About the Awards
The Department of Geography gives several awards, most of them annually, to students who excel in certain areas. Our current awards date back to 1999, although we know that awards were given before that year. Occasionally, a new award is created – for example, the Marshall Bowen Scholarship was endowed and honored its inaugural winner in 2024. Also occasionally, an award appears and disappears: the Outstanding Student in the MSGA began in 2016, and ended in 2026.
From the list on the left please read about each winning student arranged by year.
Below, awards are described and listed by year.
Richard P. Palmieri Award for Excellence in Geography
Given to a non-senior Geography major who demonstrates excellence in his or her introductory and upper-level courses.
Marshall E. Bowen Award
Presented to the student who has an enthusiasm for and commitment to Geography.
Harold Thompson Straw Award
Presented to the student who exhibits the most professional potential for scholarly contribution in Geography.
James B. Gouger III Award
Presented to the student who excels in geographic techniques.
Geospatial Technologies Award
In recognition of the GISc Certificate student who has excelled in all certificate courses and who has contributed to the success of others in the program.
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark Award
Given to the graduating Geography Major with the highest grade point average in Geography courses.
Master of Science in Geospatial Analysis Award
Presented to a graduating MSGA student who demonstrates excellence in his or her field of study.
Outstanding Alumni Award
Recognizes an alumnus who has excelled in the discipline of Geography and who has made outstanding contributions to the discipline.
Explore Geography Scholarships
Presented to two students who recently declared as Geography or Geospatial Analysis majors and who have completed 2-4 courses in the department.
Marshall Bowen Scholarship
Granted to a rising junior or senior Geography or Geospatial Analysis major in recognition of their achievement and contributions to the department.
Geography Alumni Scholarship
Granted to a rising junior or senior Geography major in recognition of their achievement and contributions to the department.