GWS and Social Justice Previous Awardees

A student receives an award from the Director of GWS as the audience applauds.

Here is a full list of previous GWS student award winners that have illustrated a commitment to feminist activism and scholarship. Read on to learn more about our excellent students, their future plans, and their extraordinary achievements. Click here to learn more about how to apply for these opportunities!

Mary B. Bialas Prize Heading link

The Mary B. Bialas Prize, in honor of Margaret (Daisy) Davies, is an endowed award of $500 – $750. It is awarded annually to an undergraduate student who has completed at least 60 college credits or to a graduate student. Applicants should have demonstrated a commitment to women and/or children’s issues and actively worked to improve the lives of women and children.

Completion Award Heading link

Gender and Women’s Studies has 1 tuition waiver to award each academic year. GWS also includes a $1000 finishing award to help students with their research. First priority will go to GWS Grad Concentrators who are doctoral students, but all GWS Grad Concentrators are encouraged to apply!

Graduate Prize Heading link

The Gender and Women’s Studies Graduate Prize is awarded annually to one outstanding GWS graduate concentrator in recognition of the student’s commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship in Gender and Women’s Studies. The winner receives a certificate of recognition, a monetary award of $500, and notice among the University’s award winners.

Undergraduate Prize Heading link

This merit-based prize is awarded annually to one outstanding Gender and Women’s Studies major or minor or Social Justice minor. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to feminist activism on campus and/or in the community.

Kegan Student Travel Award Heading link

The Gender & Women’s Studies Program provides a limited number of awards, not to exceed $250.00 each, for GWS graduate concentrators, GWS majors and minors, and Social Justice minors to travel to and participate in feminist conference spaces. The award is to support students who will be presenting papers, posters, or creative work that benefits the University of Illinois System at the conference they attend. It also can be used to support student travel for research.