Award Opportunities in Politics

The Ruth C. Lawson Fellowship was established in 1976 by colleagues, students, and friends of Miss Lawson.

Award: Up to $10,000 for advanced study in international politics. The number of fellowships—and amount—may vary, depending on the applicant pool.

The Ellen Deborah Ellis Fellowship in International Relations was established in 1944 by students and friends of Miss Ellis.

Award: Up to $4,000, preferably for graduate study in international relations.

The Donald G. Morgan Fellowship was established in 1976 by colleagues, students, and friends of Mr. Morgan.

Award: Up to $1,500, preferably for attending law school.

In the event that no award is made for law school in a given year, an award may be made for graduate study in political science involving a special interest in the theory, development, values, and adaptability of the U.S. Constitution.

The Libby Rosenfeld Himelstein Prize ($500) is awarded to the graduating senior Politics major who, in the judgment of the Department, submits the best essay in the field of Politics. Students have until the end of the exam period to submit their papers to Linda Chesky Fernandes lfernand@mtholyoke.edu.

There is no restriction on the form this essay may take.  Students may submit (or faculty may nominate) essays written for the competition, as independent work, or as papers prepared for courses in the Department. Senior theses, however, are ineligible. Essays will be judged by the usual criteria of excellence in research, argument, and expression. To apply, submit your essay to Linda Chesky Fernandes (lfernand@mtholyoke.edu).

The prize is awarded in the memory of Libby Rosenfeld Himelstein, a political science major in the class of 1954, who believed strongly in the tradition of graduates like Frances Perkins, who used their political skills for humanitarian ends. Libby Rosenfeld began her career working on elections law for the state of Connecticut, married a professor of English at Adelphi University, raised two sons who became physicians, did extensive volunteer work, and ended her career as a vice president and taxation expert for Prudential Securities, where she was known for her rock-ribbed integrity. An endowment to support this prize has been donated by her husband, sons, and brother.