The Lloyd M. Bertholf Award
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This award was first established in 1961 by Lloyd M. Bertholf, the third President of Beta Beta Beta and President of Illinois Wesleyan University. Its purpose was to provide national and local recognition to the chapter which most nearly met a series of criteria for program excellence. In 1969 two Honorable Mentions were added to the award for second and third places as well as the Outstanding Chapter Award which could recognize up to 10% of the total chapters.
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There have been some changes in the criteria over the years, but the main purpose is still to recognize that chapter which has best promoted the triple aims of Beta Beta Beta: scholarship, dissemination of scientific information and promotion of biological research. The Bertholf Committee presently bases the award upon the following 4 criteria: member activity in conducting and publishing research, participation in district and national conventions and other scientific meetings, chapter programming and activities, and orderly record keeping and communication with the National Office. Only activities of the preceding year are considered. The application considers the number of members in each chapter thus allowing both large and small chapters to win the award.
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The award is usually presented at the district spring convention but during the Biennial convention year the award is presented at the awards banquet. The Bertholf Forms are obtained from the National Office in the fall to be completed throughout the academic year. In the spring, at the end of the academic year the completed forms are returned to the National Office for review and evaluation by the Bertholf Committee. The Bertholf winners are announced in BIOS in the January issue. The 1st place winner will receive a plaque and $500, 2nd place will receive a plaque and $250, Honorable Mentions will receive a plaque, and outstanding chapters receive a certificate.
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To be considered for the Bertholf Award, please complete and submit the Bertholf Application Form.
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The application must be received by
Friday, November 15th, 2024 by 11:59pm PST
for the Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 - Summer 2024 Academic Year.
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Bertholf Award Winners 1962 - Present
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The first chapter listed each year is the winner of the Lloyd M. Bertholf Award for Chapter Excellence. Tied places are listed alphabetically. Additional chapters listed received first and second place honorable mentions for the award. Several schools have changed names as they became part of state systems or moved from college to university. The name listed is that which applied at the time of the award.
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2022 – 2023
1st: Zeta Lambda, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla
2nd: Upsilon Rho, St. John Fisher College
Honorable Mention: Zeta Nu, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
Outstanding Chapters:
Zeta Kappa, University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
Zeta Delta, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
Theta Pi, University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg
Chi Upsilon, The College of New Jersey
Zeta Alpha, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Zeta Gamma, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
2021 – 2022
1st: Zeta Kappa, University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
2nd: Theta Pi, University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg
Honorable Mentions: Tau Eta, Catawba College; Zeta Lambda, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla; and Zeta Alpha, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
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Outstanding Chapters:
Zeta Gamma, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
Chi Chi, Lafayette College
Zeta Nu, InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, Guayama
Chi Upsilon, The College of New Jersey
Psi Theta, Lander University
Zeta Delta, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
Theta Omega, Gannon University
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2020 – 2021
1st: Zeta Delta, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
2nd: Zeta Lambda, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla
Honorable Mention: Chi Upsilon, The College of New Jersey
Outstanding Chapters:
Zeta Gamma, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
Zeta Alpha, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Rho Phi, Johns Hopkins University
Nu Delta Alpha, University of Houston, Clear Lake
Upsilon Rho, St. John Fisher College
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2019-2020
Bertholf Award Winner - University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla - Zeta Lambda Chapter
2nd Place - College of New Jersey - Chi Upsilon Chapter
Honorable Mention - Northwestern State University - Delta Theta Chapter
Outstanding Chapters:
Johns Hopkins University - Rho Phi Chapter
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez - Zeta Alpha Chapter
University of Puerto Rico, Ponce - Zeta Kappa Chapter
St. John Fisher College - Upsilon Rho Chapter
