These awards recognize students who have made outstanding contributions to the Rensselaer community through their academic, athletic, and service efforts. They are honored for their commitment, diligence, and the lasting influence they've had on campus and beyond.
Awards
This award is given to an engineering student of high scholastic ability, who has demonstrated leadership potential.
The Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson CLASS (Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students) Award recognizes a graduating senior who as a leader exemplifies the ability to solve complex challenges through intellectual agility, multicultural sophistication, and a global view. The student must demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, possess an excellent academic record, and have created a positive impact on the community.
Previous Award Winners
- Zara Wiest '24
- Aditi Patel '23
- Chevy Chen ‘22
- Geetika Verma '21
- Zachariah Spurrier '20
- Vishrudh Gopalakrishnan '20
- Mallory Elizabeth Gaspard '19
The Frederick M. Nussbaum Class of 1930 Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteerism is granted to an outstanding senior Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) student in recognition of their volunteer activities at Rensselaer and civic involvement in bettering the community in and around Rensselaer performed during their junior year.
Previous Award Winners
- Everst Ji Orloff '23
- Katrina Ann Bliss '22
- Smriti Moorjani '21
- Rebecca May Nungesser '20
- Kira L. Bombay '19
The Leopold L. Balleisen Prize was established by Donald H. Balleisen in memory of his father, a graduate of the Class of 1918, in 1976. It is presented to a senior who has won a varsity letter in at least one sport during two of his or her undergraduate years and of those thus qualified, stands highest academically in his or her class.
Previous Award Winners
- Caleb Oswari '24
- Alexander Ryan '23
- Joshua Kerpsack ’22
- Connor Wooding ’22
- Harrison Bass '21
- Trevor Blake Maxfield '20
- Mikaela Mary DiBello '19
Established by Clay P. Bedford, the prize is given in memory of Livingston Waddell Houston, 11th president of Rensselaer. It is awarded to a student who, in the opinion of a committee is considered the "First Citizen of the College." The recipient must rank high in character, leadership, scholarship, and athletic ability. Should no student qualify for the prize in any one year, the funds available for the prize may be used for related purposes as determined by the Board of Trustees.
Previous Award Winners
- Amanda Rampado '24
- Hannah Price '23
- George M Arinopoulos G ’21
- Olivia Jackson '21
- Meghan A. Lettko '20
- Lovisa Naima Selander '19
The award recognizes the leadership and academic merit of underrepresented graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at Rensselaer. This award is given to one Black, Latinx, Native American (or multi-racial) graduating senior and one continuing student who has exhibited service and leadership to the Institute and their community while maintaining outstanding academic performance.
Previous Award Winners
- Makenna Noel '25
- Jeda Coward '24
- Bennard Amponsah '24
- Karina Sandoval '23
- Fiona Clark '23
- Mauricio Ibarra-Towle '23
- Nampoina Randrianarivel '23
- Austin Charles G ’22
- Samuel Harrison '22
- Austin Charles '22
- Kierra Wilk '21
- Justina Thompson '20
- Talei Tandra Moore '20
- Jennifer Rico-Varela '19
Established by Rensselaer Professor Bimal K. Malaviya and his siblings in honor of their parents, the award recognizes a graduating student who best exemplifies sustained excellence and selflessness in the service to others during their academic career.
Previous Award Winners
- David Tzorfas '24
- Neha Keshan '23
- Savita Angira ’22
- Lisa Sulmasy '21
- Talei Tandra Moore '20
- Alyssabeth Marlene Tremblay '19
Established in 1981 by the Rensselaer Union, the award is in honor of William P. (Willie) Stanton, Class of 1972 (hon.), a dishwasher and cook who served the academic and social needs of Rensselaer students for over 45 years. His support of Rensselaer athletics and activities earned him the nickname "Mr. RPI." Willie was a person who was always there to help anyone who needed a kind word, or a small favor, and he did so in a quiet, unassuming manner. This award is presented annually to the senior who is judged to have contributed the most in service to the student body, in much the same way.
Previous Award Winners
- Briana Deleon ’24
- Gerald T. Osborne ’23
- Aloni Jordon ’22
- Harrison Bass ’21
- Marvin Rios ’21
- Sruja Machani ’20
- Emily Stillickas ’20
- David Francis Raab ’19