Horner Awards Fay Prize To Philosophy Student

A Lowell House senior who has taught English to adults in Chinatown and studied philosophy was awarded the Fay Prize, Radcliffe's highest undergraduate honor, yesterday in a garden party ceremony.

Radcliffe President Matina S. Horner announced the award of the prize to Maisy M. Chan '88, who could not attend the ceremony because she is working for the summer in a steel factory in Germany. Chan, who immigrated to America 10 years ago from China, has also been involved in the Cambridge Youth Enrichment Program. For her academic achievement, Chan was named a Phi Beta Kappa member and received a Mellon Fellowship for graduate study in philosophy.

The Fay Prize has been awarded annually since 1921 to a graduating senior who "during her whole course by her scholarship, conduct, and character has given evidence of the greatest promise," according to the award's charter. The winner receives a LatinDiploma and a stipend of nearly $3000.

Also at the ceremony yesterday, Melissa S. Lane'88-'89, of Dunster House, was awarded apresidential commendation. Lane, who is a leaderof the Freshman Outdoor Program, has taughtEnglish to Latin America refugees in Boston andwill spend the summer leading a wilderness programfor urban youth. Presidential commendations aregiven by the Radcliffe president to those who havemade special contributions to the community.

Chan, Lane and eight other students werenominated for the awards by their houses. Afive-member committee composed of Radcliffe DeanPhillipa A. Bovet, Dean of the College L. FredJewett '57, two faculty members and a house tutorreviewed the candidates and then recommended Chanand Lane to Horner. "Their number onerecommendation ended up being mine, too," saidHorner, who made the final decision on the awards.

Lane said she was surprised to have been chosenfor the award because "there are so many goodpeople here."

But Bovet said Chan and Lane stood above theother nominees because they combined a variety ofinterests in the community with outstandingacademic achievement. "We are happy and very proudof both of them," she added.

Horner said she is pleased that in the last fewyears there has been growing student interest incommunity service. Horner said she would meet withChan when she returns to the U.S. in August topresent her the prize