Seven Morehead-Cain Scholars receive Chancellor’s Awards for academic excellence, leadership

News & Spotlights | May 26, 2022
Scene from the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on May 3, 2022. (Johnny Andrews/UNC–Chapel Hill)

Seven Morehead-Cain Scholars have received 2022 Chancellor’s Awards, the University’s highest student honors for excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and leadership.

Three scholars have been recognized for their academic excellence, while four others have earned accolades for their campus activities and leadership.

2022 Student Academic Awards

THE DONALD T. LYSLE AWARD
Recipient: Shivam Bhargava ’22

This award is for an undergraduate student majoring in either psychology or neuroscience who has made exemplary service contributions. This award honors Dr. Donald T. Lysle, who has served as Chair since 2007. Aside from his great service as Chair of a large department, he is known, in particular, for his compassion for others. Thus, it is fitting that the award which honors Dr. Lysle is an award that recognizes those who show exceptional concern and service for others.

THE ROBERT B. HOUSE MEMORIAL PRIZE IN POETRY
Recipient: Benjamin Humphries ’22

This award in poetry honors the first chancellor of the University, a writer and friend of the literary arts. A cash prize is presented annually to a graduating senior who has done distinguished work in poetry. The recipient is selected by faculty members in the Creative Writing Program.

THE JACQUES HARDRÉ UNDERGRADUATE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FRENCH
Recipient: Kelsey Rappe ’22

Established in 1989, this certificate and monetary prize are presented annually by the Department of Romance Languages to an undergraduate whose work in French language and literature has been judged most outstanding by a faculty committee. It was established in honor of Jacques Hardré, past Chair of the Department of Romance Languages.

2022 Student Activities & Leadership Awards

THE ERNEST H. ABERNETHY PRIZE IN STUDENT PUBLICATION WORK
Recipient: Clay Morris ’23

Ernest H. Abernethy, Class of 1922, established this award in 1941. A plaque and monetary award are presented annually to the undergraduates judged by a special committee to have done the most distinctive work during the current year in the field of student publications.

THE BRENDA W. KIRBY AWARD
Recipient: Ray Palma ’23

Brenda W. Kirby served as Secretary of the University from 1980 to 2012. In that role, Ms. Kirby was special assistant to six Chancellors, constantly bridging communication between students and the Chancellor, as well as other parts of the University. Acknowledging her unique gift of creating invaluable bonds of communication, this award, established in 2012, recognizes annually the student who has most effectively worked to establish a community of cooperation and service between students and constituents of the larger University that might include administrators, faculty, staff, students, trustees, and alumni.

THE ERNEST H. ABERNETHY PRIZE IN STUDENT PUBLICATION WORK
Recipient: Praveena Somasundaram ’22

Ernest H. Abernethy, Class of 1922, established this award in 1941. A plaque and monetary award are presented annually to the undergraduates judged by a special committee to have done the most distinctive work during the current year in the field of student publications.

THE ERNEST L. MACKIE AWARD
Recipient: Greear Webb ’23

This award was established in 1978 by the Order of the Old Well in memory of one of its charter members, Ernest L. Mackie, professor of Mathematics. Dr. Mackie also served as dean of students, dean of student awards and distinctions, and secretary-treasurer of Phi Beta Kappa. The award is presented to the man of the junior class who has been judged most outstanding in character, scholarship, and leadership.

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