Awards, Scholarships and Research Grants

Departmental Honors Graduates

• Maya Garzelli
• Clayton Peterson
• Neal Selu
• Madison Taylor

Departmental Awards Recipients

• Moises Morales Lopez in recognition of being awarded the 2024 Political Science Association Conference Hoover Prize for outstanding student presentation.
• Zach Cohen for being selected as the Political Science Department Outstanding Graduating Senior.
• Gabby Laipenieks for being nominated by the Political Science Department and selected by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences for a Presidential Scholar.

Departmental Scholarship Recipients

• The Clement Family Scholarship
  • Callum Franco
  • Skye Hawker
• The Bill McDonald Memorial Scholarship
  • Conor Lincoln
• The Public Affairs Research Fund
  • Aiden Ochoa
• Political Science Department Tuition Waiver
  • Adyson Schafer
• The Dozal Political Science Scholarship
  • Elli Berdan

2324 Pi Sigma Alpha Inductees

• Erin Godwin
• Michael Costello
• Delaney Swanson
• Neal Selu
• Maggie Brown
• Connor Lincoln
• Ella Morrison
• Ren LaRue
• Abigail Clark
• Clayton Peterson
• Madison Taylor
• Jordan Kenyon
• Ariana Stephens
• Riley Benson
• Keely Taylor
• Zach Cohen
• Max Greyerbiehl

Hello faculty and fellow graduates. I’m so excited that we have the opportunity today to gather and celebrate our achievements, reflect on our journey, and look forward to the future. I am extremely honored by this recognition, and I want to thank all the professors and department staff that have worked so hard to support us during our time here.

As political science students, we spent years dissecting theories, analyzing policies, debating ideologies, and learning about the political realities of our world. Yet, when looking back at my college experience, it is the small, seemingly insignificant moments that often held the most profound value.

Whether it was a late-night conversation with a roommate, a great night out with a friend that gave us the boost we needed, a professor's words of encouragement that reignited our confidence, or time spent at work or in the community that connected us with the issues we all face, these moments were just as crucial to our education as what we learned in class.

Life at the personal level impacts our engagement with public life, and our shared calling to answer the political questions of how to shape our world. It is defined daily by connections to others. It's about the mentors who guide us, the friends who support us, and those moments of self-discovery. We are reminded that every person has a story, every action we take has an impact, and every decision we make contributes to a larger narrative.

However, as political science graduates, we are also acutely aware of the broader scale—the intricate institutions and global dynamics that govern our world, and the harsh realities that exist when trying to make change. We understand that the policies we study and the theories we discuss have real-world implications. The value of life at this scale, at the larger scale, is about recognizing the power and responsibility that comes with our knowledge and skills. We have learned that change can start with a single voice but must often be carried forward by collective action. We have seen how grassroots movements can grow into powerful forces for social justice, how international collaboration can address global challenges, and how innovative ideas can transform society.

As we move forward, it is our duty to bridge the gap between the personal and the broader experiences of life. The world needs your brilliance, your passion, your curiosity, and your perseverance.  It is up to us to ensure that the small-scale values of empathy, integrity, and community inform our large-scale endeavors. I believe the true essence of political science lies in the intersection of these scales. It is where personal conviction meets public duty, where individual actions contribute to collective progress.

Our education has equipped us with the tools to analyze, critique, and influence the world around us. But just as importantly, it has taught us to value the interconnectedness of human experience. As we step into our future roles—whether as policymakers, activists, researchers, or engaged citizens—we must remember that the pursuit of a better world begins with a recognition of the inherent worth of every individual life. It is about striving for a society where everyone's voice is heard, where justice is not an abstract concept but a lived reality, and where our actions, no matter how small, are guided by a commitment to the common good.

Let us celebrate the value of life at both the personal and broad scales. Let us carry forward the lessons we have learned at Western, honoring the personal connections we have made and the global perspectives we have gained. Together, we have the power to create meaningful change, to build a world that reflects the best of our humanity, and to ensure that the value of every life is recognized and cherished. Thank you, and congratulations to the class of 2024. May our future be bright, and our impact profound.