Scholarship Recipients
Below is a list of recipients of the scholarship and awards administered by the Department of Political Science. The online application for scholarships and awards is available mid-January with a deadline of mid-February for scholarships for the following school year.
This scholarship was created to honor Alfred I. Johnson who was a Regent of the University and Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. This scholarship provides students with a demonstrated interest in public affairs a stipend for their internships.
2026-2027
- Marciano Lopes Zemeca, class of 2027
- Breanna Wollman, class of 2027
2025-2026
- Shubangi Mohan, class of 2026
- Kate Sanchez, class of 2026
- Richard Xu, class of 2026
2024-2025
- Khoi Phan, class of 2026
2023-2024
- Layssa Pena, class of 2024
- Ugomma Ugorji, class of 2025
2022-2023
- Khalid Mahamud, class of 2024
- Emma Voigt, class of 2024
2021-2022
- Ruwada Issa, class of 2023
- Madisen Rogers, class of 2022
- Carter Yost, class of 2024
2018-2019
- Saleh Ali, class of 2020
- Simon Brown, class of 2019
- Sophia Christianson, class of 2021
- Chelsea Montgomery, class of 2019
2017-2018
- Kathleen Todd, class of 2018
2016-2017
- Jordan Vasseur, class of 2017
The purpose of this scholarship is to financially support political science majors in their academic studies. Financial need will be taken into consideration although all political science majors, regardless of financial need, are encouraged and eligible to apply. Students should demonstrate strong academic records and a commitment to timely completion of their political science majors and their degrees.
2026-2027
- Aadome Kassa, class of 2028
2025-2026
- Leandro Idiarte, class of 2027
2024-2025
- Kristin Mahnke, class of 2024
- Ryan Seaver, class of 2025
2023-2024
- Anastasia Thompson, class of 2026
2022-2023
- Brandon Balma, class of 2023
2021-2022
- Anna Bauer, class of 2023
2020-2021
- Reed Grumann, class of 2021
2019-2020
- Megan Palmer, class of 2021
2018-2019
- Grant Brokl, class of 2020
- Taylor Kreuscher, class of 2020
2017-2018
- Max Yuan Chu, class of 2019
2016-2017
- Amanda Feddema, class of 2017
Professor Charles taught American government courses, particularly state and local politics, at the U of M. Professor Backstrom is also credited with starting the Department of Political Science’s internship program. This scholarship which will assist students with tuition, fees, and the purchase of books and materials.
2026-2027
- Isabella Arco, class of 2026
- Arwin Shamal, class of 2027
2025-2026
- Carole Eteye, class of 2026
- Elizabeth Kleckner, class of 2027
2024-2025
- Ryan Seaver, class of 2025
2023-2024
- Mae Hyser, class of 2024
2022-2023
- Kayla Lovegren, class of 2024
2021-2022
- Ian Feagler, class of 2022
- Brayden Mahoney, class of 2021
2020-2021
- Dyani Acosta, class of 2022
2019-2020
- Lori Vitaioli, class of 2021
2018-2019
- Motunrayo Olanrewaju, class of 2019
2017-2018
- Amari Bauer, class of 2019
2016-2017
- Amanda Feddema, class of 2017
- Nidhi Khurana, class of 2017
This scholarship is named for Professor Asher Christensen (1904-1961), who graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1924. He continued his education at the graduate level at the University of Minnesota, the University of Chicago and the Universidad de Madrid in Spain. He taught American government courses and Latin American politics and governments.
2026-2027
- Brooke Franzen, class of 2027
2024-2025
- Olivia Sanchez, class of 2024
2023-2024
- Grae Roeder, class of 2025
2022-2023
- Elena Cherry, class of 2024
2021-2022
- Hannah Riley, class of 2022
2020-2021
- Kegan Zimmermann, class of 2021
2019-2020
- Nora Ptacek, class of 2020
2017-2018
- Max Yuan Chu, class of 2019
2016-2017
- Alex Thibodo, class of 2017
The Judge Earl and Mrs. Cecill Larson Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students to support their research and academic interests. Judge Larson was a Minnesota native and a graduate of the U of M Law School. During his career he was active in the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union and the Minnesota Human Rights Commission.
