Albertson Medallion Award
History
Following Chancellor Albertson's death in 1967, there was much consideration given to the most appropriate memorial. A faculty committee chose one major tribute rather than a series of smaller recognitions. This was the beginning of the James H. Albertson award. Due to the timing that first year, the criteria was the same as that used for the Who's Who award which was already being given by our campus at that time. During the following year, more symbolic criteria was determined, criteria that was characteristic of Dr. Albertson's life and contributions.
Criteria and Standards
With this award, the University annually honors those graduating students who have exemplified outstanding qualities as a leader, a scholar, and as a citizen on campus and in his/her community. All three criteria are to be given equal weight. The Albertson Award is given to no more than 1% of those graduating each year.
Selection Process
Shortly after the Chancellor's Award selections are made for spring/summer graduates, the same committee is reconvened. All of the Chancellor's Award winners for the academic year are evaluated again against the Albertson Award criteria where scholarship becomes a significant factor (3.0 is considered a minimum and GPA is verified). Each member of the committee is asked to individually evaluate every nominee on a rating sheet that gives equal weight to leadership, scholarship and citizenship during that student's university career. Committee discussion and dialog then determines which graduates most deserve the award and where to draw the line. Only those selected are notified of the outcome. Others leave us as "winners" of the Chancellor's Leadership Award as Chancellor Dreyfus had wanted.
The Award
The Albertson Award is a 3 1/2" brass paperweight featuring the University seal. On the back, the student's name is engraved along with their year of graduation. The awards are presented individually at a dinner the evening before spring commencement. Parents and relatives are invited to join Dr. Albertson's wife, the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Assistant Chancellor for University Relations and Student Affairs and other university personnel at the Albertson Medallion presentation. Winners are also recognized at the commencement exercise the following day.
Timing
The Albertson Selection process for the year takes place after the spring/summer Chancellor's Leadership Award selections have been made. Decisions are announced in May and the Albertson Medallions are presented at a dinner the evening before spring Commencement.
Albertson Award Reception
Albertson Award Banquet
Friday, May 16, 2008
Laird Room, Dreyfus University Center