Award Overview

Teck-Kah Lim, PhD, is the former Associate Vice Provost of Graduate Studies and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics. He served as a dedicated leader in the Office of Graduate Studies, now the Graduate College, for over a decade. Among Dr. Lim's signature achievements in advocating for graduate students and their success are the doctoral fellowship program, the health insurance subsidy program, training and mentorship programs for graduate teaching assistants, including the teaching portfolio development process, the establishment of graduate student policies, and enhanced interdisciplinary collaborations in graduate education. Dr. Lim also supported a graduate student conference travel support award in his name.

The Teck-Kah Lim Graduate Student Excellence Award, established in 2018, is presented to graduate and professional students (master's and/or doctoral level) who show promise of future meaningful contributions to local, national or global communities as can be gleaned from present academic excellence and achievements in research and/or teaching, as well as outstanding selfless service to peers, and the local community.

Eligible graduate students must be fully matriculated in a graduate program or have graduated in the current academic year. Medical and law students may also be nominated. Self-nominations will also considered for this award, but must be supported by a faculty member, professional staff member, and/or an external supervisor.

Up to one award is presented for a minimum of $500.

Nomination Process & Timeline

Faculty and professional staff members are encouraged to nominate eligible graduate and professional students. External professionals who supervise the student in a related capacity may also nominate. Students may also self-nominate for this award, but self-nominations must be supported by a faculty member, professional staff member, and/or an external supervisor.

Submissions for the 2023-2024 awards cycle are now open. The deadline to submit nominations is by 12 p.m. EDT Monday, April 22, 2024.

2023-2024 awardees will be notified and announced on or around May 13, 2024.

Required Materials

1. Completed Nomination Form - Please see below and prepare your responses in advance as the form will not save a draft.
2. Self-nominations will require a letter of recommendation or statement from a faculty member, professional staff member, or external supervisor.
3. Student’s Personal Statement- Maximum of 2 pages
4. Resume/CV- Maximum of 2 pages (such as an NSF or NIH biosketch)

Evaluation Criteria

The nomination form will ask the nominator to briefly describe the relationship with the nominee and provide brief but specific examples of each of the following criteria:

• Originality, Creativity and Significance of Research, Teaching, Scholarship and/or Civic Engagement
• External Recognition and/or Evidence of Enhancing Drexel’s Reputation
• Internal Recognition and/or University Partnership
• Impact on the Field and/or Community (Drexel, Local, Regional, National or Societal)

Award Selection & Distribution

The Graduate College appoints a diverse group of faculty and professional staff representing Drexel's Colleges and Schools to review nominations and select University-level awardees based on the evaluation criteria. Awards are usually distributed each year at a Graduate Student Day awards ceremony and reception. Graduating awardees are also listed in the official Commencement  program and may also be recognized during their individual College or School Commencement ceremony.

If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate College at gradawards@drexel.edu.

Visit the Graduate College website for more information about the Graduate Student Excellence Awards.