2026-2027
- Fatima Aden, class of 2027
- Alexis Alfaro, class of 2027
- Erin Bowman, class of 2027
- Hugo Breese, class of 2028
- Alicia Correa Trujillo, class of 2028
- Brooke Franzen, class of 2027
- Elizabeth Gust, class of 2027
- Sylvia Indridason, class of 2027
- Matthew Jegers, class of 2028
- Aadome Kassa, class of 2028
- Lana Maas, class of 2027
- Nicholas Maas, class of 2027
- Joseph Metzger, class of 2027
- Aadya Pandey, class of 2027
- Amelia Watters, class of 2028
- Freyja Wolfe, class of 2027
2025-2026
- Alexis Alfaro, class of 2027
- Sonia Bertos, class of 2027
- Benjamin Brauer, class of 2026
- Carole Eteye, class of 2026
- Aisha Hersi, class of 2026
- Kendall Hopwood, class of 2026
- Leandro Idiarte, class of 2027
- Matthew Jegers, class of 2028
- Eleanor Kelly, class of 2025
- Elizabeth Kleckener, class of 2027
- Lana Maas, class of 2027
- Khoi Phan, class of 2026
- Madeleine Prescott, class of 2026
- Jennifer Rivera, class of 2026
- Ellie Schugel, class of 2026
- Andy (Kha) Thao, class of 2026
- Sophia Tutt, class of 2027
- Richard Xu, class of 2026
2024-2025
- Marissa Berg, class of 2026
- Paige Cox, class of 2025
- Amina Hasan, class of 2026
- Annabelle Jones, class of 2026
- Maggie Mills, class of 2025
- Aina Perez, class of 2026
- Abigail Pierce, class of 2025
- Madeline Prescott, class of 2026
- Alexa Ragjieram, class of 2025
- Jacob Richter, class of 2026
- Grace Roeder, class of 2025
- Olivia Sanchez, class of 2024
- Alex Steil, class of 2025
- Anlin Thachil, class of 2025
- Abby Zumbrunnen, class of 2025
2023-2024
- Kelso Anderson, class of 2024
- Dane Germany, class of 2024
- Sara Johnson, class of 2025
- Trevor Koski, class of 2023
- Kristin Mahnke, class of 2025
- Kindra Peterson, class of 2024
- Abigail Carroll Pierce, class of 2025
- Alexa Ragjieram, class of 2025
- Olivia Sanchez, class of 2025
- Ethan Smasal, class of 2024
- Anastasia Thompson, class of 2026
- Bridget Thuli, class of 2024
2022-2023
- Brandon Balma, class of 2023
- Shannon Brault, class of 2022
- Elena Cherry, class of 2024
- James Cook, class of 2023
- Jordan Garrett, class of 2024
- Allison Hansen, class of 2024
- Grace E. Hertzog, class of 2022
- Maya Marchel Hoff, class of 2023
- Isaac Maruyama, class of 2024
- Maya Mehra, class of 2024
- Gabriela Llerena, class of 2024
- Rose Lloyd-Sifkin, class of 2023
- Kayla Lovegren, class of 2024
- Jack Sewpersaud, class of 2023
- Dylan Stage, class of 2023
2021-2022
- Hana Abdelhamid, class of 2023
- Kimberly Avendano, class of 2022
- Anna Bauer, class of 2023
- Eva Garcia, class of 2022
- Zehra Kahn, class of 2022
- Brayden Mahoney, class of 2021
- Abdulaziz Mohamed, class of 2023
- Hannah Riley, class of 2022
- Kylie Smith, class of 2022
- Devin Wesenberg, class of 2022
2020-2021
- Luck Dykowski, class of 2022
- Ian Feagler, class of 2022
- Eva Garcia, class of 2022
- Samantha Irvin, class of 2022
- Haley McCoy, class of 2021
- Suhail Rizvi, class of 2021
- Rodrigo Tojo Garcia, class of 2022
2019-2020
- Lew Blank, class of 2021
- Reed Grumann, class of 2021
- Samual Lett, class of 2021
- Kelly Shanahan, class of 2021
- Greg Taushani, class of 2020
- Lori Vitaioli, class of 2021
- Savannah Wery, class of 2020
2018-2019
- Tenzin Dhakong, class of 2019
- Molly Dunn, class of 2019
- Annika Page, class of 2019
