Presidential High-Impact Learning Experience Awards

To commemorate the Inauguration of SU President Dr. Carolyn R. Lepre, the Lepre family has established these awards in honor of Dr. Lepre’s mother, Jaquelyn H. Ringer and Mr. Todd Lepre’s mother, Nancy L. Hamner, who both were staunch supporters of education during their lives and believed that everyone deserved an opportunity to learn.

High-impact practices (HIPs) are educational experiences that enhance learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They typically require significant time and commitment, promote meaningful interactions with faculty and/or the community, and provide exposure to diverse perspectives (AAC&U, 2024).

The vision behind these awards is rooted in unveiling the transformative power of high-impact practices in education. These practices encompass a wide array of immersive experiences, including service learning, study abroad, undergraduate research and internships. The goal of the funding is to provide deserving students with financial support needed to embark on these enriching journeys. In honoring the legacies of two remarkable women, the Presidential High-Impact Experience Awards not only exemplifies the enduring spirit of education but also provides tangible resources for students to thrive.

High-impact areas:
1. Student Travel – funds to support attendance at a professional conference to present results of original research.
2. Student Opportunity – funds to subsidize costs of participating in internships, study abroad or mentored research or creative projects.
3. Graduate School Access – funds to defray the costs associated with the graduate school search, application, and selection process.
4. Honors College Leadership – support for leadership opportunities as well as research and conference presentations by Clarke Honors College students

Minimum Qualifications:
- 3.0 GPA
- Full-time degree seeking undergraduate or graduate student
- Must be nominated by a faculty member
Please do not apply to this opportunity unless you have been nominated by a Faculty member