2012 - 2013
Undergraduate Catalogue
Honors and Awards
HONOR SOCIETIES
Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest academic honor society in the United States. For over 200 years, election to Phi Beta Kappa has served to recognize an individual's intellectual capacities well employed, especially in the liberal arts and sciences. The objectives encouraged by Phi Beta Kappa include intellectual inquiry, honesty, and tolerance--the quickening of not only mind but also spirit.
Each year Loyola's chapter, Epsilon of Maryland, elects a small number of seniors and juniors majoring the arts and sciences. Requirements for election include outstanding academic achievement and evidence of good character. Because Loyola's chapter represents a continuing national tradition of excellence in humane learning, candidates for election must complete a minimum of 90 academic credits in the traditional liberal arts and sciences.
Beta Gamma Sigma - The National Honor Society for Collegiate Schools of Business
Founded in 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma is the national honor society in the field of business administration recognized by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The objectives of Beta Gamma Sigma are to encourage and honor academic achievement and personal excellence in the study and practice of business; to promote the advancement of education in the art and science of business; and to foster integrity in the conduct of business operations. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is a singular honor and carries with it lifetime affiliation.
Each fall and spring semester, in accordance with Beta Gamma Sigma regulations, Loyola’s chapter invites undergraduates majoring in accounting or business administration to join the national honor society. Spring invitations are extended to the top 10 percent of the junior class; fall invitations are extended to the top 10 percent of the senior class. In all cases, the official cumulative GPA used is as established by the student's academic record maintained by the Loyola University Maryland Records Office. (Note: Students who study abroad should consult with the Dean of International Programs to understand the timing of grades received from international study abroad programs.)
Alpha Sigma Nu - The National Jesuit Honor Society
Alpha Sigma Nu is the national Jesuit honor society for men and women. Students nominated by the members of the society, approved by the dean of their school and the president of the university, who have demonstrated outstanding qualities of scholarship, service, and loyalty to the university are elected to the society in junior and senior years.
Discipline-Associated Honor Societies
MEDALS AND AWARDS
Student Recognition
The Reverend Daniel J. McGuire, S.J., Alumni Association Service Award is presented for academic excellence and outstanding service to the University and the community by a graduating senior. Award winners receive a silver bowl and a $500 stipend from the Alumni Association.
The Mary O'Meara Loyola Athletic Club Scholar-Athlete Award is presented to the graduating senior who has attained the highest academic average and who has earned at least three varsity letters, not necessarily in the same sport.
The John P. O'Connor, S.J., Community Service Award is given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding participation in service to the Baltimore community and who has played a significant role in connecting his or her interest in service and justice with the Loyola community.
The Madeleine Freimuth Memorial Award for Chemistry ($500) is presented to the graduating senior with the highest average in chemistry.
The Whelan Medal is presented to the graduating senior with the highest academic average in all courses.
A department medal is presented to the graduating senior in each major whom the tenured and tenure-track faculty in each department consider outstanding. Departments take into account primarily the cumulative grade point average in courses required by the major. Departments may also take into account the overall grade point average, degree of difficulty of courses taken, and performance in those courses. Each department’s standards are available from the chair. The endowments for some of the medals listed below may stipulate other criteria for awarding the medal. In these cases, the endowment’s criteria must be followed.
Community Recognition
The Milch Award was founded in 1979 by the Milch family. It is conferred annually on an individual or group who has contributed most significantly to the betterment of the intellectual, cultural, social or commercial life of greater Baltimore.
The Carroll Medal was established in 1939 and named in honor of Archbishop John Carroll, founder of the See of Baltimore and the Catholic Hierarchy in America. The award is made each year to recognize distinguished alumni for noteworthy and meritorious service on the University's behalf.
The John Henry Newman Medal was established in 2002 in recognition of the University's Sesquicentennial Anniversary. The medal recalls the life and work of Cardinal Newman, who delivered a series of lectures in 1852--the year of Loyola's founding--that became the foundation for his seminal work on Catholic higher education, The Idea of the University. The award is made at the discretion of the University's Trustees to recognize individuals whose intellectual attainments, contributions to education, and steadfast commitment to the ideals of scholarship and service distinguish them as exemplars of Loyola's Jesuit tradition.
The President's Medal was established in 1950 to show appreciation and gratitude to the cherished friends and benefactors who have performed some signal service for the University's advancement and prestige, or who have demonstrated loyalty in a notable manner.