KU News Release

KU political science department presents awards, inducts honor society members

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LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Department of Political Science recognized top students at its annual Honors Banquet, held April 23 at Alvamar Country Club.

Twenty-eight 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.

The political science department also provides cash awards with no restrictions and scholarships that provide for tuition assistance. Awards and scholarships presented were

— Two Ethan P. Allen Pi Sigma Alpha Awards to outstanding graduating seniors majoring in political science
— Five Emmett L. Bennett Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 to outstanding juniors majoring in political science.
— Two Eldon Fields Awards to outstanding seniors majoring in political science
— Five Elizabeth and Carl Gustafson Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 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 $1,500 each to outstanding political science undergraduates
— Five Pi Sigma Alpha political science faculty awards to outstanding seniors completing departmental honors
— 20 Walter Thompson Scholarships, ranging from $500 to $4,000, awarded to deserving political science students, both undergraduate and graduate
— The 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.

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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.