Chemical Engineering Honors, Awards and Scholarships

Special awards and scholarships are available to Chemical Engineering students. Most are supported by the generosity of alumni, corporations and professional societies.

Awards are presented at the AIChE Student Chapter Spring Picnic and recognition is given in the awardees' Graduation Programs.

Awards and Scholarships for Second and Third Year Students

Alvin Hurd McNeilly Memorial Scholarship The Alvin McNeilly Scholarship is given annually to a third year ChE student who has demonstrated high academic achievement while participating in sports. Applications are solicited in the Spring and awards are made by the ChE faculty with the scholarship funds applied to the student’s tuition in the 4th year.

Dudley M. Harman Scholarship The Dudley M. Harman Scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and interest in the chemical engineering profession with a partial tuition scholarship. Applications are solicited in the Spring and awards are made by the ChE faculty to a 3rd year student with the scholarship funds applied to the student’s tuition in the 4th year.

Via Brothers Award The Via Brothers Award recognizes outstanding leadership and service in addition to excellent academic performance. The award is given to a 3rd year ChE student. Applications are solicited in the Spring and awards are made by the ChE faculty. The student selected receives a cash prize.

S.N. Vines Memorial Scholarship The Sterling N. Vines Scholarship was established in memory of a former ChE faculty member. The scholarship is given to a 3rd year ChE student who has demonstrated high academic achievement and has financial need. Applications are solicited in the Spring and awards are made by the ChE faculty with the scholarship funds applied to the student 's tuition in the 4th year.

Merck Engineering & Technology Fellowship The Merck Scholarship is sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc., and rewards one or more outstanding 2nd and/or 3rd year ChE students with a $5,000 tuition fellowship and a paid summer internship at a Merck facility. Applications are solicited in the Fall and awards are made by Merck & Co., Inc.

Celanese Undergraduate Fellowship The Celanese Fellowship is sponsored by Celanese Corporation and rewards an outstanding 2nd and/or 3rd year ChE student with a $2,000 fellowship to be used towards academic purposes and a paid summer internship at a Celanese facility. Applications are solicited in the Fall and awards are made by Celanese Corporation.

Donald F. Othmer Academic Excellence Award The Othmer Award is sponsored by AIChE and is given to the ChE student with the highest GPA after the 2nd year. Nominations are made by the ChE faculty.

Awards for Fourth Year ChE Students

David Lee Preddy Award This award is made possible by funds given to the department by the Preddy family in memory of David Preddy (BS '53), an alumnus of the department who passed away after a very successful, but unfortunately brief career with Dow Chemical Co. The award recognizes interest and achievement in chemical engineering design and is presented by the ChE faculty in the Spring to a graduating ChE student.

Louis T. Rader Chemical Engineering Prize The Louis T. Rader Chemical Engineering Prize is given to one or more ChE students who have demonstrated academic ability, an ability to get along well with others, and an ability to work hard. The award is presented by the ChE faculty in the Spring to one or more 4th year ChE students.

American Institute of Chemists Award The award, sponsored by the American Institute of Chemists Foundation, is given to the student with the highest GPA in a Chemistry-related discipline, including Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Biochemistry. Nominations are made by the ChE faculty.

Chemical Engineering Faculty Awards Chemical Engineering Faculty Awards are given in recognition of service to the department, special activities, and scholarly achievement. Awards are presented by the ChE faculty in the Spring to one or more graduating ChE students.

Contact the Department for detailed requirements and procedures.