Charles Peppers Awarded the 2022 Psychology Excellence Prize

Aug 19, 2022

Peppers holds graduation cap which reads, "The Great Work Begins!" — Peppers '22 at commencement. The circular pin on their stole represents their membership in Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

The Grinnell College Department of Psychology faculty named Charles Peppers ’22 the recipient of the 2022 Psychology Excellence Prize. Peppers received a letter and an honorarium from the department, and their name appears alongside past Psychology Excellence Prize winners on an engraved plaque displayed in the psychology commons of the Noyce Science Center.

The Psychology Excellence Prize is awarded annually to a graduating psychology major who demonstrated notable voluntary engagement with and commitment to the values of the discipline, for example through their involvement in a particular research project, application of psychology, or outstanding involvement in departmental activities.

Peppers distinguished themselves in the department through their deep commitment to the values of the discipline, on- and off-campus. In their time at Grinnell, Peppers demonstrated dedicated leadership on the Psychology Student Environmental Policy Committee (SEPC), organizing the student seminar series and assisting in the search for future department faculty. Peppers’ warmth and commitment to inclusion have helped to build strong classroom communities, while also fostering inclusive environments which extend beyond the department. Peppers organized two LGTBQ+ in STEM events and served as the administrative coordinator for the Stonewall Resource Center. Peppers planned and conducted a joint psychology and French Mentored Advanced Project exploring Cotard’s Syndrome, and in 2021 they completed a summer internship at a queer-centered family and marriage counseling practice. Peppers’ off-campus research at Roanoke College has led to co-authorship on an upcoming book, Crossing the River Styx, about a former Virginia death row chaplain.

Peppers is currently working as a mental health field clinician in Virginia and spending some time completing the forthcoming book, both of which are steps toward their goal of obtaining a doctorate in psychology and pursuing a career serving incarcerated populations.

The Department of Psychology thanks Peppers for the positive impact they made while a student at Grinnell and wishes them well in all their future endeavors.

Past Psychology Excellence Prize Winners

2021: Samuel Rueter
2020: Miho Tatsuki
2019: Maisie Grace Lewis
2019: Nicole Susan Carver
2018: Lauren Patrice Hurley
2018: Helena Frances Alacha
2017: Samantha R. Fitzsimmons-Schoenberger
2016: Angela Mae Bowles Edwards
2015: Emily Lynn Twedell
2014: Claire Yiting Tseng
2013: Jennifer Raffety Peek
2012: Jian Ming Colin Wee
2011: Scott Martin Phillips
2010 Megan Elizabeth McDoniel
2009: Paul Frederick Kramer
2008: Graciela Patricia Paz Arias
2007: Samantha Lee Worzalla
2006: Jessica Rae Peltan
2005: Alissa C. Briggs