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Prizes & Student Support

Vanderbilt's Department of History of Art and Architecture has been fortunate to enjoy the support of many generous and dedicated alumni and friends. Several of these benefactors have established prizes or funds for student support within the department.

Frances  and John Downing Undergraduate Research Travel Award 
The Downing Undergraduate Travel Award was established in 2002 by an alumna of the department and her family. This competitive award supports travel to museums, galleries, and other sites, offering history of art and architecture majors in their junior and senior years an opportunity to learn research skills and to visit potential future places of employment.

The Cooley Award was originally established in 1920 at the George Peabody College for Teachers as an endowed medal fund. Reinaugurated in 1996, it is presented each spring to the graduating senior majoring in the History of Art or Architecture with the highest grade point average in the History of Art or Architecture.