An awards program has been established to honor an undergraduate and a professional who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, especially in the area of advancing women.

The Office of the Dean of Harvard College, in collaboration with the Women's Leadership Project, has announced the first annual Harvard College Women's Leadership Awards on the Terrie Fried Bloom '75 Endowment.

The program includes two prizes: the Harvard College Women's Leadership Award and the Harvard College Women's Professional Achievement Award. Winners will be saluted at a ceremony in March.

"We are grateful for Terrie's generosity in establishing this award," said Assistant Dean of Harvard College Karen Avery. "This is the first award of its kind at the College, and we think it's a great step for all students. It helps raise awareness for everyone."

The award is part of the Women's Initiative, an effort by Dean of Harvard College Harry R. Lewis and his office to present undergraduates with greater exposure to successful women and to affirm women's contributions to scholarship and society.

Terrie Fried Bloom is a local businesswoman who received an A.B. in 1975 and an M.B.A. in 1981, both from Harvard.

Nominations are now being accepted for the College award, which honors a junior or senior who has demonstrated exceptional leadership while attending Harvard; contributed toward the advancement of women; achieved meaningful impact on fellow students; and exhibited a potential for leadership in future endeavors. The award includes a cash stipend.

Candidates may be nominated by faculty members, staff members, administrators, or students. Recommendation letters are due on Dec. 3, and nominees will be notified by Dec. 5.

Recipients for the prize will be chosen by a standing committee that includes representatives from Harvard College, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and the Women's Leadership Project -- an undergraduate organization dedicated to increasing the number, effectiveness, and diversity of women leaders.

Meanwhile, the Women's Professional Achievement Award recognizes an individual "who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his or her professional field, and has used this leadership position to have a meaningful impact on women and to benefit his or her community."

Nominations will be solicited from various individuals, programs, and departments at Harvard, and the recipient need not be an alumna/alumnus of Harvard.

For more information about nominating candidates, please contact Karen Avery, assistant dean of Harvard College, at 495-4348.