The Department of Political Science kicked off the new academic year with its annual Graduate Reception on Monday, August 25, at The Faculty Club’s Grand Lounge. The event brought together faculty, new and returning graduate students, and staff to celebrate the start of the autumn semester.

This year, the department presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to James F. Humphreys, a distinguished alumnus whose career and contributions reflect his dedication to justice, education, and public service.

The reception also celebrated the accomplishments of several graduate students with the presentation of departmental awards:

• Maryum Alam – Award for Best Dissertation
• Jack Fernandes and Laurie Georges – Award for Best Paper Presented at a Conference
• Daniel Smith – Award for Best Published Paper
• SoYun Chang – Award for Best Seminar Paper
• Jared Rabinowitz and Kaveri Sarkar – Award for Distinguished Service
• Barbara Roth – Mathews and Gilkerson Award for Distinguished Teaching

In addition, the department introduced its newest faculty members and welcomed the incoming cohort of PhD students. 

The department looks forward to another year!