Student Awards

In addition to the many research fellowships that SEES awards students, the program has three prestigious awards of significance. They are awarded in spring and commemorate the accomplishments of the program's top all-around students. The winners are honored at the SEES Dinner & Awards Reception, where we invite back the previous winners of these awards from throughout the years. They represent an impressive and cherished history to the program and we are honored to have been a place they called home. The awards are in name of the program's first two directors, Dr. Paul Hiemenz (1987-1999) & Dr. Barbara Burke (1999-2013), and long-time program coordinator, Dora Andersen (1999-2020).

Dr. Paul C. Hiemenz SEES Award

Students, family and friends of Dr. Paul C. Hiemenz established this award on the occasion of his retirement as a legacy for all the lives he has touched. It honors SEES students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need and qualities of leadership.

Hiemenz Awardees

Dr. Barbara A. Burke SEES Award

As a tribute to the tireless effort of Dr. Barbara A. Burke, an award is established to commemorate her dedication to SEES and the countless people she benefited. It honors students who, during their college career, have contributed significantly to improving and enhancing the SEES program.

Burke Awardees

Dora G. Andersen SEES Award

For Dora Andersen's decades of commitment to the SEES program, an award is founded to honor her contributions to thousands of students in their pursuit of higher education. It honors SEES students who have overcome exceptional barriers in the course of their lives and scholarly journeys.

Andersen Awardees

Dr. Paul C. Hiemenz, founder of the SEES Program, photographed with Hiemenz Award winners from throughout the years. Front (L-R): Eliza Hernandez, Ashley Santiago, Paul C. Hiemenz, Ashley DeLuna, Vanessa Yanez. Back (L-R): David Scianni, Daniel Vallejo, Jere Wilson, Cristian Aguilar.