Catherine Craig-Erhardt Memorial Award

The award memorializes Catherine Craig-Erhardt, who joined Excelsior University in 1980 and who served as Excelsior’s liaison with the military services from 1984 until her untimely death in 1986. The award recognizes and commemorates her commitment to helping military service members attain their educational goals.

Award Description

The award recipient will receive an award including a monetary gift and be recognized at Commencement.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be members of the current year’s Excelsior University graduating class.
  • Active-duty service members, National Guard members, or Reservists are eligible.
  • Veterans who were on active duty during most of the period of enrollment in Excelsior University are eligible.

Selection Criteria

  • Service to others including voluntary or paid service to others beyond the normal expectations of the applicant’s job. This service may be demonstrated in the military, civilian, or community setting.
  • Commitment to education including the applicant’s commitment to his or her own education, persistence in the face of barriers to education, and the applicant’s commitment to the education of others.
  • Academic achievement within the context of Excelsior University Degrees, awards or scholarships received as well as evidence of further study such as admission to graduate school or earning a higher degree.
  • Professional and personal achievement including any accolades for professional advancement within the military as well as any evidence of exemplary promotion. Community service related awards or work will also be considered.

Deadline

The application window for 2027 will open on 15 March 2027 and all recommendations must be received by 16 April 2027.

Recommendation Process

Service members may be recommended by a military ESO, a commanding officer, a military peer, or an Excelsior University staff member and must include:

  • Name, rank, and military branch
  • Address and telephone numbers
  • Date and type of Excelsior University degree earned or to be earned
  • Military occupation
  • Length of military service
  • Activities or accomplishments related to each of the selection criteria
  • Statement on how the earned Excelsior University degree will help or has helped the applicant
  • Reason for recommendation

Send recommendation letters to:

Email: MilitaryAwards@excelsior.edu