The History Department awards the following prizes to outstanding students each year:

Sister Francis d’Assisi Prize in History

The Sister Francis d’Assisi Prize in History is awarded annually by the Mount Saint Vincent University Alumnae Association in honour of the work of Sr. Francis d’Assisi, historian and former president of Mount Saint Vincent. The prize is awarded to the graduating history Major or Honours student judged by the faculty of the Department of History to be the most outstanding of her class. A cash prize awarded by the Alumnae Association at the Academic Awards Ceremony, supplemented by a book prize donated by Bookmark Inc. and presented by the department at the History Students’ Meeting in March.

Past recipients of the Sister Francis d’Assisi Prize in History

Cook-Guildford Endowed Award in History

The Cook-Guildford Endowed Award in History was established by Dr. Jane Leigh Cook to honour her mentor and friend Dr. Janet Vey Guildford, retired Associate Professor of History at MSVU. Both Drs. Cook and Guildford share the belief that student learning extends beyond the classroom through insight and experiences gained through travel. The award is presented by The Department of History to a history major who requires financial assistance to pursue educational opportunities and experiences outside of Halifax.

The award may be used to fund study or research, or to assist with a volunteer experience such as building homes with Habitat for Humanity. This cash prize is presented by the department at the History Meet & Greet during the Fall Semester. To apply for the Cook-Guildford Endowed Award, history majors should submit a brief one-page proposal outlining their proposed travel, research or volunteer endeavors to the chair of the History Department by March 31st.

-TBD. Applications forthcoming.

The Walter Shelton Essay Prize in History

The Walter Shelton Essay Prize in History is awarded annually to a History Major or Honours student for the best term essay in a 3000- or 4000-level course. A book prize donated by Bookmark Inc. and presented by the department during Spring convocation.

The Maritime History Book Prizes

The Maritime History Book Prizes are awarded annually to the two students with the highest marks in History 2230 and History 2231. A book prize donated by Bookmark Inc. and presented by the department at the History Meet & Greet during the Fall Semester.

The Ken Dewar Book Prize

The Ken Dewar Book Prize is awarded annually to the student with the highest standing in History 1101 or History 1131/1132, based on her cumulative mark at the time the award is presented. A book prize donated by Bookmark Inc. and presented by the department at the History Meet & Greet during the Fall Semester.

The Jennifer Grabove Book Prize

The Jennifer Grabove Book Prize is awarded annually to one or more students who have accomplished outstanding work in a 2000-level European history course. A book prize presented by the department at the History Meet & Greet during the Fall Semester. The books are from Dr. Grabove’s private collection and have been generously donated by her family. The department gratefully acknowledges Bookmark Inc.’s generous contribution in support of our students’ achievement.