Each year, the Graduate School presents several major awards at Notre Dame Commencement. These include the James A. Burns, C.S.C. Award, the Director of Graduate Studies Award, the Graduate Administrative Staff Member Award, and the Distinguished Graduate Alumnus Award. Last year, the Graduate School also conferred the inaugural Notebaert Award.
Laura Carlson presents last year’s James A. Burns, CSC Award to Patrick Griffin
The James A. Burns, C.S.C. Award
The James A. Burns, C.S.C. Award is given annually to a faculty member for distinction in graduate teaching or for another exemplary contribution to graduate education, such as building or developing a graduate program, or securing training grants to fund graduate students.
In 2017, the Burns Award recognized Patrick Griffin, the Madden-Hennebry Professor of History and Director of the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies. Past Burns Awardees may be found here.
Department chairs, academic deans, faculty colleagues, and students are invited to submit a nomination for the Burns Award. Nomination forms are open through December 19, 2017: Burns Nomination Form.
Laura Carlson presents last year’s Director of Graduate Studies Award to Peter Cholak
The Director of Graduate Studies Award
The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) Award recognizes a DGS who has had a significant impact on the program he or she serves.
In 2017, Peter Cholak of Mathematics received this award. In his role as DGS, he has dedicated himself to recruitment and to fostering a community dynamic. He has also been an enthusiastic proponent of external funding, encouraging his students towards competitive fellowships. Past DGS Awardees may be found here.
Department chairs, academic deans, faculty colleagues, and students are invited to submit a nomination for the DGS Award. Nomination forms are open through December 19, 2017: DGS Nomination Form.
Laura Carlson presents last year’s Graduate Administrative Staff Member Award to Nadia Casas.
The Graduate Administrative Staff Member Award
The Graduate Administrative Staff Member Award honors an individual who has provided meaningful contributions to the program he or she serves. These have included increasing efficiency of student processes, implementing new technologies or systems, spearheading innovative recruiting practices, engaging in professional development opportunities, and fostering a welcoming community for graduate students.
The 2017 recipient is Nadia Casas, the Academic Program Administrator for the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Past Awardees may be found here.
Associate Deans, academic deans, department chairs, and Directors of Graduate Studies are eligible to submit a nomination for the Graduate Administrative Staff Member Award. Nomination forms are open through December 19, 2017: Grad Admin Nomination Form.
Laura Carlson presents last year’s Distinguished Alumnus Award to Augusto de la Torre.
The Distinguished Graduate Alumnus/Alumna Award
The Distinguished Graduate Alumnus/Alumna Award is presented to a Notre Dame Graduate School alumnus or alumna who has distinguished him or herself in scholarly or research pursuits, enriching either the Notre Dame community or society at large.
The 2017 award was presented to Augusto de la Torre, a 1985 doctoral graduate of Notre Dame. De la Torre served as the World Bank’s Chief Economist for Latin America, following roles as President of Ecuador’s Central Bank, and economist for the International Monetary Fund. Today he is an Adjunct Professor in Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs.
Faculty members, department chairs, and Directors of Graduate Studies are eligible to submit a nomination for the Distinguished Graduate Alumnus/Alumna Award. Nomination forms are open through December 19, 2017: Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award Nomination Form.
Laura Carlson presents the first-ever Notebaert Award to Matthew Capdevielle.
The Notebaert Award
Last year, the Graduate School presented the inaugural Notebaert Award, which honors a faculty member or administrator who has had a significant influence on graduate studies or graduate student development.
Last year’s recipient was Matthew Capdevielle, the Director of the University Writing Center. Capdevielle has been a champion of graduate student professional development, collaborating across campus to develop innovative training and mentoring opportunities.
Faculty members, Directors of Graduate Studies, and administrators who have a professional affiliation with a nominee are invited to submit a nomination for the Notebaert Award. Nomination forms are open through December 19, 2017: Notebaert Nomination Form.