Each Fall and Winter semester, the IRIS Department recognizes two Integrative Studies (formerly Liberal Studies) majors whose senior projects represent particularly outstanding work. The awards are announced at the Fall and Winter Senior Showcase Event. Recipients are given a small monetary prize, framed award certificate, and also have their names engraved on a commemorative plaque that is permanently displayed in the second floor gathering room of Lake Ontario Hall on Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

The Wendy J. Wenner Thesis Award

The Wenner Award is given to work that embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Wendy J. Wenner. Dr. Wenner first taught in GVSU's English Department before being named as the founding Dean of Grand Valley's new College of Interdisciplinary Studies in 2004, later the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Dr. Wenner's lifelong commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry, inclusive and equitable teaching and service, as well as her tireless commitment to supporting innovation and the transformational power of education are among her many legacies. This award is given to students whose senior projects show strong, ethical research practices, are well-written, and which demonstrate work that is both academically excellent and that has "real-life" application. 

The Stanley Krohmer Senior Project Award

The Krohmer Award is given to work that honors the creative spirit, commitment to critical inquiry, innovation, and community-mindedness that can be seen throughout Professor Stanley Krohmer's life and work. A long-time faculty member in IRIS (formerly Liberal Studies), Professor Krohmer has been recognized not only for his outstanding teaching but for his own tireless commitment to lifelong learning as part of a larger creative, engaged community of artists, writers, and scholars. Professor Krohmer is also an award-winning painter and photographer, much beloved by colleagues and students alike. This award is given to students whose senior projects take a creative approach to their subjects, whether through writing, visual, or other multimedia approaches and celebrates the way the humanities can enrich all aspects of human experience. 

Melinda Stein, Wendy J. Wenner Senior Thesis Award for "Lady and the Linguist: Language Ideology Shifts in the Land of Ooo"

This research focused on understanding the various levels of social justice activism one could take part in as well as outlined an often unspoken of activist, the Influential Insider, and how they best can implement systemic change in a system. Various texts were analyzed and provided the base for the levels of activism and plan of action for the aforementioned Influential Insider. The research focuses on the idea that, to create true systemic and sustainable change in broken systems or institutions, there must be an Influential Insider to aid in the implementation of change. True systematic change only occurs when those seeking change understand the motives, intentions, culture, and people of an institution of system.