Philip Merrill Award
The Philip Merrill Award for Outstanding Contributions to Liberal Arts Education honors individuals who advance liberal arts education, core curricula, and the teaching of Western civilization and American history.
The Award is named in honor of Philip Merrill, a distinguished public servant, publisher, businessman, and philanthropist who served as a trustee of Cornell University, the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, the Aspen Institute, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Throughout his career, Mr. Merrill was an outspoken proponent of academic excellence and an articulate spokesman for the importance of historical literacy in a free society. Mr. Merrill was also a charter member of ACTA's national council. The Award is intended to recognize outstanding individuals for extraordinary achievement in promoting liberal arts education.
Selection
Selection is made by an Awards Committee composed of distinguished educational and civic leaders. Nominations are being solicited both through The Chronicle of Higher Education and letters to prominent individuals. Those eligible include distinguished writers and scholars, college and university professors and administrators, government officials, and public-spirited citizens, who have demonstrated a significant dedication to the advanceme4nt of liberal arts education.
Presentation
The award will be bestowed at the annual dinner held in conjunction with ACTA’s ATHENA Roundtable in October 2008 in New York City. ATHENA is an important and influential forum for issues on higher education and draws a national audience of prominent citizens, college and university trustees, alumni, and education leaders from around the country.
For a copy of the Nomination Form, please click here.