The Moire A. Wadleigh Graduate Award For Excellence in Environmental Science was established in memory of Dr. Moire A. Wadleigh, who passed away in November 2004. Dr. Wadleigh was a founder of the Graduate Program in Environmental Science and served as Chair. She is remembered as a friend and colleague, caring teacher, dedicated scientist and beacon of excellence in Environmental Science and Geoscience.

Three awards are presented annually: one to the student completing the best Master of Science thesis in Environmental Science within the previous 12 months, the second to the student in the Master of Environmental Science program with the best project and report completed in that year, and the third to the student in the PhD Environmental Science program with the best thesis within the previous 12 months. Successful students must have achieved an average of at least 80 per cent in courses required for the program. Awards will be made by the Dean of Graduate Studies upon recommendation of the Board of Studies of the Graduate Program in Environmental Science.

Details and procedures for selection:

1. The total value of the three awards is 75 per cent of the annual accrued interest on the endowment, to be divided equally between the MSc and MEnvSci and PhD awards. In the event only one eligible candidate is put forward, the formula will still apply, with the unused portion reverting to the fund.

2. All examiners of Environmental Science theses and project reports will be asked to include in their assessment a recommendation as to whether the work warrants consideration for the Moire A. Wadleigh Award for Excellence. Supervisors will also be invited to make such a recommendation with respect to their students.

3. The award will be made at Spring Convocation in each year. However, the pool of potential candidates will include graduates from the previous fall convocation.

4. In advance of Spring Convocation, Members of the Environmental Science Board of Studies will review the recommendations and form a short list. The Board or a committee of the Board will review the recommendations and the academic records and theses/reports of the candidates on that list and make the selection.