The Outstanding and Distinguished Senior awards are named in honor of Dwight (BSE 1933) and Ida Curry Newberg (LC 1932), who provided endowed funds for the awards. The fund was of particular interest to Dwight, as he received the Outstanding Senior award in 1933. The award later was discontinued, but was re-established in 1988 through the generosity of the Newbergs. Dwight Newberg died in 1996. Ida Curry Newberg died in 2001.

Dwight was a special agent for the FBI for more than 30 years, serving under J. Edgar Hoover in Washington, D.C. He retired in 1965, and became the national program director for the United Methodist Church until 1977. Ida was a primary school teacher in Otis and Junction City.

In order to be selected for the Newberg Outstanding Senior and Newberg Distinguished Senior awards, students must be nominated by an ESU faculty or staff member. Nominees are asked to submit information about their accomplishments during their time at ESU, as well as letters of recommendation. Please note that nominees must be graduating this calendar year and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5. A committee made up of students, staff, and faculty then selects the Newberg Outstanding Senior and Newberg Distinguished Senior.

Nomination Form

The Newberg Outstanding Senior receives a plaque and a $500 award. The Newberg Distinguished Senior receives a plaque along with a $250 award. Submit your nominee here.