Department Prizes

Carl G. Seasword Award in Japanese

This prize is given to a graduating senior who has made the greatest progress in Japanese language and cultural studies at Mount Holyoke College.The prize was established in 1991 by the late Mrs. Carl G. Seasword (Mary Joan Sommer, Mount Holyoke '55) in memory of her husband, Carl G. Seasword. Mr. and Mrs. Seasword were members of the U.S. Foreign Service, and were keenly interested in fostering the study of other countries and cultures.

Jackie Blair Seibert '85 Japanese Award

This prize was established by alumnae friends in memory of Jackie Blair Seibert, who loved studying the Japanese language at Mount Holyoke College. This award is given to a student who started learning Japanese at Mount Holyoke College; has completed her second year of Japanese language study at Mount Holyoke College; and has shown excellence in Japanese language study.

Barbara Yen Sun Prize Fund

This prize acknowledges outstanding academic achievement and research on Asian Studies by an Asian Studies major or minor. It can be used to support student research as well. This prize was established by the son of late Barbara Yen Sun, Mount Holyoke '38. Mrs. Sun came from China to major in English.

Asian studies majors and minors who wish to be considered for the Sun Award have two opportunities to apply: the 1st round due date is the Monday after the Thanksgiving break and, if there is no award, the 2nd round due date is the first day of classes after the spring break.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents to the chair of Asian studies:

  1. Letter of application 
  2. Description of project including research objectives and budget
  3. Recommendation letter from project advisor
  4. Unofficial transcript

Irene He Yuan Chinese-American Friendship Award

This award was established in 1983 by Dr. R.J. Lynch and Mrs. Chih-wen Su. Ms. He Yuan studied organic chemistry at MHC. This award is given to a student in Chinese Studies to recognize her contribution toward promoting mutual understanding between Chinese and Americans, through a project, paper, presentation or extracurricular activity during the year.

Indira V. Peterson Award in South Asian Studies

Established in 2007. This award is given to an Asian studies major with a concentration on India or South Asia, and who has shown distinguished achievement in South Asian studies.