Student Awards

HERAA does its best to recognize current students who embody the cooperative spirit. Over the years, HERAA and individual alumni have contributed toward the creation of grants and awards to highlight current HER House residents who are doing remarkable things within the HER House, the BU community and beyond. Below are some of the ways our alumni community supports current residents - our future alumni.

If you are interested in contributing toward existing or new grants and awards for students, please contact HERAA.

Current Awards & Grants

Each spring, during the HERAA Alumnae Tea & Annual Business Meeting, the following awards and grants are given to current residents:

Emma Sleeper Award

This $100 award is intended to recognize and commend the cooperative spirit and contributions of a graduating Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House senior. The recipient is determined by current HER House residents votes. It is given in honor of Emma Sleeper, an early "house mother" at the original location of the HER House at 328 Bay State Road.

Most Cooperative Award

This $100 award is intended to recognize and commend the cooperative spirit and contributions of a Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House resident over the course of the school year. The recipient is determined by current HER House residents votes.

Best Cook Award

Food and fellowship is an integral part to the experience of living in the H.E.R. House. This $100 award is intended to recognize and commend the culinary skills and delicious contributions of a Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House resident over the course of the school year. The recipient is determined by current H.E.R. House residents votes. The 2020 Award is sponsored by Emily Torgrimson, Class of 2006.

Ruth Manwaring Grant

Ruth Manwaring only lived in the Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House for one semester, but her cooperative spirit and desire to give back stayed with her for the duration of her life. Upon her passing, Ruth left an endowment to the Alumnae Association, under the agreement that scholarship funds be used for current students. Her dear friend Joyce Campbell, also a HER alumna, helped Ruth decide to contribute to HERAA at the end of her life.

This $300 award is intended to provide financial assistance to a HER House resident. All current house members are eligible to apply. House members are notified each year when applications open.

Former Awards

Carpe Diem Award (2014-2019)

This award was created in memory of Evelyn Lorraine Schuller, who passed away in after a long illness in 2013. Two of Lorraine's granddaughters lived in the HER House, and this award was given by her family, in the spirit of the wonderful experiences they had and relationships they built while in the House. The award is intended to assist adventurous Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House members who have a desire to explore, experience and improve the world around them. The award is meant to be used toward opportunities for travel or creative ventures.