University of Puerto Rico, Cayey - Zeta Epsilon Chapter
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2018-2019
Bertholf Award – Rho Chi, Bloomsburg University
2nd Place – Theta Pi, University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg
Honorable Mention – Xi Gamma, Mount St. Joseph University
Outstanding Chapters:
Delta Sigma, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Theta Omega, Gannon University
Chi Upsilon, The College of New Jersey
Zeta Lambda, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla
Tau Kappa, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro
Zeta Beta, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San German
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2017-2018
Bertholf Award - Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State University
Honorable Mention - Zeta Lambda, University of Puerto Rico, Aquadilla
Honorable Mention - Delta Sigma, Southwest Oklahoma State University
Outstanding Chapters:
Theta Omega, Gannon University
Upsilon Rho, St. John Fisher College
Chi Upsilon, College of New Jersey
Zeta Beta, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San German
Theta Delta, Wilkes University
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2016-2017
Bertholf Award – Pi Omicron, Hastings College
2nd Place – Zeta Lambda, University of Puerto Rico/Aguadilla
Outstanding Chapter Awards – Delta Sigma, Southwest Oklahoma State University, Upsilon Sigma, Manhattanville College, and Mu Omicron, Columbus State University
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2015-2016
Bertholf Award – Theta Omega, Gannon University
2nd Place – Zeta Lambda, University of Puerto Rico/Aguadilla
3rd Place – Pi Omicron, Hastings College
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Outstanding Chapter Awards – Zeta Beta, InterAmerican University/San German and Chi Upsilon, College of New Jersey
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2014-2015
Bertholf Award – Zeta Epsilon, University of Puerto Rico/Cayey
2nd Place – Theta Omega, Gannon University
3rd Place – Epsilon Nu, California Polytechnic/Pomona
Outstanding Chapter Awards – Zeta Lambda, University of Puerto Rico/Aguadilla, Zeta Beta, InterAmerican University/San German, and Chi Upsilon, College of New Jersey
2013-2014
Bertholf Award - Gamma Epsilon St. Mary's Univ/MN
Honorable Mention - Delta Sigma Southwestern Univ
Outstanding Chapter: Zeta Lambda Univ of Puerto Rico/Aguadilla
Theta Omega Gannon Univ
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2012-2013
Bertholf Award - Epsilon Sigma Angelo State University
2nd Place - Phi Omicron Hastings College
3rd Place - Zeta Alpha University of Puerto Rico/Mayaguez
Outstanding Chapter: Zeta Beta Interamerican University/San German
Zeta Lambda University of Puerto Rico/Aguadilla
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2011-2012
Bertholf Award – Zeta Epsilon University of Puerto Rico/Cayey
2nd Place Rho Chi Bloomsburg University
3rd Place Delta Sigma Southwestern Oklahoma University
Outstanding Chapter Zeta Alpha University Puerto Rico/Mayaguez
Zeta Lambda University of Puerto Rico/Aguadilla
Pi Omicron Hasting College
2010-2011
Bertholf Award – Theta Omega Gannon University
2nd Place – Zeta Epsilon University of Puerto Rico/Cayey
3rd Place – Zeta Alpha University of Puerto Rico/Mayaguez
Outstanding Chapters – Zeta Lambda University of Puerto Rico/Aguadilla
Delta Sigma Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Zeta Beta Interamerican University/San German
Pi Omicron Hastings College
2009-2010
Bertholf Award – Epsilon Sigma – Angelo State University
2nd Place Theta Omega Gannon University
3rd Place Chi Epsilon College of New Jersey
Outstanding Chapter – Zeta Beta Interamerican University/San German
Pi Omicron Hastings College
2008-2009
Bertholf Award – Zeta Alpha University of Puerto Rico/Mayaguez
2nd Place – Theta Omega Gannon University
3rd Place – Zeta Epsilon University of Puerto Rico/ Cayey
Outstanding Chapter – Zeta Beta Interamerican University/San German
2007-2008
Bertholf Award – Epsilon Sigma – Angelo State University
2nd Place – Phi Omicron Hastings College
3rd Place—Chi Upsilon –The College of New Jersey
Outstanding Chapter - Zeta Beta –Interamerican University
Theta Omega Gannon University
2006-2007
Bertholf Award - Zeta Epsilon – University of Puerto Rico/Cayey
1st Place – Mu Omicron – Columbus State College
Honorable Mention –Pi Omicron – Hasting College
Delta Tau - Sam Houston State
Outstanding Chapters - Zeta Beta – Interamerican University
Sigma Chi – Prairie View A & M
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2005-2006
Bertholf Award - Epsilon Sigma – Angelo State University
1st Honorable Mention – Zeta Epsilon – University of Puerto Rico/Cayey
2nd Honorable Mention – Phi Gamma – US Air Force Academy
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Outstanding Chapter - Sigma Chi – Prairie View A&M
Pi Omicron – Hasting College
Theta Omega – Gannon University
Gamma Omega – Bethel University
Delta Sigma – Southwestern Oklahoma State University
2004-2005
Bertholf Award - Chi Upsilon Chapter-College of New Jersey
1st Honorable Mention - Alpha Chi Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
2nd Honorable Mention - Mu Omicron Columbus State University
Outstanding Chapters - Zeta Beta Interamerican University,
Alpha Delta Wheeling Jesuit University,
Eta Upsilon Wagner College,
Sigma Chi Prairie View A&M University,
Xi Gamma College of Mount St. Joseph,
Theta Omega Gannon University,
Rho Kappa Widener University.
