Endowments, Awards, and Memorials

Professorships and Faculty Fellowships

The Connie Abston Chair in Literature was created in 1998 by former trustee Dunbar Abston, Jr. in honor of his wife. Dr. Caki Wilkinson, Associate Professor of English, holds the Abston Chair.

The Winton M. Blount Chair in Social Sciences was provided by the estate of Winton M. Blount, Chair of Rhodes' Board of Trustees 1988-92. Mr. Blount was a former U.S. Postmaster General and founder of Blount, Inc., an international construction firm based in Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. Katie White, Professor of Psychology, currently holds the Blount Chair.

The L. Palmer Brown Chair of Interdisciplinary Humanities supports a professorship in the interdisciplinary course, “The Search for Values in the Light of Western History and Religion.” Professor Miriam Clinton, Professor of Art and Art History, is the current holder of the Interdisciplinary Professorship.

The Neville Frierson Bryan Chair in African-American Literary & Cultural Studies was established in 2002 by former trustee and alumna Neville Frierson Bryan '58 of Chicago.  currently holds the Bryan Chair.

The Mertie Willigar Buckman Chair in International Studies was established in 1990 by trustee Robert H. Buckman to honor his mother. Dr. Nikolaos Zahariadis, Professor of International Studies, holds the Chair.

The Stanley J. Buckman Distinguished Professorship of International Studies, provided by trustee Robert H. Buckman, honors the founder of Buckman Laboratories and longtime friend and trustee of the college. The current occupant is Dr. Amy Risley, Professor of International Studies.

The Lester Crain Chair in Physics was established in 2002 by trustee and alumnus Lester Crain, Jr. '51. Dr. Ann Viano, Associate Professor of Physics, currently holds the Chair.

The Albert Bruce Curry Professorship of Religious Studies was provided and sustained by Second Presbyterian Church of Memphis. Dr. Patrick Gray, Professor of Religious Studies, is the current Curry Professor.

The Elizabeth G. Daughdrill and James H. Daughdrill, Jr. Professorships were provided by the Rhodes Board of Trustees in 1998 to recognize President and Mrs. Daughdrill's exemplary leadership and service to the college for 25 years. Dr. Vanessa Rogers, Associate Professor of Music, is the current occupant of the Elizabeth G. Daughdrill Chair. The James H. Daughdrill, Jr. Chair is held by Dr. Larryn Peterson, Associate Professor of Chemistry.

The F. Elaine Donelson '59 Chair in Psychology allows for the creation of a department chair in Psychology.

The E. C. Ellett Professorship of Mathematics and Computer Science was created by Edward Coleman Ellett, Class of 1888. Dr. Erin Bodine is the current Ellett Professor.

The Fulmer Chair in Political Science for U.S. Presidential Studies was established in 2005 by Arthur Fulmer and the late Nancy Hill Fulmer '51, Rhodes trustee, to support work in the Department of Political Science. Dr. Michael Nelson, Professor of Political Science, currently holds the Fulmer Chair.

The Charles R. Glover Professorship of English Studies was provided by Mrs. Charles R. Glover and is occupied by Amy Benson, Associate Professor of English.

The William Randolph Hearst Endowed Teaching Fellowship for Graduate Students supports teaching fellows at Rhodes as they complete their dissertations. 

The Ralph C. Hon Chair in Economics was provided by alumni who studied under Dr. Hon during his tenure as Professor of Economics. Dr. Courtney Collins, Assistant Professor of Economics, currently holds the Chair.

The Joseph R. Hyde, III Professorship of Political Economy is an annually-funded position established in 2010 in the Department of Economics to support the study of Political Economy. It is provided by the J.R. Hyde, III Family Foundation and other anonymous donors. Dr. Shameel Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Economics, is the current occupant.

The Robert D. McCallum Distinguished Professorship of Economics and Business was funded by the late Robert D. McCallum, Chairman Emeritus, Valmac Industries, Inc. and life trustee of Rhodes. Dr. Nick McKinney, Professor of Economics, is the current occupant.

