Honors, Lectures, and Awards
This annual ceremony, started in 1941, celebrates outstanding academic achievement by our students including the recognizition of Scholars, Book Award Winners, Phi Beta kappa elections, and the Almon Goodwin Prize. Each year, a member of the faculty is chosen by student vote to deliver the Karofsky Encore Lecture.
The 2025 Sarah and James Bowdoin Ceremony Day will take place on Friday, October 24 during Family Weekend and will be livestreamed.
Event history and the 2024 honorees
President's Awards
This annual award ceremony, hosted by the college president, is a chance to recognize students for their exemplary leadership, service, and narrative skills.
Awards delivered include the Goodwin Commencement Prize, The Class of 1868 Prize, The DeAlva Standwood Alexander Prizes, The Andrew Allison Haldane Cup, The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Cup, The Michael F. Micciche III Award, and The President's Award.
The 2026 President's Award Luncheon will take place on Friday, May 1 and is an invitation only event.
Award information and the 2025 recipients
Honors Day
This end-of-year Honors Day ceremony focuses specifically on academic departmental and program prizes. Over 100 prizes are delivered to talented, hard working Bowdoin students.
Each year, the winner of the Sydney B. Karofsky Award for Junior Faculty deliveres the event's address. The 2026 Honors Day ceremony will take place on Friday, May 1 and will be livestreamed.
Event History and the 2025 honorees
Upcoming Events and Lectures
In keeping with Bowdoin's commitment to the Common Good, many lectures and events are open to the public free of charge both online and on campus.