RIT Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship Awards programs

In 1976, RIT honored the first Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship Awards to thirty-two students. The number of awards given each year varies, but is not to exceed 1% of the previous fall quarters full time student enrollment. Honorees must maintain a grade point average of 3.85, and have completed 125 quarter credit hours. Creative work, service on student committees, civic activities, employment, and independent research are also encouraged. Each Institute college can nominate students with final awards chosen by a selection committee. Committee members are named by the deans of each college.

Honorees are designated RIT Scholars. Each receives a bronze medallion designed by Hand Christensen, renowned silversmith and former professor in RIT's School for American Craftsmen. According to the award program for 1976, "Professor Christensen was the youthful recipient of two medallions for excellence in silver design and execution from the King of Denmark. His memory of this special event in his own life became the genesis for RIT's bronze medallion....Christensen chose traditional symbols for wisdom and respect- the Athenian owl and the olive branch- as images for the medallion."