Academic Awards

William Grundy Haven Student Paper Competition
The William Grundy Haven Award was established in 1950 by William A. Haven '09 in memory of his son William Grundy Haven who was a Penn State geology student when he volunteered for service in World War II. He was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge in 1944.
Submission deadline: February 15
Competition guidelines

Ellen Steidle Achievement Awards
Established in 1953 by Dean Edward Steidle to honor the memory of his wife, Ellen Girsham Steidle. The Ellen Steidle Achievement Awards recognize junior and senior EMS students whose activities have contributed to the mission of the College. Students in good academic standing with at least two semesters as an EMS student may be nominated. If you wish to be nominated for an award, contact a faculty member in your major or the adviser of a student organization to which you belong. Senior Award: $1200; Junior Award: $800
Submission deadline: February 15
Nomination form (pdf)

Dean Edward Steidle Memorial Scholar Award
Established to honor Dean Edward Steidle who was dean of the College from 1929 to 1953. To be eligible for the award, a student must be a truly outstanding scholar in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, plan to go to graduate school, and have completed six semesters of study by mid-year. While the selection process typically emphasizes exceptional performance in course work, other factors that could be used to distinguish a candidate--research accomplishments, unusual creativity of a scholarly nature, powerful and unique intellectual breadth, or unusual scholarly accomplishments in adverse circumstances--can also be important selection criteria. If you wish to be nominated, contact a faculty member in your department.
Submission deadline: February 15
Nomination form (pdf)

GEMS Diamond Award
Established in 2006, a lifetime membership in the Penn State Alumni Association will be awarded to a graduating student who is found to have the most well-rounded involvement and achievement in both the university and community environment during their student experience with the College.
Submission deadline: February 15
Nomination form ( pdf )