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Psychology Honors and Awards

 

Awards in Psychology

The following awards are given to recognize outstanding Psychology majors at the annual College Awards Banquet in April.

Senior Scholar
The psychology major who has the highest overall grade point average (a minimum of 3.2 is required) after completion of at least 27 units is designated as the Senior Scholar in Psychology.

Outstanding Junior Psychology Major
The faculty selects one or more juniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and potential for continued success in psychology.

Karl W. Beck Memorial Prize
The faculty selects a psychology major to receive the Karl W. Beck Memorial Prize, which is given for excellence in psychology. The recipient is awarded a prize of money, which is made possible by gifts of friends in memory of the late Dr. Karl W. Beck, professor and first chairperson of the Roanoke College Psychology Department. The recipient's name is engraved on a plaque that is located in the department.

Curt R. Camac Student Research Award
From 1986 to 2012, Dr. Curt Camac was one of the leaders of a campus-wide movement to increase student-faculty research.  An inspiration to both students and faculty, he helped pave the way for the tremendous growth in research experiences we offer at Roanoke.  This grant was developed in his honor to support student research.

Charles E. Early Award
In honor of Dr. Charles Early, retired Professor of Psychology, who taught at Roanoke from 1988 to 2015, this award goes to the student who best embodies Dr. Early's love of learning, powerful work ethic, keen intellect, warm humor, and deep appreciation for pie.

Psi Chi Achievement Award
The Roanoke College Chapter of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in psychology, selects from its membership a student who has best exemplified excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. A gift and certificate are given by Psi Chi.

Jan H. Lynch Human Development Concentration Award
In honor of Dr. Jan Lynch, retired Professor of Psychology, who taught at Roanoke from 1980 to 2015, this award goes to the student who has demonstrated excellence in the Human Development Concentration.

Outstanding Student in the Neuroscience Concentration
This award is given annually to the student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in the neuroscience concentration and has shown potential for continued success in the field.

Honors

Honors in the Major (PSYC 495, 496, 497)
To gain honors in the major students complete an empirical study culminating in a honors defense under the supervision of a faculty member.  See Honors in the Majors requirements here.

Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology
Psi Chi is the national honor society in psychology. To be eligible, a student must have completed at least four units of psychology with at least a 3.0 GPA and must be in the upper 35% of his or her class. Psychology majors who meet these qualifications may apply for membership and are inducted annually.

The Roanoke College Chapter of Psi Chi elects officers annually. In cooperation with the Roanoke College Psychology Association it sponsors academic and social events during the year. The Psi Chi member selected to be the recipient of the Psi Chi Achievement Award is chosen by the members of Psi Chi and the psychology department faculty.