About the Sibberson Award
Each semester, Washburn University honors its top graduating seniors with one of its most prestigious recognitions—the Sibberson Award. Established through the generosity of Erna and Gretchen O.A. Sibberson, this award celebrates the highest-achieving students across four major academic areas: the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, and the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing.
Recipients are selected from among the top-ranking seniors who completed their degrees in the most recent academic year. Presented during spring and fall commencement ceremonies, the Sibberson Award not only recognizes academic excellence—it comes with a significant monetary gift to help launch what's next.
Please note: Law, graduate, and associate degree recipients are not eligible for this undergraduate honor.
Spring 2025 Sibberson Award Recipients
Student Eligibility
Eligible students will be personally notified by the President if they qualify for consideration. Those who complete the application process will be named Sibberson Finalists and honored during their commencement ceremony.
Finalists are carefully reviewed by the Sibberson Award Committee, which selects one recipient from each academic area prior to graduation. Award Recipients are announced live during the ceremony-making it a truly unforgettable moment of recognition.
To be eligible to apply for the Sibberson Award, a student must
- be graduating from an undergraduate program leading to a baccalaureate degree
- be completing a first baccalaureate degree
- be completing a minimum of 60 credit hours at Washburn
- have completed an application for graduation with the Registrar's Office
- have attained a 4.0 grade point average and/or be among the top 3 highest-ranking students in terms of GPA among the graduating class
- be present at commencement to receive the award
- agree to have name, photo, and biographical information used in publicity by Washburn
Applications will be reviewed by a panel that consists of the dean from each undergraduate college/school; a faculty member appointed by the dean from each undergraduate college/school, the Vice-President of Student Life, the Vice-President for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success, and the Provost.
Criteria for selection includes:
- Academic excellence, including GPA; academic honors; awards and/or scholarships that recognize scholarly achievements; completion of research projects, conference presentations, and/or publications
- Personal and professional development, including exhibiting resilience, adaptability and a commitment to personal growth through academic, personal and professional experiences
- Community service and involvement, including engaging in volunteer work or community service that demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility
