Fellowships and Prizes

The following prizes and research opportunities are open to all students in the groups indicated.

THE FRANCES AND ROL ALLENSWORTH ENDOWED GEOLOGY FUND was established in 2001 through the will provision of Georgina Michl ’96. This fund provides for visiting lecturers, a geology research associate, and a stipend/fellowship for student research and travel.

THE JOHN K. BARE PRIZE IN PSYCHOLOGY was established in 1983 by students, colleagues, friends, and family of Dr. John Bare to honor him for his many contributions to his students, to Carleton’s Department of Psychology, and to psychology teaching in America. This prize is awarded annually to a member of the senior class who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the study of psychology.

THE JAMES S. BERGLUND SOCIAL SCIENCE PRIZE was established in 1962 by friends and classmates of James S. Berglund, who died shortly after his graduation in 1961. The prize is awarded annually for the best essay or research paper written in the social sciences.

THE SCOTT TYLER BERGNER PRIZE FUND was established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. Carsten Retrum in memory of Scott Tyler Bergner, son of Susan Retrum Bergner, Class of 1969, and Jeffrey T. Bergner, Class of 1969. The prize is awarded each year to a member of the senior class who has an outstanding academic record and who has demonstrated excellence of thought and character. The prize will be used to further the pursuit of excellence.

THE BERNSTEIN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION GEOLOGY ENDOWMENT was established in 1985 to support geological field study, research for students, and opportunities for students to present original research at professional meetings.

THE CATHERINE E. BOYD PRIZE IN MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE STUDIES was established in 2001 by an anonymous donor. The prize is awarded for the best research essay in any relevant field.

THE CARLETON TONI AWARD IN THE ARTS was established in 1996 to honor the memory of Antoinette Sostek, dance instructor at Carleton from 1971 to 1996. The prize is awarded annually to a junior or senior who most aptly reflects the spirit of Toni’s teachings: finds the fun in shared experience; understands that major challenges are overcome through small steps and small triumphs; exults in the joy of personal achievement; and does not let personal limitations or conventional wisdom discourage creative expression.

THE CLASS OF 1885 PRIZE is awarded annually to the student submitting the best work of imagination in prose.

THE CLASS OF 1963 FELLOWSHIPS, established by gifts from the Class of 1963, are awarded to qualified students to carry out independent research activities in any field taught at the college or to undertake projects in the creative or performing arts. Normally the fellowships are awarded to juniors for use during vacation periods to support a project unrelated to Carleton course work; occasionally, however, these fellowships may be used during the academic year for projects that would qualify for independent study credit.

THE MARGARET DALTON CURRAN PRIZE was established in 1986 by family and friends of Margaret Dalton Curran, Class of 1926. In recognition of the lifelong interest in excellent writing she developed while she was a student at Carleton, this prize is awarded annually to a student submitting the most accomplished academic essay.

THE DANA AWARD FOR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT was established in 1949 by Ellis H. Dana, Class of 1924, in memory of his grandfather, the Reverend Malcolm McGregor Dana, Trustee of Carleton from 1878 to 1888. The award is given annually as a recognition to a male student in the senior class who, during four years at Carleton College, has shown superior personal achievement in developing a balanced combination of high scholarship, exceptional leadership abilities, and outstanding Christian character, and as a symbol of confidence in the promise of future attainment in his chosen field of public service.

THE DIMSDALE PRIZE FOR UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL RESEARCH was established in 2008 by Dr. Joel Dimsdale, Class of 1968, to support off-campus research by Carleton students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

THE DR. E. A. FATH ENDOWED RESEARCH FUND was established in 1986 by Catherine Fath Sherry, Class of 1935. Income from the fund supports student research in astronomy and student travel to major research telescopes.

THE DAVID JOHN FIELD PRIZE was established in 1984 by Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Field as a memorial to their son. The prize is awarded each year to a member of the senior class whose non-athletic activities best exhibit the qualities of imagination, ingenuity, energy, verve, and zest for life which David Field, Class of 1964, exemplified while living with his fellow students at Carleton.

THE CLINTON FORD RESEARCH FUND was established in 1983 by Clinton Ford ’35 to support student/faculty travel and research in astronomy.

THE LAURENCE MCKINLEY GOULD PRIZE IN NATURAL SCIENCE was established in 1979 in recognition of the contributions made to scientific research and to liberal education by Dr. Laurence McKinley Gould, who served as Carleton’s president from 1945 to 1962. This prize is awarded annually to a member of the senior class who has demonstrated excellence in experimental scientific research in either biology, chemistry, geology, physics, or psychology and who has studied one of the humanities at a level well beyond the minimum College requirement.

THE ELE HANSEN AWARD was established by friends, colleagues, and former students of Dr. Ele Hansen at the time of her retirement in 1986. The award is given annually to two senior female students who bring to sport the joy of participation and who have influenced others through their example, service, and leadership in the athletic or recreation program. This award publicly honors Professor Hansen, Chair of the Women’s Physical Education Department from 1952 to 1986, in appreciation of the generosity, enthusiasm, and warmth she shared with generations of Carleton students.

THE DALE AND ELIZABETH HANSON FELLOWSHIP IN ETHICS was established in 2008 to honor the generosity of Dale ‘60 and Elizabeth Hanson, visionaries behind the Ethical Inquiry at Carleton (EthIC) program. The fellowships allow students to pursue research as an extension of work from a previous course or to examine ethical questions as they relate to their major. The summer research fellowships are awarded to first, second and third year students.

THE A. M. HARRISON PRIZE IN ECONOMICS was established in 1979 by former students, friends, and colleagues of Dr. A. M. Harrison at the time of her retirement. The prize recognizes each year the outstanding academic achievements of a graduating economics major at Carleton. It also honors Professor Ada M. Harrison for 30 years of distinguished service to Carleton economics.

THE EILER HENRICKSON ENDOWMENT FUND FOR FIELD RESEARCH was established in 1987 to honor Professor Henrickson and his retirement from Carleton. The fund supports field research in geology.

THE HUNTINGTON POETRY PRIZE was established in memory of Dr. George Huntington, poet and novelist, professor of logic, rhetoric, and elocution at Carleton from 1879 to 1906. The prize is awarded to the student whose submitted poem, or group of poems, is judged to be the best.

THE INITIATIVE FOR SERVICE INTERNSHIPS IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT were established in 2003 by Stephen R. West ’53 and his wife Phyllis M. West. This Initiative is intended to encourage internships for Carleton students to perform volunteer service in the areas of international community, social, and economic development, including credit and business cooperatives, public wellness and treatment, literacy and education, and other public services in developing countries.

THE NEIL ISAACS AND FRANK WRIGHT FELLOWSHIP IN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM was established in 2007 to support students interested in investigative journalism in conjunction with the Center for Investigative Journalism in Berkeley, California.

THE JARCHOW FELLOWSHIP was established in 1986 and is awarded annually to an outstanding second-year resident assistant who has demonstrated leadership, integrity, love of the institution and people of Carleton, and other qualities represented by former Dean of Men, Merrill E. “Casey” Jarchow.

THE JEFFERSON NATURAL SCIENCES TEACHING AWARD is given annually to a current student who has demonstrated an interest in and capacity for teaching children or adults in the natural sciences. The award may be used for any purpose that would further the student’s teaching career.

THE URSULA HEMINGWAY JEPSON MEMORIAL AWARD was established in 1968 by Jasper Jay Jepson, Class of 1925, in honor of his wife Ursula Hemingway Jepson, Class of 1925. The fund provides an annual cash award to the outstanding junior studio art student.

THE PAUL AND LYNN KELLEY ENDOWED FELLOWSHIP FUND was created in 2005 by Christina Kelley Sriver ’93 and Joe Kelley Sriver to honor Christina’s parents, Paul and Lynn Kelley, who have done a great deal to support and promote cultural understanding, including medical travels to Central America, years-long service to indigenous and tribal peoples, AIDS work, and much more. The fund is intended to support students with financial need who are doing research fellowships abroad. 

THE ROBERT J. KOLENKOW AND ROBERT A. REITZ ENDOWED FUND FOR STUDENT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH was established in 2007 by David Ignat, Class of 1963, to honor Robert J. Kolenkow and Robert A. Reitz, two former members of the physics faculty at Carleton who had a lasting impact on Mr. Ignat’s career as a physicist. This fund provides support to Carleton students pursuing research opportunities in the sciences.