Outstanding Chapter Honorable Mention - Theta Gamma-Roger Williams University
Theta Delta-Wilkes University
Alpha Gamma-University of Pittsburgh
Kappa Epsilon-Old Dominion University
Gamma Sigma-Augustana College
2003-2004
Bertholf Award --Theta Omega, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Outstanding Chapter
Alpha Chi, Edinboro University PA, Edinboro,PA
Chi Upsilon, the College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Mu Omicron, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA
Rho Omicron, Penn. State Univ./Behrend, Erie,PA
Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
2002-2003
Bertholf Award -- Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
Alpha Chi, Edinboro University PA, Edinboro, PA
Outstanding Chapter - Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M University
Theta Omega, Gannon University
Zeta Beta, InterAmerican Univ at San German
2001-2002
Bertholf Award -- Theta Omega, Gannon University, Erie, PA
1st Honorable-Alpha Chi, Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA
Outstanding Chapter-Delta, Southwestern University, Winfield, KS
2000-2001
Bertholf Award --Gamma Omega, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN
1st Honorable-Theta Omega, Gannon Univ, Erie, PA
2nd Honorable-Gamma Mu, U of Wisc/WhiteWater, Whitewater, WI
Outstanding-Chi Upsilon, College of NJ, Ewing, NJ
Alpha Chi, Edinboro Univ, Edinboro, PA
Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M Univ, Prairie View, TX
1999-2000
Bertholf Award --Delta Tau, Sam Houston State Univ, Huntsville, TX
Outstanding-Alpha Chi, Edinboro Univ, Edinboro, PA
Theta Omega, Gannon Univ, Eric, PA
Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M, Prairie view, TX
1998-1999
Bertholf Award -Chi Upsilon, College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ and
Gamma Omega, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN
Outstanding-Epsilon sigma, Angelo State Univ, San Angelo, TX
Psi Xi, Missouri Western State, Saint Joseph, MO
1997-98
Bertholf Award -- Sigma Chi--Prairie View A&M Univ
1st Honorable-Chi Upsilon--The College of New Jersey, NJ
2nd Honorable-Theta Omega--Gannon University, Erie, PA
Outstanding-Alpha Chi--Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA
Epsilon Sigma--Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
1996-97
Bertholf Award -- Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State Univ, San Angelo, TX
1995-96
Bertholf Award --Theta Omega, Gannon University, Erie, Pa
1st Honorable-Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State Univ, San Angelo, TX
1994-95
Bertholf Award -- Gamma Omega, Bethel College, St Paul, Mn
Outstanding-Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State Univ, San Angelo, TX
Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M Univ, Prairie View, TX
1993-94
Bertholf Award -- Psi Zeta, Northwest Missouri State College, St. Joseph, MO
Outstanding Chapters - Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State Univ, San Angelo, TX
Iota Psi, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI
Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M Univ, Prairie View, TX
Theta Omega, Gannon University, Erie, PA
1992-93
Bertholf Award -- Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
1st Honorable-Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M Univ, Prairie View, TX
2nd Honorable-Theta Omega, Gannon University, Erie, PA
1991-92
Bertholf Award -- Lambda Omicron, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Pt, WI
1st Honorable-Tau Nu, The Citadel, Charleston, SC
2nd Honorable-Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State Univ, San Angelo, TX
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Outstanding Chapters - Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M Univ, Prairie View, TX
Tau Rho, St. Andrews Presbyterian Coll, Lauinberg, NC
1990-91
Bertholf Award -- Mu, Carroll College, Waukesha, WI
1st Honorable-Lambda Omicron, Univ of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI
2nd Honorable-Tau Nu, The Citadel, Charleston, SC
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Outstanding Chapters - Epsilon sigma, Angelo State Univ, San Angelo, TX
Beta Tau, Baylor Univ, Waco, TX
Alpha Omega, Hartwick Coll, Oneonta, NY
Theta Alpha, Mount Mary Coll, Milwaukee, WI
Mu Kappa, Oral Roberts Univ, Tulsa, OK
Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M, Prairie View, TX
Mu Gamma, Western Kentucky Univ, Boiling Green, KY
1989-90
Bertholf Award--Xi Gamma, College of Mount St. Joseph, Cincinnati, OH
1st Honorable-Tau Nu, The Citadel, Charleston, SC
2nd Honorable-Mu Kappa, Oral Roberts, Tulsa, OK
Outstanding-Beta Tau, Baylor Univ, Waco, TX
Alpha Omega, Hartwick Coll, Oneonta, NY
Iota Psi, Hillsdale, College, Hillsdale, MI
Theta Alpha, Mount Mary Coll, Milwaukee, WI
Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M, Prairie View, TX
Lambda Omicron, U of Wisc/Stevens Point, Stevens, Pt. WI
