Alumni Awards
Charles W. Bassett Faculty Award
First presented in June 1997, this award recognizes a faculty member whose service to alumni programs, through active participation in regional and on-campus events, is extraordinary.
Whitney King – Dr. Frank and Theodora Miselis Professor of Chemistry
| Year | Recipients |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Whitney King – Dr. Frank and Theodora Miselis Professor of Chemistry |
| 2023 | Rabbi Rachel M. Isaacs – Executive Director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life and Dorothy “Bibby” Levine Alfond Chair of Jewish Studies |
| 2021 | Kevin Rice ’96 – Associate Professor of Chemistry |
| 2020 | Patrice Franko – Grossman Professor of Economics; Director of Global Studies Program |
| 2019 | Nikky-Guninder Singh – Crawford Family Professor of Religion |
| 2017 | Raffael Scheck – Audrey Wade Hittinger Katz and Sheldon Toby Katz Professor of History |
| 2016 | Kerill O’Neill – Julian D. Taylor Associate Professor of Classics |
| 2015 | Véronique Plesch – Professor of Art |
| 2014 | Jennifer Finney Boylan – Professor of English |
| 2013 | James Meehan – Wadsworth Professor of Economics |
| 2012 | Janice Kassman – Former Dean of Students |
| 2011 | Parker Beverage – Former Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid |
| 2010 | Jill Gordon – Charles A. Dana Professor of Philosophy |
| 2009 | Joseph R. Reisert – Harriet S. Wiswell and George C. Wiswell Jr. Associate Professor of American Constitutional Law |
| 2006 | Richard J. “Pete” Moss – John J. and Cornelia V. Gibson Professor of History, Emeritus |
| 2005 | L. Sandy Maisel – William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Government |
| 1999 | G. Calvin Mackenzie – The Goldfarb Family Distinguished Professor of American Government |
| 1997 | Charles W. Bassett – Lee Family Professor of American Studies and English, Emeritus |
Honoring distinguished Colby alumni annually at reunion
The Alumni Council Awards Committee is proud to annually present to deserving alumni the Colby Brick Award, Distinguished Alumna/us Award, and other awards such as the Ernest C. Marriner Award for Distinguished Service to the College, the Outstanding Educator Award, the Edson V. Mitchell ’75 Distinguished Service Award, the Blue Key Award, and the Charles W. Bassett Faculty Award. Please select an award below to learn more about the criteria for each award and to see previous award winners.
Blue Key Award
Established in 2013, the Blue Key Award is presented annually, during Reunion Weekend, and recognizes up to four young alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years. This award is presented to young alumni who have distinguished themselves by providing consistent and dedicated service to Colby.
Brick Award
Awarded annually at Reunion Weekend to three to five recipients who are members of the Colby family, not necessarily alumni, who have demonstrated outstanding loyalty to the College through consistent and dedicated service on its behalf.
Distinguished Alumna/us Award
Awarded periodically, preferably annually, at Reunion Weekend to an alumna/us who has achieved unusual distinction in his or her profession or avocation.
Ernest C. Marriner Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented periodically, but not necessarily annually, during Reunion Weekend and recognizes a member of the Colby family (not necessarily an alumnus/a) for exceptional commitment to Colby, demonstrated by lifelong dedication to the support of the College and its goals. The recipient should clearly stand out from others in his or her devoted service to the College.
Outstanding Educator Award
First presented in 1988, this award is presented periodically (but not necessarily annually) to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated exceptional distinction in the classroom. The recipient should be recognized by peers and students as an outstanding teacher or professor who has shown those qualities that most encourage students to learn and that inspire them to continue learning. The award is presented at Reunion Weekend.
Edson V. Mitchell ’75 Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented periodically, but not necessarily annually, during Reunion Weekend to an alumnus or alumna within 25 years of graduation for extraordinary service to Colby as demonstrated by sustained dedication to and leadership in the support of the College and the achievement of its missions and goals.
Charles W. Bassett Faculty Award
First presented in June 1997, this award recognizes a faculty member whose service to alumni programs, through active participation in regional and on-campus events, is extraordinary.