Philo Sherman Bennett Prize in Political Science
Established in 1905
Description. The Philo Sherman Bennett Prize in Political Science is awarded for the best essay encompassing some aspect of politics other than international relations. Open to both graduates and undergraduates. For complete information read the General Rules.
Prize Amount. The prize amount is $1,000. Federal financial aid regulations require that all awards received by a student can not exceed their financial aid need as determined by a congressional formula. It is possible, therefore, that the cash award for a prize could reduce some component of a needy student's package of financial aid awards. In these cases, the Financial Aid Office attempts first to reduce loan or work aid; fellowships, grants, or scholarships are only reduced as a last resort.
Deadline. Submissions must be hand-delivered by the author to the Undergraduate Scholarships, Prizes, and Honors Office, 220 Sproul Hall, no later than 4 p.m on December 1. The author's name must not appear on the entry.
History of the Prize. Philo Sherman Bennett's 1905 will stated: "I give and bequeath to Wm. J. Bryan of Lincoln the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), in trust, however, to pay to twenty-five colleges or universities, to be selected by him, the sum of four hundred ($400.00) each, said sum of four hundred dollars ($400.00) to be invested by each college receiving the same and the annual proceeds used for a prize for the best essay discussing the principal of free government."
The Regents Minutes of August 8, 1905 recite the following: "Mr. Wm. Jennings Bryan informed the University that he was glad to leave the decision by the college authorities the details of the Bennett Essay Prize..."
2010-11: 10 entries, Sang-Hwa Sara Lee and Alyssa Beltran ($500 each)
2009-10: 11 entries, Haun Gao and Mikhail Guttentag ($500 each)
2008-09: 6 entries, Daniel Katz ($1,000)
2007-08: 5 entries, Daniel Katz ($1,000 )
2006-07: 4 entries, Nan Zhang ($1,000)
2005-06: 13 entries, Caitlin Rose Fox-Hodess ($1,000)
2004-05: 16 entries, Caitlin Rose Fox-Hodess ($1,000)
2003-04: 14 entries. The judge decided that no essay was worthy of a prize.
2002-03: 9 entries, No award given
2001-02: 6 entries, Anthony Chen ($1000)
2000-01: 2 entries, Tony Chen ($2000)
1999-00: 5 entries, Robert S. Taylor ($1500)
1998-99: 17 entries, Daniel Ho ($1000)
1997-98: 6 entries, James Abrams ($1000)