In 2025, the Dorina Kosztin Memorial Endowment was established in fond memory of Curators Distinguished Teaching Professor Dorina Kosztin, who was an outstanding and beloved teacher in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. 

The inaugural Dorina Kosztin Memorial Awards were presented to undergraduate student, Julianna Bayless, and graduate students, Dallar Babaian and Creighton Lisowski. They were selected by a department committee nominated by the Chair. The awards, consisting of a diploma, prize money, and a keepsake, were presented to the recipients on May 9, 2025, during the end-of-academic-year department luncheon. The award had a sentimental value for the three recipients because they each worked with Dr. Kosztin.

2025 DKMA recipients (left to right): Dallar Babaian, Julianna Bayless, and Creighton Lisowski

For more than twenty years, Dr. Kosztin’s wisdom, kindness, guidance, and mentoring, in and out of the classroom, impacted countless students. It is this spirit of the complete person that guides the three annual Dorina Kosztin Memorial Awards provided by the endowment.

• The Dorina Kosztin Memorial Awards for Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Students: One or more annual scholarship awards shall be given to undergraduate students who are in the final year of their degree and excel in two of the three areas of research, teaching/mentoring, and/or service.
• The Dorina Kosztin Memorial Awards for Physics and Astronomy Graduate Students: One or more annual scholarship awards shall be given to graduate students who are in the final year of their degree and excel in all three areas of research, teaching/mentoring, and/or service.
• The Dorina Kosztin Memorial Service Award: One or more annual awards shall be given to outstanding faculty and/or staff of the College of Arts and Science for outstanding and exemplary service to the College and/or the University of Missouri.