The Women's Society initiated its Leadership Award in 1998 to recognize outstanding senior women, who have made a significant contribution to Washington University during their undergraduate years and have demonstrated exceptional potential for future leadership.

In 2007, the Women's Society named the leadership award in honor of Harriet K. Switzer upon her retirement from Washington University. Harriet had been Secretary to the Board of Trustees for more than 26 years, responsible to the Chancellor for the smooth functioning of an 80 member Board. She also served as the University Coordinator for the Women’s Society of Washington University and brought a new level of leadership to its 45 Board members and 23 Advisory Board members.

Selection Criteria

The Women's Society recognizes annually one or more graduating senior women who meet the following criteria:

• Full-time senior woman student;
• Minimum GPA of 3.0;
• Noted excellence in a chosen pursuit which has contributed significantly to the Washington University community; for example,
  • a co-curricular or community service activity, or
  • a new project or program, or
  • an original piece of work.
• Record of demonstrated service to others;
• Recognized leadership and exceptional potential for future leadership.

Selection Process

Nominations for the Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award are solicited from administrators, deans, academic advisors, faculty and student leaders. Forms are also available for students who wish to nominate themselves or others. Two references for all nominees are required.

The Selection Committee, composed of members of the Women's Society, reviews all submissions and selects several finalists. The Committee then interviews each finalist and chooses the award recipient.

Leadership Award Recognition

The award recipient is honored at the Women's Society annual membership meeting in April. Each year, the name of the recipient is engraved on the Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award plaque; a certificate and $500 cash grant are presented to the honoree.

Printable Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award Nomination Form (Word document) You can send this form back via the Post Office, or email it as an attachment to sharon_britt@wustl.edu.