The J. J. McComb Professorship of History was provided by Mr. J. J. McComb and is occupied by Dr. Etty Terem, Professor of History.

The Irene and J. Walter McDonnell Chair in Greek and Roman Studies was established by trustee Michael McDonnell in memory of his parents. Dr. Kenny Morrell, Associate Professor of Ancient Mediterranean Studies, is the current occupant.

The Virginia Ballou McGehee Professorship of Muslim-Christian Relations was established by James E. McGehee, Jr. and Virginia Ballou McGehee '46 in 2007. Dr. John Kaltner is the current occupant of the McGehee Chair.

The W. J. Millard Professorship of Religious Studies was provided by his friends at Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Memphis and honors the late senior minister of the church. Prof. Brooke Schedneck, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, is the current holder of the Millard Professorship.

The Plough Professor of Urban Studies was provided by an endowment grant from the Plough Foundation. Dr. Elizabeth Thomas, Associate Professor of Psychology, is the current holder of this Professorship.

James T. and Valeria B. Robertson Chair in Biological Science was established in 2005 by James T. Robertson '53 and Valeria B. Robertson to support teaching and research in biology and related areas. Prof. Jonathan FitzGerald, Associate Professor of Biology, holds the Robertson Chair.

The James D. Robinson Chair in Economics and Business Administration was established in 2004 by Martha Robinson to honor a professor in the chemistry, business or economics department. Dr. Kelly Weeks, Associate Professor of Business is the current holder of this Chair.

The James F. Ruffin Professorship of Art and Archaeology was established by the late James F. Ruffin, Jr., founder and operator of Ruffin’s Imports and Interiors of Memphis. His mark can be found all around the Rhodes campus as well as the President’s home. The holder of the Ruffin Professorship is Victor Coonin, Professor of Art and Art History.

The J. S. Seidman Fellowship in International Studies is supported by the estate of Rhodes trustee P. K. Seidman. Dr. Esen Kirdis, Associate Professor of International Studies currently holds this Fellowship.

The P. K. Seidman Distinguished Professorship of Political Economy was provided by Robert H. Buckman and the late Mertie W. Buckman, in honor of their friend, the late P. K. Seidman. Dr. Steve Ceccoli, Associate Professor of International Studies is the current P.K. Seidman Distinguished Professor.

The Irma O. Sternberg Chair in History was established in 2012 with a gift from Mrs. Sternberg’s estate. Dr. Tim Huebner is the first holder of this Chair.

The Van Vleet Fellowship was provided by The Van Vleet Foundation. The Fellowship, occupied by Dr. Brent Hoffmeister, Professor of Physics, provides for student research and strengthens the Physics Department.

The Robert R. Waller Chair in Population Health, named for trustee Dr. Bob Waller, was established in 2017 to provide leadership and community for Urban Studies majors with a concentration in Urban and Community Health. Dr. Kendra Hotz, Associate Professor of Urban Studies, is the current Chair.

The R. A. Webb Professorship of Religious Studies was provided by a friend of the college. Dr. Sarah Rollens, Associate Professor of Religious Studies is the current Webb Professor.

The Spence L. Wilson Distinguished Chair in Humanities was established by trustee Spence L. Wilson, his wife Rebecca Webb Wilson, and the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation. 

The T. K. Young Professorship of English Literature was established by Idlewild Presbyterian Church in 1955 in honor of their senior minister. Dr. Leslie Petty, Associate Professor of English, currently holds the Young Chair.

Special Funds

The Frank and Marjo Benton Student Travel Fund was created in 2012 by Marjo and Frank Benton P'13 to support Math and Computer Science students when they attend professional meetings and conferences.

The Booth Cody Dortch Quinn Endowment for the Humanities was created in 2013 by Joan and John Quinn '58. The endowment will help bring nationally recognized leaders to campus to create special learning opportunities that will provide the foundation for community-wide dialogue.

