Awards
Established by the Anthropology Department to honor former distinguished colleagues. Prizes are awarded annually to anthropology majors in good standing in recognition of scholastic achievements, accomplishments and proficiency.
The David W. McCurdy Award for Excellence in Anthropological Research
A cash award given to the senior who demonstrates special excellence in anthropological research.
Sonia E. Patten Distinguished Service Award
A cash award given to the student who has contributed most to the formal and informal programs of the anthropology department.
James P. Spradley Research Award
A cash award established by colleagues, family, and friends of the late professor. Given to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship in anthropological coursework and/or research.
Best Ethnography Award
Awarded for the best student ethnography from the methods class, the prize consists of a certificate, a student membership to American Anthropological Association (AAA), and a department shirt.
Jack Weatherford Award for Best Capstone
Awarded for the best senior capstone.
Spradley Summer Research Fellowship
Thanks to the generosity of Anthropology alumni, we provide up to two Spradley Summer Research Fellowships each summer to support student research. The Research Fellowship is open to all declared anthropology majors in good standing who are making progress toward completing their major and who will not have graduated by September 1 following their summer research. Preference is given to students who are not already recipients of other fellowships. Proposals are due April 15. Projects selected for funding must conform to the Anthropology Department Ethics Guidelines and be approved through Macalester’s Social Science Institutional Review Board.
Additional details for applications, due April 15:
We offer Spradley Summer Research Fellowships each summer to support student research. Each award is for up to $2,000 toward living expenses, supplies, travel, etc. Students must present receipts to be reimbursed for expenses. Students are required to provide a written summary of their research activities upon completion of the research period.
The Research Fellowship is open to all declared anthropology majors in good standing who are making progress toward completing their major and who will not have graduated by September 1 the same year as their fellowship. Preference will be given to students who are not already recipients of other fellowships (e.g., Keck, Taylor, Gerdes, Lilly, etc.).
What you need to do to apply:
1. In consultation with an Anthropology Department Faculty member, develop a 3-page proposal outlining your project. Be specific about what you intend to accomplish and how this project complements your scholarly and professional goals. Your proposal should describe what the final project will be. For example, is this research that might lead to an honors project or senior capstone? In addition, your proposal should include: a) a 1-page timetable, detailing the steps for completing your project; and b) a 1-page budget detailing expenses.
2. By 11:59pm April 15, submit an electronic copy of your proposal to department coordinator Abbie McGowan ([email protected]).
Projects selected for funding must conform to the Anthropology Department Ethics Guidelines (macalester.edu/academics/anthropology/researchpolicies/). In addition, if your project is selected for a Summer Research Fellowship and includes human subjects, you must secure approval through Macalester’s Social Science Institutional Review Board. More information and SSIRB forms can be found at: macalester.edu/irb/social-sciences-irb/.
The Anthropology Department Faculty look forward to reviewing your proposals, and we’re grateful to Macalester Anthropology Alumni for their generous support of student work!