Fifteen thousand dollars in prize money, $5,000 more than originally announced, was awarded to graduate students at last weekend's Graduate Research Exhibition.

The prize money was increased due to the "worthwhile work" presented, said Charles Hosler, senior vice president for research and dean of the graduate school.

"I couldn't believe it," said Deborah Walker (doctoral student-anthropology) after learning she won first prize for her exhibit "Grandparental Investment Among Mexican Americans: Evolutionary Perspective." Walker won $1,000 for her project that detailed the fatality rate of children without grandparents.

Five first prizes of $1,000 were awarded, along with seven second prizes of $700, four third prizes of $400 and 17 honorable mention awards of $200.

Eunice Askov, chair of the Graduate Council's Committee on Graduate Student Research, which organized the exhibition, said she was pleased to see "students sharing information and learning things from across other disciplines."

Michael V. Bowie (graduate-veterinary science) said "some (questions) made me think about additional research in that area."

"It really gives you the chance to think about what you study," said Cathy Kassab (doctoral student-rural sociology).

Don Rodd (doctoral student-physiology) said the exhibition was a good way to "organize your data, think about your information and hone in on key concepts."

"These are the people that do all the work," said Dennis Lamb, associate professor of meteorology, who attended the event with his wife, Pat, and their daughter, Julie, 5. "It gives them a sense of pride. Otherwise, they're hidden in some laboratory.

"We need to stress the fact this is designed for people with no knowledge of these exhibits," said Ann Clark (doctoral student-dairy and animal science), who said she was disappointed with the low turnout of the general public.

Bowie said students who have not completed their research should take part in the exhibition.

"It is important for people to know what research is going on," he said.

"It's really interesting. It makes me want to go back to college," said Lanie Buttlar, who came from Pittsburgh to see her son's exhibit.

Her husband, Glenn, said he was surprised at the number of exhibits. A record number of 110 graduates from University Park, Hershey, Erie-Behrend, Great Valley and Harrisburg campuses participated.

The exhibition was co-sponsored by the Graduate Council and Hosler.