Student Achievements

Each year the History Department presents two awards to its outstanding graduates. The is Robert M. Usry Cup awarded to the student who has written the best senior seminar paper during the previous academic year. The William Parks Award honors the graduating history major with the highest grade point average in History (with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA).  Departmental Honors are awarded to graduates with a 3.5 overall average as well as a 3.5 average in History.  The Military History Research Paper Award is awarded each year to the CNU student who submits the best research paper on a military topic for an upper level history class.  The Carol Fang Scholarship is awarded to two students each semester who study China-related courses.

The History Department honors graduating history majors with a History Honor Convocation the Saturday before Commencement. The event is held in McMurran 102 and last 30-45 minutes with refreshments served immediately following the ceremony. 

Robert M. Usry Cup

The Robert M. Usry Award, an engraved Jefferson cup, is awarded to the student who has written the best senior seminar paper during the previous academic year. Mr. Usry was one of the first members of the History Department. After a successful career in merchandising-he owned Madison's in Merchants' Square in Colonial Williamsburg-he took an advanced degree in history and came to teach at Christopher Newport College. In his years as a professor of history he helped to set the tone of our department as one with high standards and a concern for students. The award is designed to honor both his legacy and the achievements of our students.

Christopher Ball and Dr. John Hyland at History Honor Convocation on May 17, 2008.

Williams Parks Award

The William Parks Award, an engraved plaque, honors the graduating history major with the highest grade point average in history (with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA). The award is named in memory of Dr. William Parks, a professor in the History Department from 1972 until his untimely death in 1978 and Dean at Christopher Newport College from 1977 to 1978. A role model for his faculty colleagues as well as for students, he is remembered for his loytitley, friendship and sense of fun. He was also respected for his excellence in teaching and his commitment to scholarship.

Departmental Honors

Departmental honors are awarded to graduates with a 3.5 overall average, as well as, a 3.5 average in history (denoted by blue/silver honor cord).

Dr. Mazzarella and Emily Martin at History Honor Convocation on May 17, 2008.

Military History Research Paper Award

The Military History Research Paper Award was established in 2008 and is funded by the Board of Trustees of the Virginia War Museum.  The award is presented each  year to the CNU student who submits the best research paper on a military topic for an upper level history class.  The purpose of the award is to encourage the study of military affairs and to promote a better understanding of their impact upon the course of historical events.

The Carol Fang Scholarship

The Carol Fang Scholarship was established in 1996 and is funded by C&F Enterprises. The president of C&F Enterprises, Carol Fang, and her husband, Dr. Frank Fang, a retired professor from the College of William and Mary wish to promote a better understanding of China through higher education. Two recipients are selected each semester and each receives a $1,000-$1,500 scholarship.