Awards & Scholarships

The names of the awards’ winners appear on plaques on the main floor of Olin Hall, close to the Biology office.

Fae M. Shawhan Fine Forceps Award: The Fae M. Shawhan awarded is given to one biology major annually based on outstanding achievement in BIO 101: Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates. This award was established in 1958 and is awarded in the spring of each academic year.

Fae M. Shawhan Pre-Medical Award: The Fae M. Shawhan award is given to one biology major annually who is completing a premedical program at Drake University, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, and has been accepted into medical school. The award recognizes the student's outstanding academic performances and promise of success in the practice of medicine. This award was established in 1972 and is bestowed at the conclusion of each academic year.

Frances Rogers Student Research Honor Lecture: The France Rogers award is given to one senior biology major annually for meritorious undergraduate research as part of their BIO 197 Bachelor of Sciences research project. The award is largely based on a summary presentation given by the student during BIO 192: Biology Seminar in the spring of each semester. The award is presented to the student selected to honor the memory of Dr. Frances Rogers, Professor of Biology, in recognition of her interest and support of the research activities of biology majors at Drake University. This award was established in 1993 and is bestowed at the conclusion of each academic year.

George C. Huff Freshman Biology Award: The George C. Huff award is given to one first-year biology major annually for the highest academic performance in BIO 012: General and Pre-Professional Biology during the fall semester. The award was established in 1976 and is bestowed at the conclusion of each academic year.

Luther Sherman Ross Award: The Luther Sherman Ross award is given to one senior biology major annually in recognition of academic excellence, outstanding performance in undergraduate research, and promise for success in the field of biology. The award was established in 1958 and is bestowed at the conclusion of each academic year.

Richard Skidmore Biology Memorial Scholarship: The Richard Skidmore Memorial Biology Scholarship is awarded in memory of Rick, a Drake Biology major, in recognition of his interest, curiosity, and outstanding achievement in Biology. The scholarship is made possible from a gift by the Skidmore family to Drake University, and is available to sophomore and junior biology majors with a GPA of 2.5 or greater who apply for this scholarship in the spring semester.

For information, please contact the Biology Office in Olin Hall.