The Sterling Award is bestowed annually to one or more members of the faculty in recognition of strong teaching and service to the College, and in particular, distinguished professional achievement, either in the form of significant publication, creative work, or public performance.
This endowed fund was established in 1972 in memory of Mr. Sterling, a member of the Board of Trustees from 1948 to 1972, and a former Chairman of the Board. Past recipients of the Sterling Award include:
| 2024-25 | Kristi Upson-Saia | Professor of Religious Studies | |
| 2023-24 | Mary J. Lopez | Professor of Economics | |
| 2022-23 | Shana Goffredi | Professor of Biology | |
| 2021-22 | Anthony Chase | Professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs | |
| 2020-21 |
Mary Beth Heffernan Arthur St. Aubin |
Professor of Art and Art History Professor of Spanish and French Studies |
|
| 2018-19 | Dolores Trevizo | Professor of Sociology | |
| 2017-18 | Lisa Sousa | Professor of History | |
| 2016-17 | Sharla Fett | Professor of History | |
| 2015-16 | Scott Bogue | Professor of Geology | |
| 2014-15 | Eileen Spain | Professor of Chemistry | |
| 2013-14 | Robert Gottlieb | Professor of Urban & Environmental Policy | |
| 2012-13 | Daniel Snowden-Ifft | Professor of Physics | |
| 2011-12 | Gretchen North | Professor of Biology | |
| 2010-11 | Mike Hill | Professor of Chemistry | |
| 2009-10 |
Dennis Eggleston Amy Lyford |
Professor of Physics Professor of Art & Art History |
|
| 2008-09 | Gabrielle Foreman | Professor of American Studies | |
| 2007-08 | Nancy Dess | Professor of Psychology | |
| 2006-07 | Margaret Rusmore | Professor of Geology | |
| 2005-06 | Xiao-huang Yin | Professor of American Studies | |
| 2004-05 | Jennifer Quinn | Professor of Mathematics | |
| 2003-04 | Linda Besemer | Professor of Art & Art History | |
| 2002-03 | Jean Wyatt | Professor of English | |
| 2001-02 | Tetsuo Otsuki | Professor of Chemistry | |
| 2000-01 | Warren Montag | Professor of English |