The Normal A. Miles Endowment Fund for Excellence in Academic Study and Teaching was established in 1999 and acknowledges student academic excellence. It also recognizes and rewards the role a faculty member plays in that success.

This year the award was given to Michael Martini for his outstanding academic performance. As part of the award Michael chooses a faculty member who has strongly influenced his career, and who consequently receives a prize. Michael has in fact decided to split the faculty prize between Physics Professor George Thurston and Mathematics Professor Matthew Coppenbarger, each of whom will receive $3,750 for their professional use.