Exemplary students can be nominated for Endowed Labor Awards by labor supervisors. The nomination process occurs in the spring term each year and notice is given through campus e-mail encouraging supervisors to nominate worthy students. Students should also give consideration to the two awards in which they can compete or make nominations for. They are described at the bottom of this page. Each endowed award varies in value with some having a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place cash awards disbursements. The total amount awarded in all areas typically total $19,318 and is subject to change depending on the cash value of each endowment. Note: Contact the Labor Office for current amounts being awarded in each area.

Anna Mae and Phyllis Shumaker Labor Award

The Anna Mae and Phyllis Shumaker Labor Award, derived from the endowed E. R. Brann Fund, was named in 2004 to honor two sisters who served Berea College for many years and were devoted to the students who worked in their offices. Anna Mae worked in the Treasurer’s Office while Phyllis worked in the Registrar’s Office. Mrs. Helen Brann requested changing the Helen Brann Prize as an opportunity to celebrate the student labor program at Berea and to honor the service and dedication of the Shumakers as a symbol of all other workers on campus.

Eligibility: Recipient(s) must be graduating senior(s).

Criteria: Recipient(s) have demonstrated in office work.

High levels of responsibility
Dependability
Self-motivation and initiative
Enthusiasm about work
High quality of work

Danforth Creative Effort Prizes

Danforth Creative Effort Prizes were awarded many years from gifts provided by Mr. William H. Danforth for creative ideals in some field of labor at Berea College. In 1968, the Danforth Foundation provided an endowment of $7,500, the income from which is used for the Danforth Creative Effort Prizes. The ideas must be original, tried in the program, and save more money than they cost. These prizes honor students whose products of imagination and effort have importance and impact beyond the worker’s span of time at Berea.

Todd, Russell I Award

In 1966, Dr. Russell Todd spoke at Labor Day on the topic of “Wise use of Leisure Time.” He established this award at that time to honor the student who makes the most of their leisure time. The award was endowed in 1988.

Evans, Wilson and Ellen Best – Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

William B. Evans established this award in 2000. The award is given to two students (one male, one female) who have performed above and beyond the requirements of their labor positions. The student should exemplify the Learning Goals of the Labor Program and make the department environment an enjoyable place to work. Historically, this award was given to students who had worked the most hours and earned the most money.

The William R. Ramsay Horizon Award

This award was established to honor William Ramsay’s vision of labor and learning at Berea College. It recognizes a first-year student who enthusiastically embraces the Labor Programas an integral component of Berea’s mission and whose work demonstrates great potential for the future. Recipients are presented with a copy of Shannon Wilson’s book Berea College: An Illustrated History.

Student Employee of the Year

This award is given to a student nominated by their supervisor, who shows characteristics in the following areas: reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, uniqueness of contribution. The student who wins this award is nominated by Berea College for the MASEA Student Employee of the Year.

For Students ONLY

Labor Day Photography Contest

This award was created to encourage students to “take a different look” at labor. Any photograph showing Berea College labor is eligible. However, submissions that aren’t Berea College labor related will not be eligible. Only two submissions per student will be accepted. All students must provide their name and B# on the back of the photograph. Digital copies are preferred.

The winning entry may be used for Labor Program Office purposes printed materials, and the three finalists are displayed in the Labor Program Office. The award is funded by the James N. and Leila Cranford Hardy Fund.

Labor Supervisor of the Year

Members of the student body are asked to submit recommendations for the Outstanding Labor Supervisor on campus for the year 2021-2022. The award and/or awards will be presented in the form of a gift certificate and plaque. Nomination criteria is detailed via an email and hard copies sent to the Student Body.