Prizes and Awards

Essay Prizes

The Pressman Prize is awarded to a senior Government Major who has written a thesis of outstanding quality in the field of American Government and Politics.

Previous winners of The Pressman Prize.

The Bennett Essay Prize is awarded to a senior Government Major who has written a thesis of outstanding quality in the field of Political Theory or Public Law ("Outstanding Essay of  'Principles of Free Government'" defined as such).

Previous winners of The Bennett Essay Prize.

The Rockefeller Prize in Comparative Politics is awarded to a senior Government Major who has written a thesis of outstanding quality in the field of Comparative Politics. The Prize consists of a money award and an engraved pewter plate.

Previous winners of The Rockefeller Prize in Comparative Politics.

The Rockefeller Prize in International Relations is awarded to a senior Government Major who has written a thesis of outstanding quality in the field of International Relations.

Previous winners of The Rockefeller Prize in International Relations.

THE ROGER D. MASTERS PRIZE

The Roger D. Masters Prize is awarded for outstanding performance in a Government Department seminar, recognizing students for their curiosity and commitment to understanding and improving public policy in the US or internationally. 

Previous winners of The Roger D. Masters Prize.

THE RINTELS PRIZE

Each year the Government Department nominates one student in the Honors Program for the Rintels Prize. The Rintels Prize recognizes an outstanding thesis written in the field of literature, language, philosophy, or the social sciences.

THE FOWLER FAMILY PRIZE

The Fowler Family Prize in Democratic Politics is awarded to the Government major or majors who have combined academic excellence in the Department with demonstrated effectiveness in the practice of political analysis or civic engagement. 

Previous winners of The Fowler Family Prize.

THE JAMES FAIRBANKS COLBY PRIZE

The James Fairbanks Colby Prize is an award given to the Government major whose academic work, extracurricular activities, and future plans most compellingly establish the student's commitment to public service ("Excellence in the Major" defined as such).

Previous winners of The James Fairbanks Colby Prize.