The McFarlane Biology Awards are made to the outstanding graduating senior biology student and to a freshman biology student who shows strong promise. The students are chosen by the biology faculty and selection criteria involves the student's scholarship, spirit of cooperation in and contribution to the Biology Department, and demonstration of the ideals of Aurora University. An annual award is given to the male student athlete demonstrating qualities of outstanding character during the academic year. The award is given as a memorial to the late Richard Rickey who died in 1963 while he was a member of the college basketball team. Each year at the University Awards Banquet an award is presented to the senior who made the greatest contribution to the class over their four years.
Seniors nominate and select the winner.
Names of the Senior Award winners are displayed on a permanent plaque displayed in Eckhart Hall. This award is the highest and most coveted award made each year at the University Awards Banquet. It is presented to that graduating senior who, in the judgment of a special faculty committee, has made an outstanding contribution to university life during his or her tenure. In making this award, great weight is attached to loyalty to ideals, the willingness of the individual to sacrifice for the interests of the group, and to the individual's academic record. Names of the Spartan Award winners are displayed on a permanent plaque in Eckhart Hall.