Stephen Whelan '68 Senior Thesis Prize & Free Speech Initiative Prizes

The Stephen Whelan '68 Senior Thesis Prize for Excellence in Constitutional Law and Political Thought

The Stephen Whelan '68 Senior Thesis Prize for Excellence in Constitutional Law and Political Thought is an endowed University prize awarded by the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. It is awarded to a senior whose thesis in the area of constitutional law or political thought is judged to be of superlative quality. There is a cash prize. Nominations are accepted from senior thesis advisors or departmental representatives from all disciplines.

Materials will be treated confidentially and the winner will be announced on Class Day and at Commencement. The James Madison Program reserves the right not to award the prize where no senior meets the criteria stipulated for the award. To nominate a candidate, senior thesis advisors and departmental representatives should submit a copy of the thesis and copies of the readers' reports no later than Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Nominations should be sent electronically to:
Michael Schmidt
James Madison Program
[email protected]


The Initiative on Freedom of Thought, Inquiry, and Expression Senior Thesis Prize

The Initiative on Freedom of Thought, Inquiry, and Expression Senior Thesis Prize is a prize awarded by the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. It is awarded to a senior whose thesis in the area of freedom of thought, inquiry, or expression is judged to be of superlative quality. There is a cash prize. Nominations are accepted from senior thesis advisors or departmental representatives from all disciplines.

Materials will be treated confidentially. The James Madison Program reserves the right not to award the prize where no senior meets the criteria stipulated for the award. To nominate a candidate, senior thesis advisors and departmental representatives should submit a copy of the thesis and copies of the readers' reports no later than Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Nominations should be sent electronically to:
Michael Schmidt
James Madison Program 
[email protected]