The Boyle Endowment for the Study of Liberal Democracy was provided in 2008 by trustee J. Bayard Boyle, Jr. and his family. It is housed in the Department of Political Science to encourage and support teaching and research concerning the nature of constitutional government and the sources, principles, and practice of the institution of liberal democracy.

The Rosanna Cappellato Memorial Fund was established in 2013 through the estate of Rosanna Capellato and gifts from her friends.

The Charles P. Cobb '44 Endowment for Music, established in 2011 through his estate, provides discretionary funding for the Music Department to be used with the approval of the Dean of the Faculty. The Cobb Endowment may provide student fellowships or other support for the teaching and learning of music.

The Crain Family Counseling Support Fund was established to benefit student counseling at Rhodes in order to meet the emotional needs of our students.

The Patricia Weaver Lawrence '50 Endowed Music Fund, established by bequest of the estate of William S. and Patricia W. Lawrence, is intended to be used for the purchase of musical instruments, musical instruction, or musical performances.

Initiated in January 2023, the Mallory Gymnasium Floor Naming and Improvement Project was funded by multiple generous donors to rename the Mallory Gymnasium basketball floor in honor of Coach Herbert Hilgeman.

The Mike Curb Institute for Music was founded in 2006 by Mike and Linda Curb through the Mike Curb Family Foundation to foster awareness and understanding of the distinct musical traditions of the South and to study the effect music has had on its culture, history, and economy. Through the areas of preservation, research, leadership, and civic responsibility, the Institute provides support for faculty and facilitates opportunities for students to experience learning outside the classroom In partnership with the community.

The Pete Ekstrom Faculty Development Fund in Anthropology and Sociology was established in 2006 by an anonymous alumna. It will provide support for faculty to direct and mentor a student, pursue collaborative research, or develop enhancements to their programs. The chair of the department will determine the use of these funds.

The Jack D. Farris Visiting Writers Series was established in 2002 by a bequest from the Kathleen McClain '74 as a memorial to her beloved teacher, mentor and friend, Professor Jack D. Farris. Each year the Department of English will host published writers for readings and lectures.

The Julia Johnson Garrett '01 Library Collection Endowment was established in her honor by her parents, Edith H. and James R. Garrett, in 2001. Funds from the endowment are used to purchase rare or other books in the field of Art History, rare or other books in the field of Religious Studies, books in the field of Early Childhood Education, or if there is no need in those areas, where the need is greatest.

The Martin-Kragh Faculty Development Fund for Biology and Chemistry was established in 2006 by former Rhodes trustee J. Stephen Martin and his late wife, Nancy Kragh Martin, parents of Stuart '08, to provide support for faculty in biology and chemistry to direct and mentor a student, pursue collaborative research, or develop enhancements to their programs.

The Meeman Endowed Support Fund, provided by the estate of Mr. George B. Long, Jr., was established in 2023 to support the Meeman Center for Lifelong Learning.

The Michaelcheck Endowment for Faculty Support was created in 2000 by Rhodes Board Chair William J. Michaelcheck '69 and his wife Pam to provide funds for travel by faculty members to support their research and other academic endeavors.

The Julian C. Nall '43 and Family Endowment for Faculty Support was established in 2011 by Julian C. Nall '43 and his family. It supports faculty professional development to help achieve career goals and better mentor students.

The Herta and Walter Nelson Library Fund was created by Professor Michael Nelson in 1992 and named in honor of his parents. The fund was established to purchase faculty authored books for the Paul Barret, Jr. Library collection.

The Overend Endowment for Film Studies was created through the generosity of an alumnus in 2001. It provides support for guest speakers, films, books, and equipment purchases related to film studies.

The Iris A. Pearce Shakespeare Endowment was established in 2007 through the estate of Dr. Pearce '42. The endowment is used to enhance and enrich courses in Shakespeare, to provide guest speakers or visiting Shakespeare scholars and to fund research in the teaching of Shakespeare.

Established in 2024 by Dr. Morris T. Reagan '60 in memory of his mother, The Louise Taylor Reagan Endowed Music Fund provides for and/or offsets the cost of the Music Department hosting an annual concert by professional musicians or musical groups.