- Savannah Wery, class of 2019
- Cassandra Varrige, class of 2020
2017-2018
- Ash Eberle, class of 2018
- Palmer Haasch, class of 2019
- Annika Page, class of 2019
- Imogen Page, class of 2018
- Daniel Perno, class of 2019
- Benjamin Schribman, class of 2019
- Zi Xue, class of 2017
2016-2017
- Monica Delgado, class of 2018
- Austen Macalus, class of 2019
- Andrea Manolov, class of 2017
- Elena Modl, class of 2017
- Yang You, class of 2017
2026-2027
- Samia Abdulle, class of 2027
- Olivia Aker, class of 2029
- Alexis Alfaro, class of 2027
- Maya Bueso, class of 2028
- Jeilan Fatra, class of 2027
- Adam Glende, class of 2028
- Ilham Issa, class of 2027
- Matthew Jegers, class of 2028
- Isaac Mederson, class of 2026
- Omar Nouh, class of 2027
- Samuel Phillips, class of 2028
- Arwin Shamal, class of 2027
- Asher Sindt, class of 2028
- Samuel Thompson, class of 2027
- Lucas Vasquez, class of 2026
- Freyja Wolfe, class of 2027
2025-2026
- Allyson Brenner, class of 2025
- Matthew Jegers, class of 2028
- Luca La Fata-Hornillos, class of 2026
- Ethan Fiegel, class of 2026
- Montana Monroe, class of 2026
- Audrey Pearson, class of 2026
- Andy (Kha) Thao, class of 2026
- Lucas Vasquez-Neigebauer, class of 2028
- Freja Wolfe, class of 2027
2024-2025
- Emmanuel Ayelomi, class of 2025
- Caitlyn Conner, class of 2025
- Ethan Fiegel, class of 2026
- Raeanne Gayan, class of 2025
- Kendall Hopwood, class of 2027
- Jacob Richter, class of 2026
- Savannah Schneider-Zamora, class of 2026
- Andy Tao, class of 2026
- Karina Villeda, class of 2025
- Tori Westenberg, class of 2026
2023-2024
- Kelso Anderson, class of 2024
- Emmanuel Ayelomi, class of 2025
- Brandon Balma, class of 2023
- Bear Morgan, class of 2025
- Ugomma Ugorji, class of 2025
- Jenna Urick, class of 2025
2022-2023
- James Cook, class of 2023
- Jordan Garrett, class of 2024
- Griffin Kowalski, class of 2024
- Khalid Mahamud, class of 2024
- Macario Ramirez-Moriarty, class of 2024
- Joseph Rusciano, class of 2023
- Dylan Stage, class of 2023
- Carson Ulm, class of 2022
2021-2022
- Dyani Acosta, class of 2022
- Quin Alexander, class of 2023
- Luca Costin, class of 2022
- Zach Courtney, class of 2022
- Jack Flom, class of 2022
- Justin Goetz, class of 2023
- Kierney Gray, class of 2022
- Mirnesa Halilovic, class of 2022
- Tsiyhon Kika, class of 2024
- Raymond Lin, class of 2022
- Brayden Mahoney, class of 2021
- Ian Metzger, class of 2024
- Gavin Michaelson, class of 2022
- Abdulaziz Mohamed, class of 2023
- Dylan Saue, class of 2023
- Devin Wesenberg, class of 2022
- Zoe Zander, class of 2023
2020-2021
- Reed Grumann, class of 2021
- Molly Hawkins, class of 2021
- Lauren Huspeni, class of 2022
- Alma Martinez Ramirez, class of 2021
- Maryam Mohamad, class of 2021
2019-2020
- Trent Andersen, class of 2021
- Sophronia Cheung, class of 2021
- Taylor Fontaine, class of 2021
- Cara Nix, class of 2020
2018-2019
- Benjamin Allard, class of 2019
- Leah Comins, class of 2019
- Annika Page, class of 2019
- Jessica Schatz, class of 2019
This scholarship is named for Professor William Schaper who was an instructor at the University of Minnesota in 1900. He taught courses in American and comparative government, constitutional law, elements of jurisprudence, theory of the state and even an introductory course in political science for engineers.