THE IAN KRAABEL MEMORIAL PRIZE was established in 1987 by classmates and friends of Ian Kraabel, Class of 1985, who died in an avalanche on Mount Baker in the summer of 1986. This award honors Ian Kraabel’s unusual intensity, originality, and athletic ability, and is given each year by the History Department to the student who best reflects Ian’s personal qualities, including his desire to pursue understanding and knowledge.

THE PAT LAMB AWARD was established in 1994 by former students, colleagues, and friends of Patricia A. Lamb. This award is given annually to two outstanding senior female athletes who have achieved athletic excellence and also a high level of academic achievement. One of those athletes has excelled in team sports, the other in individual sports. This award publicly honors Pat Lamb, Carleton’s first Director of Women’s Athletics (1970-1985). Professor Lamb was an influential leader in the early development of increased opportunities for women not only at Carleton, but also at the state, regional, and national levels.

THE SIGRID AND ERLING LARSEN AWARD IN THE CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS was established in 1961 to honor the memory of Sigrid Larsen, Class of 1962, and her father Erling Larsen, Carleton professor of English from 1956 to 1974. The award is given annually to a student who has done the most memorable or distinguished work in literature, drama, music, art, dance, photography, or film, either as a creator or performer.

THE LARSON INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS were established in 1986 by Robert, Class of 1956, John, Class of 1960, and David Larson, Class of 1963, in memory of their parents Frances W. and Eugene Larson, who had a deep interest in Carleton and were champions of international understanding and involvement. The Fellowships enable students with leadership promise to have a significant international summer experience.

THE LOFGREN FELLOWSHIP FUND (Carleton College Alumni Business Program) was established in 1984 by Charles Lofgren Sr., Class of 1927. Fellowships are awarded annually to alumni who wish to undertake an extensive program for mid-career education intended to expand their horizons and leadership roles in the for-profit sector of the economy. Candidates selected may pursue part- or full-time study in graduate Masters of Business Administration or Executive MBA programs.

THE DAVID MAITLAND—ROBERT WILL PRIZE was established by Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell ’75, and his wife Suzette, to honor two professors who had a major impact on him. This prize is awarded to a student completing their sophomore year who, in the judgment of the Economics Department and the College Chaplain, has shown the greatest capacity to transform a community during their time at Carleton.

THE ROBERT T. MATHEWS STUDENT FELLOWSHIP FOR ASTRONOMY STUDY was created in 2003 by Jon Laible ’59 to honor the memory of Professor Mathews. This fund supports student research related to the study of astronomy.

THE ADELAIDE H. MATTESON SERVICE INTERNSHIP is awarded annually to a junior or senior who has exhibited a high degree of academic achievement, motivation with respect to problem solving, and desire to pursue an environmental career.

THE ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION UNDERGRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS were established in 1996 for student research in the humanities, social sciences, and selected natural sciences.

THE JERRY MOHRIG PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY was established in 2006 by Jerry Mohrig to recognize a chemistry major who has excelled in the study of chemistry and in undergraduate scientific research. Faculty members of the Chemistry Department participate in the annual selection of candidates.

THE MORTAR BOARD FUND was established by members of Mortar Board and is awarded each year for the purchase of books to a member of the previous first-year class who has achieved a distinguished grade point average.

THE DACIE MOSES AWARD was established in 1981 by the Alumni Association as a celebration of the warmth, generosity and hospitality of Dacie Moses, who contributed much to the lives of Carleton students. The award is given annually to a student or students who continue to express the hospitality, caring, and concern characteristic of Candace Kelley Moses.

THE WILLIAM MUIR FUND was established in 1985 to support the Biology Department. The fund provides for ACM Wilderness Field Station scholarships, a stipend for outstanding juniors interested in plant sciences, the maintenance of the Carleton greenhouse, and a speaker program.

THE EDWARD H. “TED” MULLIN HISTORY PRIZE was established in 2007 in memory of Ted, who lost his life to cancer in September 2006 while a student at Carleton. The prize is awarded by the History Department during winter term to the junior history major who most exemplifies Ted’s love of history, academic excellence, selflessness, courage, and tenacity. The award is to be used to support travel and/or research opportunities that enhance the student’s academic or broader learning journey.

