SPA Endowed Scholarships and Awards
Amos Perlmutter Award
Through the generosity of Amos Perlmutter’s family, friends and colleagues, the School of Public Affairs (SPA) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Amos Perlmutter Endowment.
This award honors the memory of Amos Perlmutter, who was a professor at AU from 1972 until his death in 2001. Professor Perlmutter was an expert in comparative politics and foreign affairs. During his career, Professor Perlmutter published fifteen books, was a member of the Israeli Defense Forces, an advisor to the Greek government, a member of the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission, and an author of a weekly column for The Washington Times. His contributions to American University and the world community enriched the field of comparative politics.
This endowed fund will support the following activities each year:
Approximately $500 will fund the Amos Perlmutter Award, given to a senior in the Department of Government each spring who has demonstrated exceptional academic performance in the field of comparative politics.
Approximately $1,000 will support costs associated with the Amos Perlmutter Memorial Lecture in partnership with the Council on Comparative Studies. This lecture will take place once each year and be managed by the Department of Government.
Approximately $1,000 will fund graduate student participation at Political Science conferences when the recipient is presenting on issues in comparative politics and international relations, especially those important in Amos Perlmutter’s own work (such as the Middle East, European politics, civil-military relations). Additionally, the endowment will fund costs associated with PhD or faculty research on the Middle East. All requests for this support will go through the Chair of the Department of Government and he or she will promote this opportunity throughout the year to faculty and PhD populations.
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Ann & Neil Kerwin PhD Fellowship
The Neil and Ann Kerwin Doctoral Fellowship will be awarded each year to a doctoral student in the School of Public Affairs who has reached the dissertation stage in her or his graduate studies. The award seeks to support dissertation research that is deemed by the SPA faculty and Dean to be of the highest quality and likely to lead to publication in a major peer reviewed journal or press. The award will be in the amount of $15,000 for one year.
Eligibility is limited to SPA doctoral students who: have successfully completed all comprehensive examinations; have an approved dissertation proposal; are dedicated to a career in university teaching; and will work on the dissertation on a full-time basis during the year of the award; have not received prior SPA funding for the dissertation.
Selection criteria: a superlative academic record as reflected in the student’s grades in course work and comprehensive examinations; the likelihood that the dissertation research will produce results worthy of publication in a major refereed journal in the field or university press book; the likelihood that the dissertation will be successfully completed within one year of the award.
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Carmen Group Scholarship and Lecture Series
The Carmen Group, Inc. Scholarship is offered to two outstanding students each year ($2,500 award). Student recipients will become Carmen Scholars for the year, have the opportunity to meet Carmen Group, Inc. representatives, and hold one of the few named scholarships in the School. It is important for the Carmen Scholars to learn about the Carmen Group, Inc. as a business leader in the community and the lobbying industry. Final selection of scholarship recipients is made by the Dean of the School of Public Affairs.
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Donald G. Zauderer Key Executive Scholarship
Through the generosity of Donald G. Zauderer’s former students, family, friends and colleagues, the School of Public Affairs (SPA) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Donald G. Zauderer Key Executive Scholarship.
Each year, this fund will partially support selected students’ costs associated with obtaining a Masters in Public Administration degree in the Key Executive program. (approximately $2,500). Applicants for the scholarship must be admitted into the Key Executive Program and not be receiving financial support from their employer. Applicants must submit an essay describing their major strengths and how their participation in the Key Executive Program will enhance their leadership potential and the public service (essay limited to 300 words). In addition to the essay, applicants must submit completed evaluation forms from three individuals (forms can be obtained from the Key Executive Program office). Application packets must be submitted to the Director of the Key Executive Program by July 15 each year. Recipients will be notified by August 15.
Dr. Donald G. Zauderer is Professor Emeritus of Public Administration at
American University. While at American, Dr. Zauderer directed the Key Executive Program for emerging leaders in the public service. As an educational entrepreneur, he also developed graduate programs in Organization Development, Management Consulting, Human Resource Management, Public Financial Management, and the Management of Technology for the Mitre Corporation.
Upon retiring from American, Dr. Zauderer served as Senior Advisor at The Brookings Institution, where he directed a program entitled Mastering the Art of Public Leadership. This innovative and value based program focused on developing the next generation of public service leaders.
Dr. Zauderer received his PhD from
Indiana University, with concentrations in Public Management, Public Policy Analysis, Organization Behavior, Political Science, and Economics.
For more information on the life and work of Dr. Zauderer, please visit
http://www.dzauderer.com/.
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Dr. Bernard H. Ross Public Administration Scholarship Fund
The School of Public Affairs (SPA) at American University is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dr. Bernard H. Ross Public Administration Scholarship Fund in recognition of Dr Ross’ thirty-eight years of scholarly service. This scholarship fund will recognize the important impact that Dr. Ross’ teaching, research and publication have had on the field of public administration and public policy and on graduate education at American University.