The Rhodes Athletic Equipment Fund was established in 2013 in honor of Mike Clary '77 by Dr. and Mrs. James H. Daughdrill.

Rhodes CARES (Center for Academic Research and Education through Service), funded by a $6 million grant from the Robert and Ruby Priddy Charitable Trust of Wichita Falls, Texas, exists to strengthen undergraduate research and service tied to scholarship. The center encompasses programs such as Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies, Rhodes St. Jude Summer Plus research program, and Rhodes Learning Corridor. It also provides aid to students who have demonstrated experience in and commitment to community service.

The Rhodes Theatre Guild Fund was established in 2023 to provide financial support to the Rhodes Theatre Guild.

The Richardson Endowment for the Arts was established by the late Kathleen Richardson in 2007. It provides support for Arts programs that foster leadership, vision, communications and innovation for future leaders in the fine arts.

The James R. Riedmeyer Collection was established in 1987 by Mr. Riedmeyer, then Senior Vice President, Federal Express Corporation. It is used to purchase books and periodicals in aviation, transportation, and communication.

The Riley Discretionary Endowment for Barret Library was created in 1998 by Dr. Robert I. Bourne, Jr. '54 and Anne Riley Bourne '54 in loving memory of Rev. Robert Quitman Riley, Class of 1894 (Anne’s grandfather); John Riley, Class of 1926 (Anne’s father); and Maclin Broadnax Riley, Class of 1930 (Anne’s uncle). It provides funds to be used at the discretion of the Director of Barret Library.

The Charles Robertson '65 Endowment for Student Research and Engagement in Physics was established in 2007 by Charles Robertson '65 to support research fellowships for students to work with Rhodes physics faculty. It will also support the students in activities that will engage them in the physics community and the community at large. Recipients are selected through an annual competitive application process.

The Jack U. Russell Collection was established in 1986 in his memory by his son Mark Russell. The Russell Collection is used to enhance the mathematics collection in honor of Dr. Russell's service at Rhodes as Professor of Mathematics 1954-1981.

The Ruyl Family Fellowship in Global History is the Department of History's premier experience for students majoring in History.  It was established by Marci McTier to allow a rising junior or senior to explore any aspect of global history, broadly defined.

The Herb Smith Endowment was established in 2010 to support Meeman Center classes that had been taught by Herb Smith, most notably “The Art of Conscious Living.”

The Paul Snodgrass '46 Endowment for the Arts was established through his estate. It provides support for the Arts programs that foster leadership, vision, communications and innovation for future leaders in the fine arts.

The Helen Stauffer Memorial Library Fund was established in 2006 to provide funds to benefit the Paul Barret, Jr. Library.

The Irma Sternberg Faculty Support Fund in American History was established in 2009 through the estate of Irma Sternberg to support research and teaching in American history.

The Lynne and Henry Turley Memphis Center includes a range of institutes, programs and initiatives focused on the human experience of the Memphis and Mid-South region.

The White Family Regional Studies Endowment was created in 2007 through a bequest of John White '67. It supports students studying history through the Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies. Students selected for this opportunity are chosen through a competitive proposal process reviewed by the faculty of the institute.

The Spence Wilson Faculty Support in Religious Studies Endowment was established in 2012 by Spence L. Wilson, former Chair and current member of the Rhodes Board of Trustees. The recipient is Dr. Steven L. McKenzie.

Art Collections

The Robert I. and Anne Riley Bourne Collection was given in 1998 by the Bournes, both members of the Class of 1954. The photographic prints represent the work of distinguished photographer Edward J. Curtis and document life of Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest, circa 1905. Selected prints are periodically displayed in the Clough-Hanson Gallery and are used for teaching.

The Jessie L. Clough Art Memorial for Teaching was given to Rhodes in 1953 by sisters Floy and Etta Hanson in memory of their friend and first art teacher. The collection of Asian woodcut prints, porcelains, fabrics, and other objects forms the basis of the college's teaching collection. Selected objects are periodically displayed in the Clough-Hanson Gallery.

