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Home > Undergraduate Programs : Stark Award

Stark Award

Background

The Stark Award was created based on a generous donation to the College of Liberal Arts from Dr. Matthew “Matt” Stark, a former professor at the University of Minnesota and former executive director of the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union, among many other prominent roles.

The award recognizes a CLA undergraduate student who has demonstrated “distinguished service, writing, teaching, involvement, or public leadership in one or more of the following areas: civil liberties, civil rights, public education and social justice.” The award is presented at the annual CLA Dean’s List and Exceptional Students Reception and includes a financial award .

Selection Criteria

• CLA undergraduate student in good academic standing. Preference is given to junior and senior level students.
• Student must have demonstrated “distinguished service, writing, teaching, involvement, or public leadership in one or more of the following areas: civil liberties, civil rights, public education and social justice.”
• Student may be nominated by faculty, staff, or a fellow student. Nominated students then submit supplemental materials describing the scope and depth of their engagement. A selection committee reviews each student's materials and chooses a winner and up to four honorable mention recipients.

Forms

• For nominators: Nomination form
• For candidates: Supplemental Materials Form

Timeline for 2012

January	Selection committee comes together. Call for nominations goes out to CLA faculty and staff, and various other campus community members.
March 9	Due date for nominations
By March 15	All nominated students are contacted once a nomination is received and are asked to submit supplemental materials supporting the nomination by March 15.
Week of March 19	Selection committee meets to review nomination letters and supplemental documentation.
Week of March 26	The winning student is notified of his/her selection via letter from the Dean. Honorable mentions may also be recognized.
April 24	The winner and honorable mentions are formally recognized at the CLA Dean's List and Exceptional Students Reception.