribution to philosophical thinking.