The College of St. Scholastica Library started this unique award highlighting academic research for undergraduate students in 2014. Every year, there are around 10 students who submit their A or A- papers, which used at least five outside sources, along with a reflective essay on their research process. Their professors verify their grades, and faculty emeriti are the judges who determine the recipient.
The determining criteria are based on information literacy concepts. The winner is announced at a special ceremony in the Library attended by students, faculty, staff, administration, Sisters, and Friends of the Library. We are grateful to the Friends for sponsoring the cash reward that was $250 and increased to $350 for the tenth anniversary.
Recipients of the Bede award have gone on to amazing graduate schools, careers, and accomplishments. Congratulations!
Venerable Bede by Sister Constantina Kakonyi, SND
Located outside the Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel below the Library
2014 - Marin Eckstrom “’White Death’ in the Pursuit of ‘White Gold’: An Analysis of the Uzbek Cotton Industry Within a Human Rights Framework”
2015 - Paul Wojack “Vaughan Williams, Folksong, and English Musical Identity: Research Needs and Methods”
2016 - Chelsea Silvers “Technological Changes and their Impact on Education”
2017 - Jamie Siemsen “Wittgenstein and the Language of Scientific Discovery”
2018 - Erin Burke "Identification of a Novel A Cluster Noodle17 and an Unknown Cluster Moosethegoose7 Mycobacteriophage Isolated from Forest Soil"
2019 - DyAnna Grondahl “Racism’s Role in Grief: Black Lives Matter and the Impact of Grief on Black Community in America”
2020 - Rose Carpenter “The Importance and Benefits of Music Education”
2021 - Ashley Etter “Willing Paradise: Death, Desire, and Shame in Emily Dickinson’s Poetry”
2022 - Allison Burleson “The Conceptualization of Autism Spectrum Disorder”
2023 - Violet Tessier "Striving for Trauma Informed Healthcare Providers"
in the library classroom
with Library Director Kevin McGrew and Recipient Paul Wojack
with the candidates in the north reading room
with Recipient Jamie Siemsen and her Professor, Steve Ostovich
with the candidates in the north reading room
with Bede Judges Paul Stein and John Schifsky
Rose Carpenter - reception was on Zoom
Ashley Etter - reception was on Zoom
with English Professor Ryan Vine reading his poetry
with Emeritus Professor of Music Shelley Gruskin playing recorder
John Schifsky, English - 2014 to 2023
Lezlie Oachs, English - 2014
Diane Kessler, French - 2014-15
Sister Sarah Smedman, English - 2015-21
Mary Tanner, Nursing - 2016 to present
George Killough, English - 2018
Paul Stein, Chemistry - 2019 to present
Steve Ostovich, Philosophy - 2023
Tom Zelman, English - 2024 to present