Outstanding Bachelor of Science in Public Health Senior Award

Each year, the Department of Population Health Sciences honors one outstanding senior from the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program. The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding undergraduate student achievement in the Public Health program in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

This student is recognized and celebrated at the Public Health Graduation and Awards Reception and is awarded a special graduation stole to wear at the BSPH and University Commencement ceremonies. 

Faculty and staff can send nominations to Katie Cross by February 23, 2024. Students are encouraged to self-nominate and all nominated students should submit their documentation to kcross@vt.edu by March 1, 2024.  

The selection criteria are as follows:

1. All candidates must be seniors scheduled to graduate May 2024, Summer 2024, or December 2024 (a minimum of 96 hours must be completed).
2. All candidates must have a GPA of 3.4 or higher based on all work through Fall 2022.
3. No student currently (at the time of nomination or subsequent violation in future terms) on probation as a result of University Honor Code violations is eligible.
4. Applications will be evaluated in the following areas: Service, Leadership, Engagement, and Academic Achievement.

A nomination packet should include the following documentation must be submitted to the Public Health Program by the March 1, 2024 deadline. Materials can be emailed to kcross@vt.edu.

1. Biographical form - to be completed by the student (online form).
2. Student essay- 500 words or less that describes the student’s career goals and aspirations, reflections on their experiences, personal growth and development and the impact of the program, college, university, and community.
3. List of achievements - highlight of student achievements in the following areas, describing student’s responsibility for each activity. Three-page maximum:
   1. SERVICE: Nominees should provide outstanding contributions and service to the Virginia Tech community, Blacksburg community, and beyond. How have you demonstrated the spirit of "Ut Prosim" in service to the Virginia Tech community, local community, and beyond?
   2. LEADERSHIP: Nominees should empower others to grow personally and professionally, are focused on providing growth opportunities to peers, and/or may hold leadership positions at work, in school, or in a club/organization. What does leadership mean to you? What leadership positions have you held, perhaps in clubs you joined, a job you held, etc.? Or how have you empowered others to grow personally and professionally?
   3. ENGAGEMENT: Nominees should be involved in organizations both on and off campus. Through engagement in these activities, nominees should have contributed to the growth and development of those organizations during their participation. How have you used your time at Virginia Tech to get involved with activities, causes, and people around you? How have you contributed to the growth and development of activities you've been involved in?
   4. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Nominees must have a minimum 3.4 GPA. Tell us about your academic achievement while at Virginia Tech. Your GPA, your membership in any academic honor societies or clubs, involvement in experiential learning, etc. Have you helped others to succeed academically?

The selection committee will be comprised of 4-6 members from the Department of Population Health Sciences.

Please contact Katie Cross with any questions regarding this opportunity and honor. Complete provided the competed nomination materials to Katie Cross by kcross@vt.edu by March 1, 2024.