The Dorothy Seymour Harnden Collection in North American Native Art was given to Rhodes in 1990 in her memory by her husband, the late Robert C. Harnden. The Harnden Collection is on permanent display in Halliburton Tower and Buckman Hall.

The Harvey A. Pankin Collection was given in his memory by his son Jayson D. Pankin of Michigan in 1997. The prints, dating from 1960-80, document many of the styles or movements of those decades, including op art, hard-edged abstractions, figurative art, and photo-realism. Selected prints are periodically displayed in the Clough-Hanson Gallery and are used for teaching.

Awards

The Louise and Ward Archer, Sr. Award for Creativity, given by his late wife and his children, recognizes the student selected as having demonstrated the most creativity at Rhodes. The award honors the memory of Ward Archer, Sr. '39, founder of Ward Archer & Associates, now the public relations firm Archer/Malmo, and his wife Louise Thompson Archer '44, whose early career was in the advertising field in New York.

The Mac Armour Physics Fellows were established in 2015 in memory of Mac Armour '16 by Meri and Donald Armour.

The Anne Howard Bailey '45 Prize for Creative Writing was established by the estate of Anne Howard Bailey '45 in 2009 and given annually for excellence and merit in Creative Writing.

The J. Allen Boone '71 Award was established in 2013 by Dr. and Mrs. James H. Daughdrill. It is awarded to the Most Outstanding Student in Accounting.

The William Bruce '11 Award for Outstanding Paper in Art History was created in 2013 by Louise and Mike Bruce P'11 in memory of their son. This award is determined based on the review of student papers each spring by the Art History faculty.

The Pam Church Master of Accounting Award is given annually to the Masters of Accounting student-of-the-year, in honor of former Rhodes faculty member Pam Church.

The Ruth Moore Cobb Award in Instrumental Music was established by the late trustee Charles P. Cobb '44 in honor of his wife. The award is presented annually to the outstanding student instrumentalist in the Music Department as judged by the Music faculty.

The Estelle R. Cone Award is given annually to that student selected for outstanding service in an individual project through the Kinney Program. The award is in memory of Mrs. Cone, who was Kinney Program Director from its founding until 1975.

The Charlie Cook Award for Excellence in Political Science was established in 2013 by Lucy and Charlie Cook P'08. The scholarship is awarded to a senior who shows excellence in Political Science.

The J. Hal Daughdrill Award was established in 1986 by friends of Rhodes with memorial gifts to remember the eighteenth President's father. The award goes to the most valuable player of the football team.

The Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Teaching, established in 1981 by the late Clarence C. Day '52 of Memphis, is given annually to a full-time member of the teaching faculty at Rhodes to recognize excellence in teaching.

The Dean’s Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity was established by the late Clarence C. Day '52 of Memphis in 1981 to recognize a Rhodes faculty member for significant research and/or creative activity which has been brought to fruition in a public form, e.g. scholarly writing, public performances.

The CBIZ MHM Accounting Awards previously known as The Thompson Dunavant PLC Accounting Awards were established by Thompson Dunavant PLC in 2008. One award is given each year to an outstanding junior majoring in commerce and business to provide financial aid during the senior year. A second award is given to an outstanding senior majoring in commerce and business who will enter and use the award for financial aid in the Rhodes' Masters of Science in Accounting program the academic year immediately after graduation.

The Theodore William Eckels International Business Internships were established in 2010 by his wife Betty Eckels, her son Rick Eckels '70 and her daughter-in-law, Rhodes trustee Laila Adams Eckels '71. This internship outside the U.S. at an international business is restricted to deserving rising juniors and seniors majoring in commerce and business or economics with relevant foreign language skills.

The Garrott Award was established in honor of Thomas M. Garrott, III. Chosen by the Political Economy faculty members, this award recognizes a student who has demonstrated excellence in Political Economy.

The Donald J. Gattas Memorial Award is given annually to the student judged to be most outstanding in Middle Eastern Studies.

