In addition, while the Fay Prize has in the past been partly academic, but also based on citizenship--"conduct and character."

But according to Armini, Radcliffe officials have now examined the original documents establishing the prize and have determined that the Fay family intended the prize to be awarded primarily for outstanding scholarship.

Radcliffe may return to that original criterion if it awards the Fay prize next year, Armini said.

"It fits in nicely with the current mission of the Institute. In the future we may go back to the original intent [of the prize]," Armini said.

But the Fay Prize has long had a special emotional significance for Radcliffe graduates.

"The Fay Prize has a long history and tremendous symbolism to Radcliffe and to the alumna--it has great meaning. The Trustees [of Radcliffe College] wanted the Institute to continue to award it, and I hope that's the way it will all work out," said Nancy-Beth G. Sheerr '71, former chairman of the Radcliffe College Board of Trustees and a key negotiator in the merger.

And undergraduates say they appreciated the type of student the Fay Prize recognized.