Departmental Awards and Scholarships
The Department of Political Science and International Affairs offers two awards for graduating seniors. The Lewis Fickett award goes to a graduating senior in International Affairs. The award is named after the late Dr. Lewis Fickett, a beloved professor of International Affairs. The Ann Elizabeth Fitschen Memorial Award is named after a former student and goes to a graduating senior in Political Science. In deciding the candidates for the award, the faculty look not only at academic excellence but also at service to the department and the UMW community.
In 2019, the department set up two scholarships that are awarded to two outstanding students – one each in Political Science and International Affairs. Declared sophomores and juniors are eligible for these scholarships. The scholarships were established thanks to the generosity of our alumni and a matching grant from Professor John M. Kramer and Mrs. Mary Louise Kramer.
In 2023, another student award was established for an outstanding student in the Security and Conflict Studies minor.
Additionally, one PS/IA faculty professor each year receives the John M. Kramer Faculty Excellence Award in recognition of their dedication to students, service to the university, and contributions to academia.
Below are the profiles of our most recent winners:
The 2024 Winners
Lewis Fickett Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior in International Affairs
Abby Tank
Ann Elizabeth Fitschen Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior in Political Science
Cassie Atkinson
Alumni Award for Outstanding International Affairs Major
Rae Breeden
Alumni Award for Outstanding Political Science Major
Ben Dickinson
John M. Kramer Faculty Excellence Award
Stephen Farnsworth