This award is presented annually by the sociology faculty to the senior who has made the greatest overall contribution to the sociology program. It is named after Dr. C. Randolph Benson, noted scholar on sociological theory and long-time chairperson of this sociology department. Recognition is given at the spring honors banquet and at commencement.

A prize awarded annually to a senior sociology major who is a member of Alpha Kappa Delta and who most exemplifies the objective of AKD: "to Promote an interest in the study of sociology, research or social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition.

A prize awarded annually to a senior sociology major who has contributed significantly to the local community through work in social services, social justice, and community issues.

A prize awarded annually to a senior whose work has most outstanding in the health care delivery concentration. The minimum grade point average is 3.2.

A prize awarded annually to a senior whose work has been most outstanding in the information analysis concentration. The minimum grade point average is 3.2.

The following is a list of paper and award competitions for which sociology majors are eligible. Majors are encouraged to consider entering these competitions. More information can be obtained from any sociology faculty member.

• Roanoke College Guy Eckman Award for Independent Study: Two awards of $200.00 each presented for the outstanding independent studies conducted during the academic year. Entry: Express interest to a faculty member by April 1. Papers must be submitted to Dr. Ronda Carpenter by Reading Day in spring semester.
  
• Roanoke College Henry H. Fowler Student Public Policy Paper Competition: Awards of $1,500, $1,000, and $500 (or twice those amounts in scholarship form) presented for the outstanding 20 to 50 page paper addressing any local, state, national, or international public policy issue. Entry: Intent to submit a paper must be made to Dr. C. William Hill by February 1, and papers are due by April 1.
  
• Roanoke College Alpha Kappa Delta and International Alpha Kappa Delta Student Paper Competition: A certificate and possible nomination for the international competition presented for the outstanding sociological (empirical, theoretical, or critical review of a body of literature) paper (20 page maximum) submitted by an AKD member. Entry: Papers must be submitted by April 1. Prizes in international competition are: $500, $250, and $100 and possible publication in Sociological Inquiry.
  
• Virginia Social Science Association Student Essay Competition: A year's membership in the VSSA and an opportunity to present the paper at the annual meeting of the VSSA and consideration for publication in the Virginia Social Science Journal presented for the outstanding paper (20 page maximum) addressing a significant topic in social science. Entry: Papers must be submitted by January 10.
  
• Southern Sociological Society Odum Award Competition: A $100 cash award presented for the outstanding sociology paper written by an undergraduate student. Nomination must be made by a faculty member. Entry: Papers must be submitted by October 30.

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