Dr. Ross has distinguished himself as a scholar and teacher in the areas of public policy and management. His most recent published works include
Urban Politics (with Myron Levine) and
How Washington Works: An Executive's Guide to Government (with Neil Kerwin and Lee Fritschler.) Additionally, Professor Ross published in journals such as
Public Risk,
Management Review, and
The Urban Interest. Professor Ross is a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow, member of the American Society for Public Administration and a recipient of the School of Public Affairs' Award for Outstanding Teaching. Most noteworthy is Dr. Ross’ reputation with his current and former students. “Dr. Ross was my favorite professor during my college years”, one alumnus remarked, “and any success that I experienced was at least partially due to his influence in my life”.
The scholarship award will be offered to an American University Full or part-time student who is pursuing a Masters in Public Administration or Masters in Public Policy. The Ross Scholar must show strong academic achievement at the undergraduate level, a record of community service, and maintain a 3.2 GPA to renew the scholarship. By March 1 each year, Advisers in the Department of Public Administration and Graduate Admissions staff will nominate eligible students. The Dean will make his/her selection by March 15.
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Gill Family Foundation Scholarship
The Gill Family Foundation Scholarship is a $2,000 financial award designated to a Ph.D. student whose dissertation is in the area of American Politics, Comparative Politics, Public Administration, or Policy Analysis, using quantitative methods. This scholarship is awarded each April.
The Gill Family Foundation was established in 1997 in Houston, Texas to further the Gill family’s interest in support of educational philanthropy. As a statement of philosophy, the Gill family has noted that “Education plays the critical role in providing opportunities for growth, development, success, lasting relationships, and satisfaction in life. We are committed to giving back to the system which provided us so much opportunity for success and financial independence."
Dr. Jefferson Gill received his Ph.D. at SPA in 1996 and is currently a professor of government at the University of California, Davis.
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Jane R. Glaser Scholarship
The purpose of the Jane R. Glaser Scholarship Fund in the School of Public Affairs is to provide financial support to an undergraduate SPA student. Income from the fund (approximately $2,500) will be awarded annually to an undergraduate student for the purpose of spending at least one semester studying abroad in Israel at the Hebrew University PLC. Scholarships awarded by the fund will be applied solely to the cost of attending Hebrew University.
Patricia L. Glaser, BA/SPA'69, established this scholarship in honor of her mother, Jane R. Glaser. Ms. Glaser currently practices law as a partner with the law offices of Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro, LLP.
Click here for the Jane R. Glaser Scholarship PDF brochure.
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John D. Young Memorial Scholarship
The John D. Young Memorial Scholarship was established by the family of John D. Young after his death. John D. Young was described as a man who dedicated himself to outstanding public service with a 36 year career in government and over a decade of service to the department of Public Administration in SPA.
Approximately $1,000 is awarded each April to a full-time, first year MPA or MPP student who possesses a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Full-time, first-year students with a 3.5 gpa after the fall semester are nominated by the Department of Public Administration and Policy to apply for the scholarship. Applicants must submit their resume and an essay (one to two pages, double-spaced) on why they want to pursue a career in public service. A committee of faculty members in the Department of Public Administration and Policy selects the scholarship recipient, after reading the essays and resumes.
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Lois & George Schaefer Scholarship
George Schaefer (BA/SPA'72) and his wife, Lois Bedner Schaefer (BA/KSB'72), established the Lois and George Schaefer Scholarship in the
School of Public Affairs in 2000. George and Lois made this financial commitment to the education of SPA undergraduates by endowing a scholarship that supports an eligible student each year with a $2,500 award. "Lois and I believe that it is important to give back to
American University in recognition of all we received while attending. We fully support the development of the School's programs and its focus on being one of the nation's top public affairs schools that attracts top talent”, George said recently.
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Martha R. Leinbach Memorial Scholarship
The Martha R. Leinbach Scholarship, endowed in 2002, is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student in the School of Public Affairs.
Martha R. Leinbach received her BS from SPA in 1951. The scholarship was established by the trustees of Ms. Leinbach’s estate.
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MAXIMUS Charitable Foundation Public Service Scholarship
Through the MAXIMUS Charitable Foundation Public Service Scholarship, SPA aims to provide unique educational opportunities for academically eligible, yet financially disadvantaged youth of the DC metro area.
The scholarship will be offered to a disadvantaged youth who is a resident of the Washington, D.C. metro area (including Washington, D.C., and cities within a 25 mile radius). Eligible applicants will express an interest in the study of public service and show high-school experience in community and civic volunteerism. Students will be notified of selection each August.
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Monte and Marie Liang Scholarship
The Monte and Marie Liang Scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior in the School of Public Affairs who serves in a position of leadership on the American University campus. It was established in 2007 by the generosity of Regina Liang Muehlhauser, SPA alumna and member of the American University Board of Trustees, and her husband, G. Robert Muehlhauser. The scholarship was created in memory of Mrs. Muehlhauser's parents, Monte and Marie Liang.
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Morley Segal and Edith Whitfield Seashore Fellowship
The School of Public Affairs (SPA) at
American University is pleased to announce the reestablishment of the Morley Segal and Edith Whitfield Seashore Fellowship Fund. This fund was developed in recognition and appreciation of AU/NTL founders, Morley Segal and Edith Seashore, to benefit students of the AU/NTL master’s program in organization development (MSOD). Specifically, the fellowship fund provides scholarship support to its recipients and assists with costs related to educational expenses. The award is approximately $2,500 each year.