THE RICHARD T. NEWMAN FAMILY FUND FOR LANGUAGE STUDY INTERNSHIPS was established in 2004 by Mr. Newman, Class of 1949. The fund supports and encourages students to pursue internships in foreign countries that can lead to career opportunities in the field of foreign languages.

THE PHILIP H. NILES PRIZE IN MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE STUDIES was established in 2001 by an anonymous donor. The prize is awarded for the best short essay in any relevant field.

THE NOYES PRIZES were founded in 1908 by the late Daniel R. Noyes of St. Paul. Distinguished scholars are selected from a list of eligible members of the senior class, based on grade point average and/or nominations of the faculty.

THE DAVE OKADA MEMORIAL PRIZE IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES, established in 1972, is awarded annually to the social science major who has demonstrated the most remarkable intellectual achievement in his or her studies.

THE JONATHAN PARADISE ISRAEL EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIP was established by Mansoor Alyeshmerni, Carleton’s Hebrew instructor for many years, to honor his teacher, Professor Jonathan Paradise. Its purpose is to provide financial support to Carleton students who wish to learn more about the culture, history, and politics of Israel and to better understand the global community in which they live.

THE PHI BETA KAPPA PRIZES are offered annually by the Carleton Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa: one is awarded to a first-year student, a second to a member of the sophomore class. Each student holds the highest class ranking for the year in scholarship among the members of their respective classes.

THE CHARLES W. POTTS ENDOWMENT FUND was established in 1986 by his daughters Katherine Potts MacDonald, Class of 1928, and Ruth Potts Culbertson, Class of 1930. Income from the fund supports field study and research for geology students.

THE REEVE PRIZE was established in 1881 in memory of Miss Minnie A. Reeve of Minneapolis. A distinguished scholar is selected from a list of eligible members of the senior class, based on grade point average and/or nominations from the faculty.

THE FRANK LUDWIG ROSENOW FUND was established in 1973 for student research in biology.

THE ALLEN AND IRENE G. SALISBURY STUDENT FELLOWSHIP was established in 1997 by Richard A. Salisbury, Class of 1966, and Irene G. Salisbury. The Fund recognizes the service of James F. Fisher, John W. Nason Professor of Asian Studies and Anthropology. This endowed fund supports student fellowships for independent research outside the classroom. Students studying any discipline are eligible to receive awards, with preference given to juniors and seniors studying an aspect of Nepal or Asia.

THE RICHARD A. SALISBURY ENDOWED FUND was established in 2000 by Richard A. Salisbury ’66. These fellowships will provide for independent research in any field taught at Carleton or will allow students to undertake projects in the creative or performing arts. Preference for awards will be given to students studying in Latin America or Africa. Juniors and seniors receive primary consideration for the award.

THE JEAN SCHMIDT PRIZE, created in memory of Jean Schmidt, Class of 1973, is awarded annually to that student who embodies Jean’s enthusiasm for learning and love of people.

THE SECOND CENTURY STUDENT AWARD honors a member of the Carleton student body who has made an outstanding contribution to the College through significant service to others. The award is not intended to recognize academic or political success, but rather to honor service on- or off-campus which in other ways enriches and strengthens the institution and the lives of its members.

THE M. LEITH SHACKEL INTERNSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND was created in 2005 by Margaret and Walter Wales in commemoration of their 50th reunion celebrations. The fund supports Carleton students who participate in internships and honors Dr. Shackel who held various offices at Carleton from 1946 through 1973 including Director of the Placement Office and Dean of Women.

THE HARRIET SHERIDAN ENDOWED PRIZE was established by Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell ’75 and his wife Suzette, to honor Professor Sheridan, former acting president, dean, and professor of English at Carleton, who had a major impact on Pastor Caldwell when he was a student. Additional funding has been provided by John Bullion ‘74 and his wife Betty. The purpose of this prize is to recognize qualities that are important in defining a Carleton education - in this instance, writing ability. This prize is awarded to a student completing their sophomore year who, in the judgment of the Chair of the English Department and the Coordinator of the Writing Program, has shown the greatest growth in writing ability in the first two years at Carleton.

THE BARDWELL SMITH PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION, established in 2006 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Carleton’s Department of Religion, celebrates the leadership and career of the John W. Nason Professor of Religion and Asian Studies, Bardwell L. Smith. The prize is awarded each year by the Department of Religion to a student who exhibits a passion for the life of the mind, a willingness to take intellectual risks, and a desire to grow and change as a young scholar.

