Scholarships
As a rule, applications for all the following awards are due before Thanksgiving break in the fall semester, and the awards are announced in the spring (any exceptions are noted in the descriptions below). Contact the undergraduate studies office for details.
Charles E. Merriam Scholarships
Two awards are made every spring to undergraduates at the University of Illinois for study in political science during the following academic year. These awards are made possible through a gift to the University by Charles J. Merriam in honor of his father, the late Charles E. Merriam, who was a distinguished political scientist. Students with outstanding academic records are invited to apply by submitting a letter indicating courses which are being taken currently along with a copy of a current transcript.
Charles E. Merriam Essay Contest
The Charles E. Merriam endowment also funds the Merriam Essay Award. Up to two scholarships for the best essays submitted in the area of local government and politics are made each year. The essay should not exceed 7500 words. The award is open to all undergraduate students except seniors.
Peter F. Rossiter Scholarships
One or two Peter F. Rossiter Scholarships are awarded annually to majors in Political Science. The amount of the award depends on the degree of financial need. All freshman, sophomore, or junior political science majors registered at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are eligible to apply. Each applicant must submit a letter expressing interest in being considered for a Rossiter award. Also, since awards will be based on applicants’ financial need as well as their academic record, each student who wishes to be considered for a Rossiter award must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the Parent’s Confidential Statement (applicable to the year for which application is being made) submitted to the Student Financial Aids Office, Room 420, Student Services Building.
William Jennings Bryan Prize
Bryan was the Democratic Party’s candidate for President three times, the Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson, and the prosecutor of John Scopes in the famous Tennessee court case on evolution. Bryan left a small bequest to the university for the best essay on government. This prize is awarded every five years; the next offering will be in 2013.
Dean S. Dorman Award
Dean S. Dorman graduated from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1909. He and his employer, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, created a fund to allow undergraduate students to travel as departmental delegates to conferences and symposia in which they are participants. There are several awards annually; applications should be submitted in the term previous to the one in which the student plans to travel.
Ronald H. Filler Political Science Scholarship
Ronald H. Filler is a commodities attorney who funds a scholarship to be awarded to sophomores based on their academic merit. He will also mentor any interested recipients.
Bob Byars Scholarships for First Generation College Students
Bob Byars was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science from 1968 to 1975. He enjoyed the solidarity and support of many students and colleagues at Illinois during his struggle to gain tenure in the Department. Some 25–30 years later, he resumed contact with several former students who had succeeded in a variety of fields, who pooled their resources for a need-based
scholarship fund for first-generation college students in political science at the University of Illinois.
Rita and Leonard Ogren Award
A fund honors the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ogren by giving awards to undergraduates and graduates in political science.