KU News Release

KU political science department announces award winners, honor society members

Go to county and state directory

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Department of Political Science honored top students at its annual Pi Sigma Alpha initiation and awards banquet April 24.

Thirty-four students were inducted into the Gamma chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, a national political science honor society. Criteria for induction include at least junior standing in political science and a 3.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale in all political science courses. Cumulative grade-point averages for undergraduates must be at least 3.4, for graduate students at least 3.5. Neither may have a course grade lower than a B.

Special award and scholarship recipients were recognized during the program. Awards provide cash prizes with no restrictions. Scholarships provide funds for tuition. The awards and scholarships offered were:

— Two Ethan P. Allen Pi Sigma Alpha Awards to outstanding graduating seniors majoring in political science
— Three Emmett L. Bennett Scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 to outstanding juniors majoring in political science.
— Two Eldon Fields Awards to outstanding seniors majoring in political science
— Three Elizabeth and Carl Gustafson Scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $3,600 to outstanding political science undergraduates
— Joseph P. Harris Fellowship in the amount of $6,000 awarded to an outstanding doctoral student
— Three Harley S. Nelson Family Fund Scholarships of $1,200 each to outstanding political science undergraduates
— Six Pi Sigma Alpha political science faculty awards to outstanding seniors completing departmental honors
— Twenty Walter Thompson Scholarships, ranging from $900 to $4,500, awarded to deserving political science students, both undergraduate and graduate
— For the first time this year, a Walter Thompson Outstanding GTA Award in the amount of $500 and an engraved plaque

All of the scholarship funds are managed by KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment is the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

Pi Sigma Alpha inductees and political science award winners are listed below by hometown, major, year in school, parents’ names, high school and award.

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.