Student Awards

The Communication Faculty Book Award

This award is given annually to a graduating senior with a clear intent of attending graduate school. A classic or current work in the student’s area of interest is awarded on the basis of academic achievement and involvement in the program. 

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award

This award is presented to a graduating senior with an outstanding academic record in Communication. 

The Most Promising Second Year Student Award

In recognition of a promising sophomore, the Communication department presents this award on the basis of academic achievement, involvement in the program, and creative effort. 

The David Malcolm Geddes/Mark Roderick Memorial Award

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student in recognition of their outstanding performance in the classroom, academic achievement, involvement in the program, creative effort, and character. 

The Roderick Duncan Geddes Memorial Award for Excellence in Diversity and Communication

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in engaging diversity in their personal, academic, and/or civic endeavors. Particular consideration is given to candidates who have addressed timely and critical issues in their communities or on a global scale. 

The James Malcolm Geddes Memorial Award for Excellence in Civic Leadership

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in engaging topics relevant to the quality of public life in their personal, academic, and/or civic endeavors. Particular consideration is given to candidates who have addressed timely and critical issues in their communities through applied research or service learning.

The Doris Irene Geddes Memorial Award for Excellence in Women and Communication

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in engaging issues relevant to women’s lives in their personal, academic, and/or civic endeavors. Particular consideration is given to candidates who have addressed timely and critical women’s issues in the communities or on a global scale. 

The Communication Outstanding Graduate Student Award

This award recognizes a graduate student all-around exemplary research and teaching contributions, service on behalf of graduate studies in the Communication program, as well as service to the University and community.

The Communication Outstanding Graduate Teacher Award

This award recognizes the graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in classroom instruction, advising, and mentorship, supporting the Department of Communication and Clemson’s land-grant mission. This student will proceed as our department’s nominee to the university-wide Outstanding Graduate Teacher award. 

The Communication Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award

This award recognizes the graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in conducting original research, assisting on faculty research projects, presenting at conferences and/or publishing scholarship, bringing recognition to our program, department, and university. This student will proceed as our department’s nominee to the university-wide Outstanding Graduate Researcher award.

Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award

Award is given to a junior or senior with a GPR of 3.0 or above in recognition of outstanding leadership and achievement in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. 

Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit

Award is given to an outstanding student in each college, based on the following criteria: “be a graduating senior, have a GPA of 3.4 or above, and have made noteworthy contributions in such areas as leadership, creative endeavors and service to his/her department, college and Clemson University”.

College of Behavioral, Social & Health Sciences Undergraduate Emerging Leadership Award

This award is presented to a graduating senior who has shown a consistent pattern of significant leadership which has enriched and improved the Clemson environment at the department, college, or university level. 

College of Behavioral, Social & Health Sciences Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research

Award presented to a student who has completed the most meritorious, undergraduate research project of the year. Projects are evaluated in terms of the significance of their research question, the rigor of their method and design, and the clarity of the written presentation. 

College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences Academic Excellence Award

Award presented to a graduating senior who has excelled in their academic endeavors at Clemson University. This award presupposes a GPA at or very near a perfect 4.0. It also reflects a distinguished record of scholarly performance as measured by creative projects, publication or other scholarly activities. 

The College of Behavioral, Social & Health Sciences Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement 

Presented to a graduating senior who has excelled in all areas of their Clemson experience. This award recognizes not only academics but also extra-curricular activities, leadership and public service. 

The College of Behavioral, Social & Health Sciences Award for Entrepreneurship in Community Service

This award presupposes a solid academic record and a long-term pattern of service to the university or to the local, state, national or global community. It further implies creativity in reaching under-served populations or improving the quality and quantity of service being rendered to a point well above the typical volunteer experience.

The College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences Award for Professional Engagement

Award is presented to a graduating senior for academic achievement, outstanding professional engagement within his or her discipline and future professional promise within that discipline. Activities such as internships, co-ops, publication, professional memberships and active participation in professional meetings and conventions are the primary determinant of this award.