Sterling Award for Undergraduates

The J.E. Wallace Sterling Award for Scholastic Achievement

Established in 2006, this is one of Stanford's most selective recognitions of a student's overall academic performance. The top 25 seniors in the School of Humanities and Sciences are honored for their efforts and academic achievements throughout their undergraduate education. The award includes:

• Recognition of the secondary school teacher whom the awardee names as the most influential instructor of their scholastic career.
• Recognition of the student’s most influential Stanford academic advisor, or other Stanford faculty or staff member.
• A luncheon celebrating the reception of this award with other award recipients.

The award is named after President Sterling, who served as Stanford’s president from 1949 to 1968, and as chancellor until 1985. During his tenure, Stanford reached national prominence through his efforts to hire top scholars and create “steeples of excellence” that also attracted the best students in the country.