The Rebecca Rish Gay Most Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year Award was established in 1996 by Dr. and Mrs. James H. Daughdrill, Jr. in memory of her mother.

The Walter E. Gay Most Oustanding Male Athlete of the Year Award was established in 1996 by Dr. and Mrs. James H. Daughdrill, Jr. in honor of her father.

The Mel Grinspan Award for the Outstanding Intern was established in honor of the late Mel G. Grinspan, Professor Emeritus of Economics. The award recognizes a student who exemplifies excellence in achieving significant and measurable credit within the internship program.

The Sally Becker Grinspan Award for Artistic Achievement was established during his lifetime by Professor Emeritus Mel G. Grinspan to honor his wife. It is presented each year to a student majoring in art who produces that piece of art, in any medium, which is selected by a committee of artists and/or art curators as an outstanding creation.

The Michael E. Hendrick '67 Award in Organic Chemistry was established in his memory by his wife Martha S. Laurie '69 and their friends. It provides a summer stipend for outstanding students to conduct research in the field of organic chemistry.

The Ralph C. Hon Leadership Award recognizes a senior Commerce and Business major who has the highest achievement in the area of leadership.

The Hunter Award for Excellence in Neuroscience was established in 2006 through the estate of Arthur W. and Doris B. Hunter to recognize graduating neuroscience majors, who have been accepted into a graduate program in neuroscience or a related field, and who have excelled in the classroom and laboratory.

The Wasfy B. Iskander International Internship in Economics was provided by family and friends of the late economics professor. It provides an internship experience outside the U.S. for a rising senior majoring in economics.

The Jameson M. Jones Award for Outstanding Faculty Service continues a practice of recognizing faculty service first started by the Charles E. Diehl Society in 1988. The award, which honors a current faculty member who has rendered exemplary service and provided leadership to the Rhodes community, was provided in 2005 by Rhodes alumnus and trustee, John D. Gladney '74. Dr. Jameson M. Jones '36 served as professor of moral philosophy and dean of the college from 1955 to 1971.

The Jane Donaldson Kepple Writing Prizes are awarded annually to four students for excellence in writing as judged by a committee of faculty members. The awards are given in four categories: Freshman English Essay; Senior English Essay; Poetry, Fiction, and Drama; and Scholarly Essay. These prizes were established in 1985 by Thomas R. Kepple, Jr. in memory of his wife.

The Rose & Solly Korsakov Psychology Award was provided by Allan B. Korsakov '64 to honor his parents’ memory, foresight, wisdom, and sacrifices for their two sons. The Korsakov Award recognizes an outstanding student in the field of psychology.

The Morelle Legg International Internship provides international internship opportunities to outstanding candidates in either the Department of Economics or Business in the summer of their junior year.

The George Lapides Sportsmanship Award was established in 2014 by various donors. It will be awarded every spring at the Rhodes Athletic Banquet to the senior athlete who best exemplifies highest level of sportsmanship.

The Colonel David Henry Likes International Studies Award was established in honor of Colonel Likes by Vernon M. Lester and is granted to an outstanding junior majoring in international studies.

The Freeman C. Marr Track and Field Award is presented annually to the outstanding athlete who best exemplifies dedication to the principles of scholarship and athletics. This award honors Freeman C. Marr '48: athlete, scholar, coach and dedicated alumnus of the college.

The Cynthia Marshall Award was created in 2005 by family and friends of Professor Cynthia Marshall. The award is given to the most deserving senior majoring in English who is pursuing graduate studies in any field in the humanities.

The Robert D. McCallum Competitive Enterprise Award was established by Dr. Ben. W. Bolch, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Business Administration, in honor of the late Robert D. McCallum, a trustee of the college. It is awarded annually to a student who is deemed to have carried out the most significant entrepreneurial activity while at Rhodes.

The Mollie Royall McCord Memorial Prize in Bible was established by a bequest from Mollie R. McCord '36. It goes to a senior or rising senior who has shown promise in this area and is interested in a career as a church minister, missionary or medical missionary.

