Graduating Student Awards
Celebrate the Achievements of Rensselaer Students!
Nominate a deserving graduating student today to recognize their exceptional contributions to the Rensselaer community through academic, athletic, and service endeavors. Their dedication has strengthened our community, and these awards provide a meaningful way to express our gratitude for their lasting impact.
We welcome both self-nominations and referral applications. The nomination deadline is Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., EDT. Please note that a nomination letter, as detailed in the award description, is required for the application process.
Established by Clay P. Bedford, the prize is given in memory of Livingston Waddell Houston, 11th president of Rensselaer. It is awarded to a student who, in the opinion of a committee is considered the "First Citizen of the College." The recipient must rank high in character, leadership, scholarship, and athletic ability. Should no student qualify for the prize in any one year, the funds available for the prize may be used for related purposes as determined by the Board of Trustees.
Established in 1981 by the Rensselaer Union, the award is in honor of William P. (Willie) Stanton, Class of 1972 (hon.), a dishwasher and cook who served the academic and social needs of Rensselaer students for over 45 years. His support of Rensselaer athletics and activities earned him the nickname "Mr. RPI." Willie was a person who was always there to help anyone who needed a kind word, or a small favor, and he did so in a quiet, unassuming manner. This award is presented annually to the senior who is judged to have contributed the most in service to the student body, in much the same way.
The award recognizes the leadership and academic merit of underrepresented graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at Rensselaer. This award is given to one Black, Latinx, Native American (or multi-racial) graduating senior and one continuing student who has exhibited service and leadership to the Institute and their community while maintaining outstanding academic performance.
The Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson CLASS (Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students) Award recognizes a graduating senior who as a leader exemplifies the ability to solve complex challenges through intellectual agility, multicultural sophistication, and a global view. The student must demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, possess an excellent academic record, and have created a positive impact on the community.
Established by Rensselaer Professor Bimal K. Malaviya and his siblings in honor of their parents, the award recognizes a graduating student who best exemplifies sustained excellence and selflessness in the service to others during their academic career.
The Frederick M. Nussbaum Class of 1930 Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteerism is granted to an outstanding senior Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) student in recognition of their volunteer activities at Rensselaer and civic involvement in bettering the community in and around Rensselaer performed during their junior year.
This award is given to an engineering student of high scholastic ability, who has demonstrated leadership potential.