Student Awards

Michael F. Bassman Honors College Research Award

The Michael F. Bassman Honors Thesis Award recognizes excellence in research and writing by students in East Carolina University’s Honors College. In addition to the cash award, all Honors College students enjoy a dedicated study room in Joyner Library and graduate student borrowing privileges.

Learn more about the Michael F. Bassman Honors Thesis Award

Senator Robert Morgan Papers Student Research Award

This award of $1,000 is open to students in the Innovation Early College High School located on the ECU campus as well as to undergraduate and graduate students at ECU. Materials contained in the Robert Morgan Papers, located in our Special Collections must be the focus of the work.

Learn more about the Senator Robert Morgan Papers Student Research Award

Rhem/Schwarzmann Prize

Pictured: Jennifer Daugherty, Head of NC Collections, presents Rhem/Schwarzmann Prize winner Spencer Story her award at the 2022 Ceremony.

Established by Mrs. Ann Schwarzmann to honor William and Emily Rhem and Theodore and Ann Schwarzmann, the Rhem/Schwarzmann Prize annually recognizes outstanding research papers written by sophomores, juniors and seniors at East Carolina University. Cash prizes in the amount of $750, $500 and $250 will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners.

Learn more about the Rhem/Schwarzmann Prize for Recognition of Student Research

SOAD Graduate Exhibition Awards

Students who participated in the 2021 SOAD Graduate Student Exhibition.

The annual School of Art & Design Graduate exhibition features artworks by current graduate students in ECU’s School of Art and Design.  Diverse works include paintings and drawings, textile and metal designs, sculpture, photography, pottery, and more. Yearly awards include:

  • Friends of Joyner Library Purchase Award: up to $1,000
  • College of Fine Arts and Communication Dean’s Merit Award: $500
  • School of Art and Design
  • School of Art and Design Award: $250
  • Dowdy Student Store Award: $50 gift certificate

Learn more about the SOAD Graduate Exhibition Awards 

Thompson Student Employee Award

Pictured: Marie Thompson presents Thompson Student Employee winner Jaylyn Johnson her award at the 2022 Ceremony.

Marie Thompson and her late husband James both served as members of the Joyner Library Advancement Council for many years. They generously contributed four $500 awards to be given to student employees of Joyner Library on a yearly basis. Supervisors recommend student workers who demonstrate good work ethic, serve as examples for their peers within the workplace, and contribute to the mission of Joyner Library. Students must be currently enrolled as a full-time student at ECU and must have worked at Joyner Library for at least one semester.

Learn more about the Marie & James Thompson Student Award

W. Keats Sparrow Writing Award

Picutered: David Hisle, Head of Research & Instructional Services, presents W. Keats winner Isabella Benitez her award at the 2022 Ceremony.

The W. Keats Sparrow Writing Award recognizes excellence in research and writing by students in East Carolina University’s English 1100 and 2201 composition classes. The award is sponsored by the Friends of Joyner Library and is named in honor of Dr. W. Keats Sparrow, Professor Emeritus of English and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Learn more about the W. Keats Sparrow Writing Award