Suffolk University Book Award

The Suffolk University Book Award recipient is selected based on the founding principles that Gleason L. Archer set forth when establishing the University in 1906. Suffolk University seeks to prepare students to live in a diverse, global society, while also appreciating the richness of various cultures. Suffolk University still believes that education is a gift that should not be taken for granted.

The Suffolk University Book Award is given to a student who exemplifies a commitment to their education and school community.

Nomination Criteria

The Old State House in Boston with Cars Driving bySchool counselors may nominate one high school junior who:

  • Demonstrates strong academic achievement, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Shows curiosity, motivation, and commitment to their academic journey
  • Contributes to their school or community in meaningful ways (through leadership, service, work, or involvement)
  • Shows promise to succeed in college and take advantage of educational opportunities

Recipients will receive a copy of the book A Short History of Boston, written by Suffolk University professor and historian Dr. Robert Allison. They’ll also receive additional information about the university and a fee waiver to assist with their future application.

A Short History of Boston by Dr. Robert Allison

Dr. Robert Allison's book "A Short History of Boston" is the selected Book Award title.Finding that there was previously no good short history of the city of Boston, Dr. Robert Allison decided to bring Boston history alive—from the Puritan theocracy of the 17th century to the Big Dig of the 21st. His book, "A Short History of Boston," includes fantastic images, a chronology of key events in four centuries of Boston history, and twenty profiles of exceptional Bostonians, including city founder John Winthrop, heavyweight champion John L. Sullivan, heretic Anne Hutchinson, Russian-American author Mary Antin, and many more.

Dr. Allison is involved with several museums and historical societies in Boston including serving as the president of the South Boston Historical Society.

He has also delivered public lectures at the Bostonian Society, the Adams National Historic Site, and has presented papers at conferences in the United States, Wales, and Turkey.

Nominate a Student

The nomination process opens in January of a student’s junior year and closes on May 1st.

Suffolk University is only able to support a limited number of Book Award recipients each year, as such, we ask that schools only submit one nomination. To ensure full consideration, we encourage counselors to submit nominations as early as possible. Nominations received after the May 1 deadline will be reviewed pending availability.

At this time, the Book Award Program is available only to high schools located within the United States.

Book Award Recipients

Congratulations on receiving the Suffolk University Book Award!

If you choose to apply to Suffolk, you will be automatically considered for merit-based aid at the time of admission and your application fee will be waived.