Senior Awards and Honors

A Gold Key may be awarded in each concentration to one graduating senior who has achieved a high degree of excellence in their chosen academic field. The criteria to be eligible for the Gold Key are: 1) a minimum 3.50 GPA based on all credits in the major field completed through the January semester of the year of Commencement; 2) a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 through the January semester of the year of Commencement; 3) a minimum of sixty (60) credits at MMC by the date of their graduation (i.e., degree conferral date of February 1, June 1, or September 1). In addition, Gold Key recipients should demonstrate academic integrity, self-reliance, and a commitment to independent learning. Faculty members in each department decide on the recipient of the Gold Key from among those graduating seniors who meet the criteria above. There may be one honorable mention for each Gold Key awarded.

A Certificate in a Minor may be awarded in each minor to one graduate who has achieved a high degree of excellence in this field of study. The criteria for this certificate are a minimum GPA of 3.50 based on all credits in the minor field completed through the January semester of the year of Commencement and a minimum of sixty (60) credits at MMC by the date of their graduation (i.e., degree conferral date of February 1, June 1, or September 1). Faculty members in each minor select the recipient from among eligible students.

See Graduation Honors in the College Catalog for additional information and qualifications.  

Each year, Marymount Manhattan College bestows five Awards of Distinction to graduating seniors who, during their time at Marymount Manhattan College, have made exceptional contributions in the areas of educational achievement, leadership, service and spirit. The College’s Awards Committee, composed of faculty and staff, review all complete applications and make decisions based on merit. Recipients are announced at the Student Leadership Awards in late spring, and are also announced at the Commencement Ceremony.  

THE ROWLEY FOUNDER’S MEDAL

Established in memory of Mother Rita Rowley, founder of Marymount Manhattan College (MMC). The Rowley Founder’s Medal is awarded to the senior who, through extraordinary determination and effort, has been able to overcome adversity to attain educational achievement.

THE RAYMUNDE MCKAY AWARD

Established in memory of Sister Raymunde McKay, the first President of Marymount Manhattan College, the Raymunde McKay Award is awarded to the senior who has made an outstanding contribution toward meeting the problems and demands of our society through service at MMC and in the larger community.

THE MMC CREST

Established by the College in memory of Mother Joseph Butler, who was responsible for establishing a network of colleges throughout the United States called “Marymount;” the MMC Crest is awarded to the senior who has best demonstrated the spirit and embodiment of the educational mission of MMC: academic excellence and leadership within a strong liberal arts program.

THE TRUSTEES’ AWARD

In recognition of student leadership and volunteerism, the Trustees’ Award is awarded to a senior who has made a significant contribution to the building of community among the students at Marymount Manhattan College.

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEDAL

This medal is awarded to the senior who has shown outstanding leadership and has made the most noteworthy contribution to Marymount. Serving as an alumni liaison for their class, the recipient of this medal will work closely with the Alumni Office. Students may include ONE additional recommendation from an MMC student in addition to a required faculty/staff recommendation.

Application Instructions

Students apply for the Awards of Distinction:

1. After reviewing the descriptions of the individual Awards of Distinction, complete the Awards of Distinction Application for the award(s) you choose to apply for:

2. Write a personal statement describing why you believe you are deserving of the specific award(s). Personal statements should speak to the essence of each award and be no longer than 250 words each.

3. Ask a faculty or staff to email a recommendation letter(s) to graduation@mmm.edu with the subject line “Awards of Distinction Recommendation.” One recommendation letter is required and no more than (3) three recommendation letters should be submitted.

4. All recommendations must be received by the application deadline date or the application will be deemed incomplete and cannot considered by the Committee.

NOTE: If you are applying for the Alumni Association Award you can also submit an additional recommendation from a current MMC student. This recommendation letter is not required, and can be submitted to graduation@mmm.edu.

The Awards of Distinction Application is due by 5:00 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026. 

Submissions received after the application deadline will not be considered by the Committee.

The College Honors Program (CHP) graduates are recognized for their participation in this academically demanding program that challenges them intellectually and creatively. More information on the CHP can be found here.

Honor Cords are given to a cohort of students to indicate their membership in various academic and student leadership activities as well as veterans. They should be worn around the neck on the outside of a student’s cap and gown. At MMC, Honor Cords are given to members of the National Honor Societies, the College Honors Program, Senior Marshals, Student Leaders, and Veteran students.

