Student Awards

Beverly Daniel Tatum ABC Award

Established in spring 2023, to recognize and celebrate students leaders who have done extraordinary work in affirming identity, building community and cultivating leadership while at Mount Holyoke.

Named for Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum who most recently served as Mount Holyoke's Interim President for the 2022-2023 academic year, and previously served as Mount Holyoke’s acting president in 2002, dean of the College from 1998–2002 and faculty in the Psychology and Education department from 1989–2002.

H. Elizabeth Braun Catalyst for Change

Established in 2010 by the division, the Catalyst for Change Award recognizes a student each year who has done extraordinary work in the service of creating a diverse and inclusive community.

Named for Dean of Students, Liz Braun (2003-2010), who committed abundant energies to challenging racism and oppression and inspired many to do the same. Her work reflected her deep commitment to nourishing a community of teaching and learning and her dedication to building a more just and equitable college and world. Criteria:

• Enduring commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive MHC community
• In sustained service to the community at/within MHC
• Deep commitment to continued reflection and learningInspires others to work for social justice challenging racism and other oppression
• Inspires others to work for social justice challenging racism and other oppressionJunior or Senior
• Junior or Senior

Ruth E. Warfel Art Prize

This prize, which carries a value of up to $500 yearly, is used to continue Ruth Warfel's practice of purchasing a piece of student art annually to place in residence halls. A committee meets each year to review and select senior artwork for the award, based on the quality of the art and its appropriateness for a residence hall setting.

Ruth Elizabeth Warfel served as the Dean of Students for Mount Holyoke College from 1964 to 1982. Ruth's career in higher education began with her master's studies in college personnel administration at Indiana University and further advanced studies at Teacher's College, Columbia University. Prior to her appointment at Mount Holyoke, Ruth served as Associate Dean of Students for 13 years at the State University College in Potsdam, New York and Dean of Women for 3 years at Miami University in Ohio. On campus, Ruth remained deeply committed to student welfare issues through her service on the committee on financial aid to students, foreign students, graduate work, the multi-racial community, student affairs, and the advisory committee on affirmative action. Ruth was described by colleagues as a great example of "leadership, optimism, civility, professional agility, and good cheer". Ruth's interests included opera, arts and crafts.