Outstanding Students in Graduate Studies

The Association for Faculty Women’s Outstanding Graduate Student Awards recognize the academic achievements and professional potential of WSU’s graduate students. Nominees need no affiliation with the AFW to be nominated. Students of all gender identities may be nominated.

• • The Rigas and Founders Awards are generously funded by voluntary donations from Deans and Chancellors from all Washington State University campuses. The DePauw Award is funded by the WSU Graduate School.
  • The number of awardees and award amounts per year are based on the number and quality of applications received, and value of donations received. These vary greatly each year.
  • Awards are evaluated based on collective accomplishments in research, scholarship, teaching, service, and/or outreach.

The AFW Founders’ Award is presented to an outstanding Master’s student completing the degree in Fall 2025, or Spring or Summer 2026. Both full- and part-time students are eligible. Professional and non-thesis Master’s degree students are not eligible for this award.

The Harriet B. Rigas Award is presented to an outstanding PhD student completing the degree in Fall 2025, or Spring or Summer 2026. Both full- and part-time students are eligible.

The Karen P. DePauw Leadership Award (for doctoral candidates) is awarded in conjunction with the Graduate School. The Graduate School is committed to providing scholarships and fellowships for outstanding graduate students admitted to its academic programs. The scholarships and fellowships provide a valuable structure of financial support to ensure students can enjoy the benefits of a superior academic experience.

The Karen P. DePauw Leadership Award is open to all PhD candidates in good standing who have successfully passed their preliminary examination and have a GPA of at least 3.5. Students must be enrolled either full- or part-time to be eligible for the award. Students cannot receive this award more than once. Priority will be given to applicants with demonstrated leadership components in their research, training, or service contributions.

Previous Recipients