The Honor Cords will be distributed to graduating students at the Commencement Packet Pick-up event in the Spring semester.

To be considered for the Student Leadership Honor Cord, candidates for graduation must meet the academic and conduct standard as well as at least one (1) of the leadership experiences listed below. Note: Even if a student qualifies from multiple leadership experiences, only one cord will be given.

1. Good Academic and Conduct Standing

1. 1. Students are in good academic and conduct standing with the institution, including the GPA required for the specific role

2. Leadership Experience (at least one must apply*):

1. 1. Registered Student Organization (RSO) and Core Council Board Members: Student was an elected officer for an active Registered Student Organization for at least two (2) academic years AND/OR student served as an officer for a Core Council organization for at least one (1) full academic year.
   2. Intercultural Center Peer Mentors: Student served and fulfilled the entirety of their contract as an Intercultural Center Peer Mentor/Cultural Peer Mentor.
   3. Peer/Orientation Leaders: Student served and fulfilled the entirety of their contract as a Peer/Orientation Leader.
   4. Resident Advisors: Student served and fulfilled the entirety of their contract as a Resident Advisor.
   5. Social Justice Ambassadors: Student served and fulfilled the entirety of their contract as a Social Justice Ambassador.

*Student leaders who do not meet the criteria, but wish to be considered, should contact the advisor/staff member/supervisor for an individual review of their request.

Each year, one senior is selected to speak at the Commencement Ceremony. The Senior Speaker represents the senior class in front of family, friends, and faculty gathered to celebrate this milestone achievement.

Interested seniors are invited to register for a 15-minute “audition” time to preview how they would represent the Class of 2026 in a speech for this year’s Commencement Ceremony. The preview does not have to be a final version, but should be a prepared three-minute snapshot of the final speech. When selecting finalists, the committee takes a variety of factors into consideration, including originality, enthusiasm, organization, and quality of content.

• Be eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony
• Be in good academic and judicial standing
• Serve as an ambassador for the College, its mission, and its values

The Senior Class Speaker Selection Committee, made up of students, faculty, and staff members, will select the top three candidates who will then move forward for a final selection by the Commencement Committee on April 6, 2026. 

 

Audition Dates/Times:

Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Thursday, March 26, 2026, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM 

The location information will be included with the appointment confirmation. 

 

To sign up for an audition you must:

1. Complete the Senior Class Speaker Application Form.

2. Submit a draft of the 3-minute speech you would like to give at the Commencement Ceremony on the Senior Class Speaker Application Form.

3. Select one time slot during the audition days.

4. Bring an updated copy of your resume with you on the day of your audition for the Senior Class Speaker Selection Committee to reference to.

 

The Senior Class Speaker Application Form will be available in the early Spring semester. 

Questions? Email graduation@mmm.edu.

The Silver M is awarded to up to thirty (30) graduating seniors who have shown leadership and service to MMC during their years at the College. Students who receive this honor will be announced at the Student Leaderships Awards in late spring. Recipients of the Silver M Award will also receive recognition in the Commencement Program.

Nominator

Only faculty and staff may nominate a student. Nominators should focus on personal knowledge of the student’s involvement, leadership, service to the college, and outstanding accomplishments. Please complete the Silver M Award Nomination Form to nominate a student.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a current graduating senior.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Demonstrate leadership and service to MMC through participation in campus activities, involvement in Registered Student Organizations, and service that is decidedly above average.
• Be in good standing at the College.

Nomination Process

All nominated students will be evaluated by the Silver M committee, composed of select faculty, staff, and administrators. This process is confidential; no disclosure will be made to the nominees until after the recipients are chosen.

The Silver M Award Nomination Form is due by 5:00pm on Friday, March 20, 2026. 

Submissions received after the application deadline will not be considered by the Committee.

The valedictorian is the senior with the highest GPA through the January semester of the year of Commencement who is scheduled to earn a minimum of 60 credits at MMC through the Spring semester of the year of Commencement. See Graduation Honors in the College Catalog for additional information.  

Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude) are not included in Commencement-related acknowledgements such as the program or honor cords. The honors are confirmed on the degree conferral date. They are included on your transcript and printed on your diploma. Please see the College Catalog for information.