Department Awards

Robert Elias Academic Achievement Award

This award honors the innovative academic work of Robert Elias, long time member of the Politics Department at the University of San Francisco.  This recognition, with an award of $1000 funded by the Politics Department and alumna Brenda Barrett, is given to a graduating Politics student who has achieved scholarly and creative excellence in their academic work at the University of San Francisco.

Past Winners: 

Forrest Cameron (2024)

Anna Mathews (2023)

Mauricio Romero Award

Funded by an annual donation from Politics Department alumna Elizabeth Romero, this Award has a purse of $1000, and is granted each year to the graduating Politics student who demonstrates overall excellence in both academics and community service.

Past Winners: 

Joshua Dineros (2024)

Jae Masino (2023)

Anisa Alazraie (2022)

Madison Owens (2021)

Madeline Campbell (2020)

Gabriel Greshcler & Macaela Leonarte Parades (2019)

Mathilde Zanelly and Ali DeFazio (2018)

Alexa Arochi (2017)

Jaclyn Knitter (2016)

Madeline Meininger (2015)

Ray Krickel (2014)

Alexandra Brabson (2014)

Matthew Lanza (2013)

Lucas Waldron (2013)

Clinton Flynn (2012)

Celeste Parisi (2011)

Heather Fox (2011)

Akofa Tsiagbe (2010)

Katja Kellerer (2009)

Erika Carlsen (2009)

Eric Strader (2008)

Paul Martorelli (2007)

Travis Sharp (2006)

Juan Garcia (2006)

Nicholas Miller (2005)

Abigail Stepnitz (2004)

Erin Walters (2004)

Timothy Reed (2003)

Katherine Morales (2002)

Aaron Katz (2001)

Angelina Barisone (2000)

Michael Chin (1999)

Theresa Campos (1998)

Department of Politics Public Service Award

This award has a purse of $1000, and is granted each year to the graduating Politics student who demonstrates outstanding public service during his/her college years.

Past Winners: 

Ryan Mak & Kemelyn Alvarado (2024)

Jada Commodore & Metyia Phillips (2023)

Yasmeen Khan, Gabriela Klemer De Lassé & Natalya Bomani (2022)

John Iosefo (2021)

Lisa Yu (2020)

Nicole Garay (2019)

Sofia Greco (2018)

Mirium Uribe (2017)

Mary Cruz (2016)

 Jose "Pepe" Gil (2015)

John Chibnall (2014)

David Boyle (2013)

Raffi Bezdikian (2012)

Anabel Cassady (2011)

Madeline Flood (2011)

Bilkis Bharycha (2010)

Megan Hanley (2009)

Erin-Kate Escobar (2009)

Victoria Sobrepena (2008)

Reena Shah (2007)

Chambord Benton-Hayes (2007)

Theodora Simon (2006)

Margaret Boehly (2005)

Ralph Lane Peace & Justice Essay Award

Funded by an annual donation from USF Emeritus Professor Ralph Lane and Joan Loan, this Award has a purse of $300, and is granted each year to the student who writes the best essay on a peace and justice theme, broadly defined.

Past Winners: 

Isabela Sandoval-Duran (2024)

Jared Murti (2023)

Suleima Mednick Coles (2022)

Victoria Almanza (2021)

Zayla Smith (2020)

Sofia Skavdahl (2019)

Cameron Hughes (2018)

Syona Puliady (2017)

 Jaclyn Knitter (2016)

Valeria Vera (2015)

Benjamin Schaub (2015)

Ali El Sakhawy (2014)

Shereen Kajouee (2013)

Leah Ragen (2012)

Jade Batstone (2011)

Aislin O'Connor (2010)

Erika Carlsen (2009)

Elyse Wesby (2008)

Caitlin Christensen (2007)

Erik Berg (2006)

Travis Sharp (2005)

Abigail Stepnitz (2004)

Sarah Takahama (2003)

Thomas Hewitt (2002)

Shannon McMahon (2001)

Aaron Katz (2000)

Kevin Moss (1999)

Amanda Rose (1998)

John Gresock (1997)

Michelle Myers (1996)