1988-89
Bertholf Award--Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State Univ, San Angelo, TX
1st Honorable-Alpha Omega, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY
2nd Honorable-Tau Nu, The Citadel, Charleston, SC
Outstanding Chapters - Alpha Eta, Hope College, Holland Michigan
Beta Tau, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
Eta Lambda, Loyola Univer A&M, Prairie View, TX
Beta Tau, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Lambda Omicron, Univ of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI
Theta Alpha, Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI
1987-88
Bertholf Award--Iota Psi, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI
1986-87
Bertholf Award--Eta Lambda, Loyola University, New Orleans, LA
1st Honorable-Epsilon Sigma, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
1985-86
Bertholf Award--Lambda Omicron, Univ of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI
1984-85
Bertholf Award--Lambda Omicron, Univ of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI
1st Honorable-Alpha Omega, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY and Sigma CHi, Prairie View A&M, Prairie View, TX
2nd Honorable-Theta Epsilon, Coll of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY
Zeta Alpha, Univ Interamericana de PR, San German, PR
1983-84
Bertholf Award--Lambda Pi, Adrian College, Adrian MI
1st Honorable-Lambda Omicron, Univ of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI
2nd Honorable-Alpha Omega, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY and
Mu Kappa, Oral Roberts Univ, Tulsa, OK
1982-83
Bertholf Award--Pi Alpha, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
1st Honorable-Mu Kappa, Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK
2nd Honorable-Alpha Omega, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY
1981-82
Bertholf Award-- Lambda Omicron, Univ of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI
1st Honorable-Beta Rho, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
2nd Honorable-Eta, Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa
1980-81
Bertholf Award-- Mu Kappa, Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK
1979-80
Bertholf Award-- Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M Univ, Prairie, View, TX
1st Honorable-Alpha Omega, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY
2nd Honorable-Lambda Omicron, Univ of Wisc, Stevens Point, WI
1978-79
Bertholf Award-- Alpha Omega, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY
1st Honorable-Zeta Epsilon, Universidad de PR, Cayey, PR
2nd Honorable-Lambda Pi, Adrian College, Adrian MI
1977-78
Bertholf Award-- Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
1st Honorable-Alpha Beta, Bowling Green St Univ, Bowling Green, OH
2nd Honorable-Delta Sigma, Southwestern Oklahoma St,Weatherford, OK
1976-77
Bertholf Award-- Theta Omega, Gannon College, Erie, PA
1st Honorable-Eta Eta, Roanoke College, Roanoke, VA and Lambda Gamma, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
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Honorable Mention for excellence in a New Chapter: Kappa Omega, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS
1975-76
Bertholf Award-- Lambda Xi, SUNY/Potsdam, Potsdam, NY
1st Honorable-Delta Kappa, Emporia Kansas State College, Emporia, KS
Special Award for Chapter Effectiveness: Zeta Gamma, Universidad
de Puerto Ric, Rio Piedras, PR
1974-75
Bertholf Award-- Mu, Carroll College, Wauklesha, WS and
Theta Chi, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD
1st Honorable-Theta Zeta, Central Michigan Univ, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1973-74
Bertholf Award-- Lambda Omega, Loyola University, Chicago, IL and
Sigma Chi, Prairie View A&M Univ, Prairie View, TX
1972-73
Bertholf Award-- Lambda Gamma, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
1st Honorable-Zeta Gamma, Universidad de PR, Rio Piedras, PR
1971-72
Bertholf Award-- Beta Zeta, Florence State Univ. Florence, AL and
Delta Tau, Sam Houston State Univ, Huntsville, TX
1970-71
Bertholf Award-- Zeta Gamma, Universidad de PR, Rio Piedras, PR
1st Honorable-Alpha Beta, Bowling Green St, Bowling Green, OH
1969-70
Bertholf Award-- Eta Kappa, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
1st Honorable-Zeta Gamma, Universidad de PR, Rio Piedras, PR
2nd Honorable-Theta Phi, Saint Joseph College, Emmitsburg, MD
1968-69
Bertholf Award-- Gamma Psi, Kansas State College, Pittsburg, KS
1967-68
Bertholf Award-- Beta Tau, Baylor University, Waco, TX
1966-67
Bertholf Award-- Alpha Alpha, Albion College, Albion, MI
1965-66
Bertholf Award-- Alpha Epsilon, College of St. Elizabeth, Convent,NJ
1964-65
Bertholf Award-- Eta Eta, Roanoke College, Salem, VA
1963-64
Bertholf Award-- Alpha Mu, Western Maryland College, Westminster, MD
1962-63
Bertholf Award-- Eta Lambda, Loyola University, New Orleans, LA​