Awards

The Karl H. Cerny Award – The Karl H. Cerny Award was established by the Department to honor a former member and chairman of the Department for his leadership, scholarship, and commitment to teaching. The award is given annually to a graduating senior government major, who in the opinion of the faculty, has distinguished himself/herself in the study of comparative politics.

The Valerie A. Earle Award – Named after a distinguished member of the Department for more than two decades, the award is given to a graduating senior government major, who in the opinion of the faculty, has distinguished himself/herself in the study of American government.

International Relations Award – This award is given to a graduating senior government major, who in the opinion of the faculty, has distinguished himself/herself in the study of international relations.

Political Theory Award – This award recognized a graduating senior government major, who in the opinion of the faculty, has distinguished herself/himself in the study of political theory.

The Connecticut Alumni Medal – The Connecticut Alumni Club established this medal to be awarded by the Department to the graduating senior whose record and performance are the most outstanding in the judgment of the faculty. This award is presented at the College Tropaia.

The Government Department Award – Awarded to the student who, in the opinion of the Faculty in the Department of Government, has most successfully completed the Honors Program. Coordinated by the Director of the Honors Program. This award is presented at the College Tropaia.

The Constitution Medal – Awarded annually for the best essay on any aspect of the United States Constitution. Interested students should submit a paper of no less than 4,000 words, and for which they received an “A” to the Department of Government, ICC 681. The competition occurs in the spring semester and is open to all College seniors who will graduate in May; only one submission per student. There must be at least two contestants. Please look for electronic announcements early in the year. For more information, please contact Eric Langenbacher.

**All Department Awards, with the exception of the Constitution Medal, are nominated by the Department Chair (in consultation with the Field Chairs and/or Director of the Honors Program). The Constitution Medal is the only Department Award for which students can apply.

Tocqueville Forum Senior Thesis Prize – Sponsored by the Tocqueville Forum on the Roots of American Democracy, it is awarded annually for the best senior thesis on a theme or topic that explores American or Western ideals and/or institutions in keeping with the Tocqueville Forum’s mission. Nominations should be made by thesis advisors and/or the Honors Director. We also will consider self-nominations from students. Any submissions must be made by March 31 to the Forum’s Associate Director in the Department of Government, ICC 681. The Winner will receive a $250 award, be honored at the Awards Brunch just before graduation, and will be recognized with a certificate. Please look for electronic announcements in the spring semester. For more information, please contact Professor Thomas Kerch (tmk4@georgetown.edu).