THE ELLEN ROGERS STEIF MEMORIAL AWARD was established by the family and friends of Ellen Steif who died of cancer in the fall of 1979, two years after her classmates had graduated from Carleton. Ellen’s interest in history and her personal courage in the face of death were an inspiration to her many friends at Carleton during her long and painful illness. The prize is awarded each year to the student who best reflects Ellen’s personal qualities and academic achievements.

THE DUNCAN STEWART FELLOWSHIP was established in 1976 by Daniel Gainey, Class of 1949, in honor of Duncan Stewart, Professor of Geology at Carleton for nearly 25 years. Each spring two or three students from the junior class are selected to serve as Stewart Fellows during their senior year. The principal criteria for selection are excellence in scholarship, a high level of intellectual curiosity, potential for scientific growth, a demonstrated ability to work independently, and involvement in department activities. The Fellowships provide outstanding students an opportunity to pursue projects that will aid in their intellectual and scientific growth to a degree not possible without the Fellowship.

THE STIMSON PRIZE, established in 1873 by the Reverend Henry A. Stimson, D.D., Minister of Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis, is intended to encourage public speech. This prize is awarded to a student who contributes most to the quality of debate or public speaking at the College.

THE FRANK E. STINCHFIELD ENDOWED PRIZE FUND, established in 2000 by the Margaret and Frank Stinchfield Foundation, is awarded in the fall to an academically outstanding member of the senior class.

THE STRANG PRIZE was established in 2004 by William and Lee Strang to support juniors with an interest in world politics and Asian studies. The prize enables an adventuresome and intellectually promising student to have a significant experience in Asia.

THE SAMUEL STRAUSS PRIZE was established in 1982 by Robert S. Strauss, Class of 1973, in memory of his father. The prize is awarded annually to recognize accomplished humorous writing.

THE TECHNOS INTERNATIONAL PRIZE is awarded each year to a graduating senior with a record of academic excellence and an interest in promoting international understanding. It is balanced by a similar award given by Carleton to a student at Technos International College in Tokyo.

THE ANN GOODSON WEINER PRIZE IN THEATER AND DANCE was created in 2004 by Professors Carl and Ruth Weiner to honor Carl’s mother and Ruth’s mother-in-law. The prize will be awarded annually to the senior student who, in the judgment of the Chair of the Department of Theater and Dance, has contributed the most significant performance in theater or dance. The purpose of the prize is to honor Ann Goodson Weiner and recognize the hard work, dedication, and inspiration involved in creating a truly unique performance.

THE MARY WIESE ENDOWED PRIZE was established in 1992 to honor the memory of Maria Eugenia Wiese. This prize honors Mary’s respect for education, her profound love for students and her understanding of the place of education in their futures. Qualities Mary valued in others and that formed the core of her own character were: cultural pride, kindness, perseverance, self-reliance, discipline, and respect and care for other people. This prize is awarded to a graduating senior who embodies the above qualities and who has demonstrated perseverance in overcoming challenging circumstances. To honor the pride Mary had in her Latino culture, preference will be given to Latino students.

THE ROBERT E. WILL ECONOMICS PRIZE is awarded to the senior economics major or majors who demonstrate excellent academic achievement and breadth of intellectual interests in the best tradition of the liberal arts education.

THE WILLIAMS-HARRIS ENDOWED PRIZE IN AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES was established on history professor Harry Williams’s 50th birthday to honor his mother, Edith Moselle Harris Williams (1931–1992); his grandmother, Patsy Harris Tunson (1914–1998); and his great-aunt, Ellen Harris Brooks (1909–1998). This prize recognizes their respect for the transformative power of education, the vast richness of their life experiences, and the strength of their characters. The prize recognizes a member of the senior class who has produced a distinguished integrative exercise on any aspect of the African American experience in the New World.

THE LAURENCE AND LUCILLE WU FAMILY ENDOWED FUND FOR FACULTY/STUDENT COLLABORATIVE STUDY PROJECTS was established by Dr. and Mrs. Laurence T. Wu in 2005. This fund is meant to foster joint study/research projects of students and faculty with emphasis on the collaboration between students and faculty. Such collaboration not only strengthens scholarship, but enhances friendships between faculty and students.