University Awards

The following information applies to University awards for students, faculty, and staff.

Nominations are invited for these awards in March annually. Download this year's Invitation to Send Nominations for the 2008-09 Awards in pdf format suitable for printing and mounting on department bulletin boards.

Gores Awards

The Gores Award is the University’s highest award for excellence in teaching. The Walter J. Gores Awards recognize undergraduate and graduate teaching excellence. As the University's highest award for teaching, the Gores Award celebrates achievement in educational activities that include lecturing, tutoring, advising, and discussion leading. Ordinarily, awards are made each year to:

• A senior faculty member (associate or full professor) or a senior lecturer
• A junior faculty member or member of the teaching staff
• A teaching assistant (undergraduate or graduate student)

Past winners of the Gores Awards

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Dinkelspiel Awards

The Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Awards recognize distinctive and exceptional contributions to undergraduate education or the quality of student life at Stanford. The contribution may be made for such activities as curriculum design, program development, advising excellence, residential education, committee leadership, or extracurricular education. Ordinarily, awards are made each year to:

• Two graduating seniors
• A faculty or staff member with ten or more years of service to Stanford
• A faculty or staff member with less than ten years of service to Stanford

Past winners of the Dinkelspiel Awards

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Cuthbertson Awards

The Kenneth M. Cuthbertson Award recognizes exceptional contributions of all types to Stanford University. The Award, which is open to all members of the Stanford community, is to recognize extraordinary contributions to the achievement of the goals of the University. Such contributions might be, for example, unusually distinguished service to the University, uncommon ingenuity in meeting University objectives, or exceptional intelligence, diligence, and sensitivity in discharging responsibilities. Ordinarily, one award is made each year.

Past winners of the Cuthbertson Award

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University Awards Nominations

Who May Nominate? Any member of the Stanford community may nominate for one or more of these awards. Students are especially encouraged to nominate anyone who has made a special contribution to their education.

Why Nominate? Stanford's quality as an educational institution depends upon the dedication of its faculty, students, and staff. Recognizing those whose extraordinary efforts have made Stanford a better place thanks the award winners and reminds the community of the importance of individual contributions to the institution. Each award carries a cash stipend, a formal citation, and extensive public recognition.

When to Nominate. Nominations received by April 3, 2009, will be considered for this year's awards.

How to Nominate. Write a letter to the Subcommittee on University and Departmental Honors, c/o Office of the University Registrar, 630 Serra Street, Suite 120, Stanford, CA 94305-6032. Email nominations are also encouraged and may be sent to Lindi Press <lindi.press@stanford.edu>. The letter may be brief, but to be effective must clearly explain why the candidate is deserving of the award. In general, nomination packages consisting of multiple letters (perhaps three to ten) and supporting documentation are most successful, but individual nominations are also most welcome. Because of the care that normally goes into producing a nomination, they will be active for two years.

Selection Process. Nominations are reviewed by a committee of faculty, staff, and students who may also gather additional information from the nominees' colleagues. All Awards are presented at the University Commencement Ceremony.

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