The Derek Canfield Barker Prize
Nominations for The 2008 Derek Canfield Barker Prize are due March 31, 2008.
The Derek Canfield Barker Prize was established in 1994 through a gift from Richard C. Barker '57 and Abbie D. Paterson '57 in memory of their son. The purpose of the Prize is to recognize students at Brown who have shown qualities of leadership, who have triumphed over adversity, and who have worked to bring the Brown community together through community service.
2007 Barker Prize Recipients
Annesley O’Neal ‘08: During Annesley's three years at Brown, she has studied human biology, was the starting point guard for Brown’s Ivy championship basketball team, and served as student government class officer. She is a founding member of Makin’ Moves, an organization that mentors high school students through tutoring, SAT preparation, leadership development and basketball skill building.
Eric Rodriguez ’08: A transfer student, Eric has displayed exemplary leadership and community building skills in many ways at the Swearer Center and at Brown. An international relations concentrator, he has provided guidance and support to students interested in community work, and participated in community-based programs including Operation Happy Birthday and Go! Kids. In addition, Eric is part of Brown Outdoor Leadership (BOLT), as a leader in training.
Prize Criteria
Two prizes of $4,500 are awarded annually at commencement to one male student and one female student who is completing his/her junior year and who:
- has successfully overcome obstacles of a learning, economic or personal nature;
- has demonstrated commitment to building community on campus and to building strong ties between campus and the larger community;
- has demonstrated leadership among his/her peers;
- has demonstrated understanding of the purpose and meaning of his/her chosen work; and
- has demonstrated commitment to service to others.
To qualify for the Barker Prize students must have participated in a sport at Brown (it may be on a team or intramural level). Students do not have to be receiving financial aid to qualify for the prize. Students do not have to have top grades but must demonstrate that they have worked to the best of their ability.
Nominations
Nominations must include a letter of nomination from a member of the University faculty or staff and an essay by the nominated student. Both the nomination letter and student essay should address the criteria listed above. While faculty or administrators are the official nominators for the prizes, students are encouraged to approach faculty for nomination to this prize.
Nominations should be addressed to Claudia DeCesare, Assistant Director, Swearer Center for Public Service, Box 1974, 25 George Street. The next nomination deadline is March 31, 2008.