The Susan Tidball Means Award was created in 1991 to be awarded to a junior student and to assist in underwriting a project in Women's Studies.

The Fred Neal Freshman Prize is awarded to the outstanding student in the interdisciplinary course, “The Search for Values in the Light of Western History and Religion.” It was established by friends of Professor Neal during his lifetime.

The Lynn Nettleton Prize was created by Lynn N. and Olive Allen Hughes in memory of his grandfather and in honor of their daughter, Dixon Presswood Schultz '83. It is awarded to the senior who has written the year's most outstanding paper in economics or business.

The Memphis Panhellenic Association, in its desire to encourage scholarship, presents an award to the sorority woman of the graduating class at Rhodes College having the highest scholastic average for her entire college career.

The John Planchon Award for Excellence in Commerce and Business was established in 2013 by Dr. and Mrs. James H. Daughdrill. It is awarded to the Most Outstanding Student in Business and Commerce.

The Marcus D. Pohlmann Award in Political Science and Mock Trial was established in 2019 in honor of Professor Marcus Pohlmann upon his retirement. The purpose of this annual award is to recognize outstanding senior student achievement in Political Science and Mock Trial.

The Peyton Nalle Rhodes Phi Beta Kappa Award was created by members of the Rhodes Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

The Margaret R. & Rudolf R. Ruyl Award for Religious Studies was established in 1996 by The Ruyl Family Fund in memory of Margaret F. ′61 & Rudolf R. Ruyl. This annual award supports faculty development. 

The Jack U. Russell Awards in Mathematics were established by friends of Professor Jack Russell of Rhodes. They are awarded to outstanding mathematics students selected by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

The Jane Hyde Scott Awards, established by a bequest from Jane Hyde Scott '30, are given to rising seniors for special academic activities in the summer prior to the senior year. Five awards are given annually: The Robert Allen Scott Award in Mathematics, The Joseph Reeves Hyde Award in Religious Studies, The Ruth Sherman Hyde Award in Music, The Margaret Ruffin Hyde Award in Psychology, and The Jeanne Scott Varnell Award in Classical Languages.

The W. O. Shewmaker Memorial Fund was established by alumni and friends in memory of Dr. W. O. Shewmaker, Professor of Bible at Rhodes 1925-41. The income from this fund is used annually for an award of books to the student who attains the highest distinction in the interdisciplinary course, “The Search for Values in the Light of Western History and Religion.”

The Ida LeBlanc “Lee” Smith Foreign Studies Award was established in her memory by her family, friends and classmates. Lee '05 is remembered for her enhancement of her Rhodes experience through participation in the college's British Studies at Oxford program. This award helps to fund a study abroad opportunity for a student who might not otherwise be financially able to undertake such study.

The Spencer Prizes in Greek were established in memory of Mr. H. N. Spencer, Port Gibson, Mississippi. They are awarded to those students in each class who attain the highest distinction. In addition, a prize is awarded to the student who has attained the highest absolute, not merely relative, grade during four years of Greek courses.

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards, a medallion and certificate provided by the New York Southern Society of the City of New York, are awarded to the man and woman students of the graduating class and to one outstanding citizen of the community who best exemplify Mr. Sullivan’s ideals of excellence in character and service to humanity.

The Spence Wilson Faculty International Travel Fund was established in 2007 by the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation in honor of Rhodes trustee Spence L. Wilson. The funds will be used to fund faculty international travel opportunities including but not limited to conducting research outside the U.S.; collaborating with colleagues from throughout the world; traveling to retool or expand our curriculum; presenting papers at international conferences; and taking students abroad.

The Rob Wolcott '93 Endowed Internship was provided by family and friends to support an internship at the Church Health Center in recognition of Rob's commitment to service and health care for the poor and homeless.

The Li Xiuying Memorial Award for Chinese Language Excellence was established by Professor Han Li and Stephen Ceccoli. The award recognizes a student who excels in studying the Chinese language.