- Newcomb College Institute Awards presented at Under the Oaks Ceremony
- Posted May 9, 2008

Photo by Cheryl Gerber
The Newcomb College Institute Awards recognize women students who have
demonstrated superior academic excellence, outstanding qualities in
leadership, strength in character and integrity, influential and
lasting initiatives at the University, and community service.
These awards include:
Doris K. Joffrion Award is presented to the student whose performance and leadership in women's athletics has been most exceptional. The 2008 recipient is Elizabeth A. McGehee.
Sylvia Dreyfus Memorial Award is presented to a student who has supported women’s concerns on campus through
outstanding leadership, active community membership, and creative
innovation of programs. The 2008 recipient is Ivana Paolina Staiti.
Chi Omega Award to the Outstanding Freshman was established by
the Chi Omega Alumnae Association of New Orleans in 1964. It is awarded
annually on the basis of scholarship and leadership during the freshman
year. The 2008 recipient is Lauren E. Pyle.
Class of 2005--Jennie C. Nixon Award is given to an
outstanding second year student who has contributed to the Tulane
community through leadership, demonstrated academic excellence, and a
spirit of service to Newcomb College. The 2008 recipient is Rachel Louise Nelson.
Ann Gill Memorial Award to the Outstanding Junior was established by
the Beta Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity in memory of
Margaret Ann Gill. It is awarded to the outstanding Junior for
scholarship, sportsmanship, and contribution to the Tulane Community. The 2008 recipient is Emily A. Mourad.
Raymond A. Esthus Prize for Contributions to the Traditions and Spirit of the College is awarded annually
to the freshman, sophomore, or junior who, through her activities, best
exemplifies and promotes the continuance of the tradition and spirit of
Newcomb College. The 2008 recipient is Faith Gerard Simmons.
President's Award for Leadership, Scholarship, and Service is presented each year to a student who has embodies Newcomb College's ideals of leadership, scholarship and service. The 2008 recipient is Chelsea Elizabeth Motter.
Under the Oaks Award is presented to the
student who embodies the values of Newcomb College and strives to demonstrate
those values through the advancement of women’s education and the
mission of the Newcomb College Institute. The 2008 recipient is Jennifer Robin Leslie.
Cynthia B. Taffaro Memorial Award is given in honor of Cindy
Taffaro, a staff member at Tulane and Newcomb who gave generously of
her time to students, faculty, and colleagues. Cindy loved music and
the theatre, and this award is presented to a student in the arts who
possesses those same qualities that made Cindy a valued staff member
and cherished friend to the people at Newcomb. The 2008 recipient is Jennifer Lynne Smith.
Alpha Lambda Delta Award for Academic Excellence is awarded to the graduating Alpha Lambda Delta Society member who has the highest cumulative grade point average. The 2008 recipient is Maria Nichole Kanopoulos.
Randolph C. Read Scholars Award is presented to a graduating senior each year for her educational ideals, academic
achievement, and unselfish contributions to the Tulane Community. The 2008 recipient is Tabitha D. Edgens.
Kathy Goldberg Senior Role Model Award is presented to the
graduating senior who has provided an example of excellence in
scholarship, leadership and community service throughout her years at
Tulane. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors nominate and vote to choose
the award
recipient. The 2008 recipient is Tabitha D. Edgens.
The Gifford Darling Riess Award is presented in memory of Gifford Darling
Riess, who graduated from Newcomb College in May 1996. She pursued a career
in criminal justice and had particular interest in issues impacting
women. Ms. Riess died tragically of gunshot wounds at the age of 24.
This award was established to honor a graduating senior who has
demonstrated outstanding dedication to community service during her
college years. The 2008 recipient is Sarah L. Henkle.
1914-2004 Award for Exceptional Character recognizes a student who has displayed character through firm ideals, a
clear sense of integrity, and a strong commitment to service and
justice on the campus and/ or in the community. In selecting the
recipient, preference is given to a student who has enabled groups and
individuals to flourish and has recognized the significance of small
acts to attain a greater vision. The 2008 recipient is Morgen M. Miller.
The Director's Award, originally established as the Newcomb
College Dean's Award, is given to the graduating woman with the highest
cumulative grade point average. The 2008 recipient is Maria Nichole Kanopoulos.
Carol Downes Cudd Award is presented for academic achievement,
demonstrating a love of learning, combined with unselfish service to
the Tulane Community. The 2008 recipient is Jennifer Robin Leslie.
Class of 1909 Prize to the Outstanding Senior is awarded to a
graduating senior who during her last three years of her collegiate
course work has best combined scholarship with effective and unselfish
service in student activities. The 2008 recipient is Jill M. Zimmerman.
Newcomb Student Programs is pleased to recognize students and
faculty who have been instrumental in the success of the Newcomb
College Institute and who has impacted the Newcomb Community.
The awards include:
The Newcomb College Institute RA Award is presented annually to
the resident advisor who not only support Newcomb programming, but also
takes an interest in developing a community that fosters to growth of
women on campus. The 2008 recipient is Jennifer Hassen.
The Josephine Louise Award is presented by Newcomb Senate to the
woman faculty or staff member who has contributed to the growth and
development of the Newcomb community. The 2008 recipient is Elizabeth Oldman.
The Mortar Board Excellence in Teaching Award (Tenured) is
presented by the Newcomb College Institute and Mortar Board to the
tenured faculty member who has truly excelled in the classroom and has
contributed to the growth and development of their students. The 2008 recipient is Mary Olson.
The Mortar Board Excellence in Teaching Award (Non-Tenured) is
presented by the Newcomb Alumnae Associtation and Mortar Board to the
non-tenured faculty member who has truly excelled in the classroom
and has contributed to the growth and development of their students.
The 2008 recipient is Michael Syrimis.