Cherry Braswell Rutland Memorial Ethics Award
Award History
In 2018, through the Robert J. Rutland Institute for Ethics at Clemson University, an award opportunity was established to provide financial assistance for students who exhibit ethical leadership through excellent decision-making skills.
Named after Cherry Braswell Rutland, the late wife of Bob Rutland, the award is designed to recognize a student at Clemson University who has demonstrated ethical fortitude in the face of a true ethical dilemma. A minimum of one award will be presented annually in the amount of $1,000 to an eligible student who embodies the spirit of ethical leadership.
A panel of judges will determine awards. Judges will primarily consist of the following University personnel and alumni: Dr. William McCoy (Director, Rutland Institute for Ethics), Carie Rutland Cordero (Alumna), and Dr. David Stegall (Principal Lecturer of Philosophy).
All questions should be directed to ethics@clemson.edu or by calling Dr. William McCoy at (864) 656-6147.
2024 Award Recipient: Olivia Henderson
Honorable Mentions: Charles Hawes, Tyler Simmons
Apply for the Cherry Braswell Rutland Memorial Ethics Award
Previous Winners:
2023: Mary Callie Turner | Honorable Mentions: Walter Kirby, Sutton Jess Walters
2022: Raleigh Adams
2021: Alexis Davis
2020: Tahj Robinson
2019: Alianna Pearson
Who is Cherry Braswell Rutland? (By her daughter, Carie Rutland Cordero)
"Cherry Braswell Rutland was raised in Decatur, Georgia and graduated from Emory University where she went on to serve others through the field of nursing. She married Robert J. Rutland and together they had three daughters and nine grandchildren. Cherry was a highly sought after friend, with a contagious laugh and beautiful smile. She had a passion to see others grow in the Lord, which was made evident by her time and commitments. She continually prayed for people and gave her time and resources to her local church and numerous mission organizations. Her character was proven even in the last few months of her life as she continued to place the needs of others ahead of her own out of a heart of servitude while battling cancer. Her commitment to ethical decision-making was consistently demonstrated through her faith."
Award Criteria
The following criteria have been established for the Cherry Braswell Rutland Memorial Ethics Award candidates:
- Must be an enrolled Clemson University undergraduate or graduate student.
- Must demonstrate financial need (current recipient of loans or a work study student).
- Must be in good standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Must thoroughly complete the award application. Grammar will be strongly considered.
- Applications are accepted September 1st – December 31st. Award application must be completed and submitted to the Director of the Rutland Institute for Ethics (using the form linked above) by December 31st for consideration.