Click here for the Whitfield Seashore Fellowship PDF brochure.
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NOBLE Scholarship Fund
The Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) supports an annual need-based scholarship in the School of Public Affairs. The student chosen to receive the $1,250 scholarship should be enrolled in a degree program in the Department of Justice, Law and Society and reside within the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Scholarship preference will be given to a minority student. The scholarship recipient must maintain satisfactory progress in his/her degree program and agree to perform two years of service in the field of law enforcement upon graduation.
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Paul A., Paul H., and Isabella A. Clarke Scholarship
In 1997, Isabella A. Clarke, in memory of her son and husband, established a bequest which would provide for an endowed scholarship in the School of Public Affairs to benefit undergraduate and/or graduate students who demonstrate academic merit and financial need. Students must also demonstrate an interest in public service.
The Clarke family has been involved in public service for many years, so it was a natural choice for Mrs. Clarke to decide that a family scholarship to benefit students studying in SPA was a suitable memorial.
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Robert P. Boynton Award
The School of Public Affairs established the Robert P. Boynton Award in memory of late professor, Bob Boynton. It was created to award graduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the fields of comparative public administration, international development administration, and nonprofit management.
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Susan Dweck Scholarship
A graduate student in the Department of Public Administration is eligible to receive the Susan Dweck Scholarship each year, through nomination by faculty advisors or the Graduate Office of Marketing, Admissions and Outreach. Approximately $1500 is available each year and students will be notified of selection in July.
Susan Dweck, MSHR/SPA'88 (AU NTL program), is a consultant with Susan Dweck and Associates.
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The Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies (CCPS) Endowment
Through the generosity of alumni and friends, the School of Public Affairs is pleased to announce the establishment of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies Endowment. Each year, this endowed fund will partially support selected students' costs for participating in CCPS programs or institutes. Approximately $2,500 (amount determined each year by the earnings of the fund in the prior year) can be allocated in variable increments by the Director of CCPS. For example, one student can receive the full $2,500 in one year, or five students can each receive $500. Note that the support allocated to any student account will replace a current financial need. The award will not necessarily be available as a cash reimbursement from student accounts, unless a credit remains on the system after all debts are paid.
The recipients of the awards will be selected on the basis of merit and financial need. Students must apply for this award each year by submitting a resume and a one to two page letter to the Director of CCPS. The letter should address academic and professional achievements and future aspirations, and it should detail financial need (income, scholarships, loans, expenses).
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The Robert H. Repetto Scholarship
The Robert H. Repetto Scholarship is endowed to support a full-time, undergraduate, honors student in the Department of Government in the School of Public Affairs. This is a need based scholarship of approximately $2,000 annually.
This scholarship was established by the trustees of Robert H. Repetto’s estate in1990. Mr. Repetto, BS/KSB'69, MBA/KSB'71, was a successful stockbroker as well as a political enthusiast.
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The School of Public Affairs Alumni Fellowships
The Cathryn Seckler-Hudson Alumni Fellowship Award
This award will be presented annually to incoming government graduate students with outstanding academic and civic accomplishments including a commitment to public service. Nominees will be presented by the Office of Marketing, Admissions and Outreach and the Department of Government. The Dean will select the final recipients. Historically, awards have been $7,000 each.
Cathryn Seckler-Hudson was appointed Dean of the
School of Government and Public Affairs in January 1958. She was the first woman dean of an academic school at
American University. Professor Seckler-Hudson was a Ph.D. alumna of the class of 1933 and helped create the Department of Government. Dr. Seckler-Hudson was instrumental in the growth of the
School of Government and Public Administration. She was also the first woman to receive a Carnegie Fellowship in International Law during her doctoral studies. Seckler-Hudson also founded AU's Washington Semester Program. Her best selling book, Our Constitution and Government, was translated into 33 languages and used by the State Department. Cathryn Seckler-Hudson served as dean until she passed away in May 1963.
The Arthur S. Flemming Alumni Fellowship Award
This award will be presented annually to incoming public administration or justice, law and society graduate students with outstanding academic and civic accomplishments including a commitment to public service. Nominees will be presented by the Office of Marketing, Admissions and Outreach and the Departments of Public Administration and Justice, Law and Society. The Dean will select the final recipients. Historically, awards have been $7,000 each.
Arthur S. Flemming served as the first Director of the
School of Public Affairs and chief fund raiser from 1937-1939. Flemming, an AU alumnus, later became Secretary of HEW and chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. In his position as the School’s Director, Flemming focused on public affairs education that would take maximum advantage of the School’s national location. Flemming's curriculum design provided government employees with specialized administrative and managerial skills and an overall understanding of the processes of our nation's government.
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The School of Public Affairs Griffin Scholarship
The School of Public Affairs Griffin Scholarship is awarded to two students from New England states who demonstrate leadership in civic and school projects, and aptitude for public service. It was established in December of 2006 through the generosity of Charles "Chip" Griffin, a 1994 SPA alum.
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