2026-2027
- Maya Bueso, class of 2028
- Samuel Phillips, class of 2028
2025-2026
- Aisha Hersi, class of 2026
2024-2025
- Kristin Mahnke, class of 2024
2023-2024
- Kelso Anderson, class of 2024
- Grace Roeder, class of 2025
2022-2023
- Rose Lloyd-Sifkin, class of 2023
2021-2022
- Ian Feagler, class of 2022
- Kylie Smith, class of 2022
2020-2021
- Lauren Huspeni, class of 2022
- Tessa Simon, class of 2021
2019-2020
- Samuel Lett, class of 2021
- Cassandra Varrige, class of 2020
2018-2019
- Taylor Kreuscher, class of 2020
2017-2018
- Emma Millspaugh, class of 2019
- Ana Mendoza Packham, class of 2018
2016-2017
- Johnny Florentine, class of 2018
The Jonathan Smaby and Michelle Roberts Scholarship is available thanks to the generosity of Jonathan who graduated in 1985 from the University of Minnesota with a BA in political science. Jonathan received his law degree from the University of Michigan and practices law in Texas.
2026-2027
- Samuel Phillips, class of 2028
2025-2026
- Sophia Tutt, class of 2027
2024-2025
- Jinhyoung Bang, class of 2026
2023-2024
- Alexa Ragjieram, class of 2025
2022-2023
- Gabriela Llerena, class of 2024
2021-2022
- Zehra Kahn, class of 2022
2020-2021
- Haley McCoy, class of 2021
- Sonja Zbinden, class of 2021
2019-2020
- Nora Ptacek, class of 2021
- Kelly Shanahan, class of 2021
2018-2019
- Cassandra Varrige, class of 2020
2017-2018
- Ana Mendoza Packham, class of 2018
2016-2017
- Monica Delgado, class of 2018
Charles and Frances Symes created this scholarship in 2016 to provide support for full-time undergraduate students studying political science, who demonstrate financial need and have an interest in policy development and ethics in government. Charles is a 1967 graduate of the UMN Duluth campus with a B.S. in Geography.
2025-2026
- Mathew Jegers, class of 2028
2024-2025
- Karina Villeda, class of 2025
2023-2024
- Abigail Carroll Pierce, class of 2025
2022-2023
- Kindra Peterson, class of 2024
2021-2022
- Justin Goetz, class of 2023
2020-2021
- Justin Goetz, class of 2023
2019-2020
- Kathleen Jankovich, class of 2021
2018-2019
- Brett Herbers, class of 2020
2017-2018
- Christopher Lightner, class of 2018
The purpose of this scholarship is to financially support political science majors in their academic studies. Financial need will be taken into consideration although all political science majors, regardless of financial need, are encouraged and eligible to apply.
