The Students

We are looking for curious and energetic students who are passionate about politics.

Political science students regularly win campus-wide and national honors. For example, in the last several years they have won such prestigious national awards as Watson fellowships, CORO fellowships, and a Truman scholarship.

Many of the department’s students continue their education after graduation, a large percentage going to law school and others to M.B.A. and Ph.D. programs. Our most distinguished students are admitted to top law schools (e.g. Columbia, Harvard, NYU) and top graduate schools in political science (e.g. Michigan, Stanford). Several graduates take jobs in Washington or in Albany, while others go on to the Peace Corps, Teach for America, and the Foreign Service.

But many go on to careers that have nothing to do with politics - Hollywood writers and producers, health care administrators, real estate developers, and poets.

Prize Day

In 1932, to shorten graduation exercises, the awarding of student prizes was moved to a separate Prize Day, first held on May 18. This accommodation offered the additional advantage of a student audience not limited to seniors. Referring to the established award night for athletes, Professor Harold Larrabee called Prize Day "an intellectual Block-U Dinner."

In 1964, at the request of the Parents Association, Prize Day was inserted in the Parents’ Weekend schedule, where it remains.

2012 Prize Day Winners 

Oswald Heck (1924) Irwin Steingut Prize -
To the student majoring in the Division of Social Sciences who has consistently done the best work in political science
-Sarah M. Gagnon

- Kelsey B. Mulvihill

David S. Kaplan (1982) Memorial Prize -
To one or more students of merit in political science who are participating in a term abroad program
– Melissa B. Moskowitz

Anthony C. LaVecchia (1998) Memorial Award -
To a student who demonstrates a keen interest in journalism (with a focus on political journalism) and participates in charitable work
– Ajay Major

- Aviva H. Rutkin

Alvin F. Nitchman (1924) Prize -
To a political science major preparing for law school who exhibits outstanding academic promise and character
–  Erin E. Whitney

-Elizabeth D'Agostino

Rotary Foundation Endowed Prize for International Study -
To the senior showing the greatest promise and interest in international relations
– Lea M. Tessitore

Mildred Wilder Prize -
To the senior majoring in political science who, in the opinion of the political science faculty, has written the best piece of scholarly work pertaining to the subject of women and politics
– Kelsey B. Mulvihill

 

The Charles Tidmarch Prize  -

To the person submitting the best senior thesis to the Political Science Department

- Rachel Mayer