Commencement

The Philip Lee Honor Award

The Philip Lee Honor Award is presented to the senior student whose scholarly achievements at Eckerd College have demonstrated both exceptional present accomplishment and superior future promise. Through the Philip Lee Honor Award, the College honors the first Chairman of its Board of Trustees.
The 2023 recipient is Aarushi Gandhi.

The James H. Robinson Award

The James H. Robinson Award is presented to the senior student who has by leadership and example contributed significantly to the experience of underrepresented students at Eckerd College and to a fuller appreciation of cross-cultural values throughout the whole Eckerd community. Through the Robinson Award the College recognizes the pioneering contributions of the Reverend James Robinson to the field of African-American relations.
This year’s recipient is Ava Marie McLeod.

The Ronald Wilson Memorial Award

The Ronald Wilson Award is presented to a senior student who has made a significant contribution to the total College community. Through the Ronald Wilson Award, the College honors the late Ronald Wilson, a valuable member of the Board of Trustees.
This year’s recipient is Madalyn Ryan.

The Miller Award

The Miller Award is presented to the senior student whose life activities best exemplify the ideal of unselfish and public-spirited service to the community, off campus as well as on campus. Through the Miller Award, the College honors two of its distinguished friends, Francis Pickens Miller, who was the first president of the Board of Visitors, and his wife, Helen Hill Miller.
This year’s recipient is Andrew Thomas Kennedy.

Helmar E. Nielsen Medal

This medal, the highest honor bestowed on an individual by Eckerd College, recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional devotion to the College and to its mission of undergraduate liberal arts education through extraordinary service, advocacy and generosity.
It is named in honor of Trustee Emeritus Helmar Nielsen, who is the inaugural recipient of this distinguished medal.

The John Satterfield Outstanding Mentor Award

Named in honor of a beloved member of the founding faculty, this award honors the special and vital role of the mentor in a student’s life at Eckerd. The selection of the recipient is based on the impact the mentor has had in the areas of academic programming, career planning, and personal growth.
This year’s recipient is Professor of Environmental Science and Biology Amy N. S. Suida.

Honorary Degree

Ashley Rhodes-Courter ’07
Doctor of Humane Letters
Honoris Causa