Undergraduate Student Awards

David J. Toman Award

Since 1997, the David J. Toman Foundation and the Art Conservation Department have presented the David J. Toman Award to an outstanding senior. Faculty nominate recipients for having demonstrated a strong commitment to the preservation of cultural property beyond the classroom through internships, service projects, and academic activities. The David J. Toman Foundation provides the monetary component of this award.

Judith and Gary Toman established the David John Toman Foundation in 1999 in memory of their son. David was an undergraduate art conservation major at the University of Delaware when he was tragically killed in a bicycle accident on campus. As a conservation student he was particularly interested in objects conservation, especially the conservation of outdoor sculpture. David's spirit for conservation can be summarized in his own words, “The past is stored and recorded in its cultural objects. It is our job as conservators and curators to preserve these materials for the enjoyment and education of future generations. The extremely temporal outlook of this throwaway society must not be influence enough to neglect the care given to cultural property." David is remembered by family and friends as having an infectious sense of happiness and positive attitude.

Joseph N. Weber Art Conservation Research and Scholars' Award

This award honors Dr. Joseph N. Weber who taught in the Department of Art Conservation from 2005 until his retirement in 2012. During this time, “Dr. Joe" generously shared his significant scientific knowledge and research experiences in industry and elsewhere with our students. His enthusiasm for teaching was evident, as was his deep concern for the professional growth and development of our students at all levels. This undergraduate award is given in honor of Dr. Joseph Weber to a deserving senior who has demonstrated excellence in overall scholarly performance and research during their tenure at the University of Delaware.