2026-2027
- Madeline Augustynowicz, class of 2027
- Ilham Issa, class of 2027
- Ilhan Issa, class of 2027
- Elizabeth Gust, class of 2027
- Lana Maas, class of 2027
2025-2026
- Alexis Alfaro, class of 2027
- Raeanne Gayan, class of 2026
- Lana Maas, class of 2027
- Jennifer Rivera, class of 2026
- Freja Wolfe, class of 2027
2024-2025
- Alexis Alfaro, class of 2027
- Anaam Awad, class of 2025
- Jinhyoung Bang, class of 2026
- Sarah Haile, class of 2025
- Amina Hasan, class of 2026
- Shae Horning, class of 2026
- Eleanor Kelly, class of 2026
- Anna Key, class of 2025
- Khoi Phan, class of 2026
- Mara Poidinger, class of 2026
- Olivia Sanchez, class of 2024
- Shea Stuckey, class of 2027
- Jenna Urick, class of 2025
- Abby Wichlacz, class of 2025
2023-2024
- Mariela Ajpop, class of 2025
- Monique Burgoz, class of 2025
- Layssa Pena, class of 2024
- Kindra Peterson, class of 2024
- Cassandra Sohr, class of 2023
- Anastasia Thompson, class of 2026
- Abby Wichlacz, class of 2025
- Elizabeth Willier, class of 2025
2022-2023
- Quin Alexander, class of 2022
- Allison Hansen, class of 2024
- Grace E. Hertzog, class of 2022
- Addison Kirscht, class of 2023
- Rose Lee, class of 2023
- Gabriela Llerena, class of 2024
- Kayleigh Oestreicher, class of 2025
- Layssa Pena, class of 2024
- Kindra Peterson, class of 2024
2021-2022
- Kimberly Avendano, class of 2022
- Mirnesa Halilovic, class of 2022
- Lili Hoschka, class of 2022
- Samantha Irvin, class of 2021
- Addison Kirscht, class of 2023
- Rose Lee, class of 2023
- Salma Mahad, class of 2023
- Mikayla Mtanous, class of 2023
- Brynn O'Shaughnessy, class of 2021
- Gyeongeun Park, class of 2023
- Layla Reynolds, class of 2022
- Hanna Riley, class of 2022
- Rebecca K. Schmit, class of 2022
- Elise Shih, class of 2022
- Kylie Smith, class of 2022
- Maria Zavala Garcia, class of 2022
- Yanxin Zhang, class of 2022
2020-2021
- Alexia Carlson, class of 2021
- Haley Chinander, class of 2021
- Megan Palmer, class of 2021
- Tessa Simon, class of 2021
- Sonja Zbinden, class of 2021
- Kegan Zimmerman, class of 2021
2019-2020
- Haley McCoy, class of 2021
- Cara Nix, class of 2020
- Nora Ptacek, class of 2020
- Cassandra Varrige, class of 2020
- Savannah Wery, class of 2020
2018-2019
- Fabiola Gretzinger, class of 2019
- Niamh McIntosh-Yee, class of 2019
- Cara Nix, class of 2020
- Motunrayo Olanrewaju, class of 2019
- Cara Nix, class of 2020
- Steven Vogel, class of 2019
2017-2018
- Fabiola Gretzinger, class of 2019
- Yemaya Hanna, class of 2019
- Shae McBrayer, class of 2019
- Ana Mendoza Packham, class of 2018
- Hannah Schacherl, class of 2019
- Benjamin Schribman, class of 2019
- McKenzie Tibbetts, class of 2018
2016-2017
- Bailey Beckman, class of 2017
- Grace Bloom, class of 2018
- Chase Bublitz, class of 2017
- Spencer Buchanan, class of 2017
- Emma Dunn, class of 2018
- Amanda Feddema, class of 2017
- James Jopp, class of 2017
- Martin Kapsch, class of 2018
- Nidhi Khurana, class of 2017
- Megan Kratzke, class of 2018
- Annemarie Pottorff, class of 2017
- Annelise Rittberg, class of 2016
- Jonathan Ross, class of 2017
- Alex Thibodo, class of 2017
- Natalie Townsend, class of 2017
- Rylie Yaeger, class of 2018
- Yang You, class of 2017