Awards

The Asian Studies Program offers several achievement and travel awards for students at the end of each school year. If you have any questions, please contact Robert Lyons at Robert.Lyons@georgetown.edu.

Achievement Awards

Director’s Award for Science, Technology, and Asia

The new Director’s Award for Science, Technology, and Asia recognizes students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement and professional potential in the field of science and technology, particularly as it relates to the study of Asia. The winner is announced annually by the Director of Asian Studies based on the recommendation of the Science, Technology, and International Affairs (STIA) faculty committee in the School of Foreign Service. Established in 2017, this award seeks to underscore the growing importance of science and technology in understanding Asian security, diplomacy, and policy approaches. Please note this award is not open to application.

2024 Recipient: Jialan Deal (BSFS’24)

Donald S. Macdonald Prize in Korean Studies

The Donald S. Macdonald Prize in Korean Studies provides $300 for the best paper on Korea written by a Georgetown undergraduate (in any college or school) during the academic year. Papers written for any course are welcome. Students not specializing in Korean studies are encouraged to compete. Faculty members may submit papers on behalf of their students.

2024 Recipient: Yujin Lim (BSFS’26)
Paper Title: “Women’s Role in Economic Crisis and Recovery: Unraveling the Gold-Collecting Movement in Korea’s IMF Financial Crisis”

Joseph S. Sebes, S. J. Medal in Asian Studies

The Joseph S. Sebes, S. J. Medal in Asian Studies is awarded annually by the Asian Studies Faculty Committee to a recipient of the Asian Studies Certificate who combines excellence in the study of Asia with the dedication to the advancement of understanding of Asian affairs that characterized the career of Joseph S. Sebes, S.J. (1915-1990), Professor of History and Dean of the School of Foreign Service. Awarded during SFS Tropaia. Please note this award is not open to application.

2024 Recipient: Sanchi Rohira (BSFS’24)

John W. Witek, S.J. Prize

The John W. Witek, S.J. Prize in Japanese Studies was founded in memory of Father John Witek, a historian of the Jesuit missions in East Asia and Japanese history. The prize honors a graduating senior who has written the best paper in any field on Japan and includes a $300 cash prize.

2024 Recipient: Matthew Nguyen (BA’25)
Paper Title: “Fangs of the Nation, Steel of the State”

Travel Awards

The Barkanic Award

The Barkanic Award was founded in memory of Georgetown alumnus, Peter Patrick Barkanic (F’80). The award provides financial support of up to $1,000 for living and/or travel expenses for an undergraduate or graduate student participating in an internship or language study program in Asia.

2024 Recipients: TBA

Henry Chen Memorial Scholarship

The Henry Chen Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually by the Georgetown University Asian Studies Faculty to a student who exemplifies the qualities and ideals to which Professor Chen’s life was devoted. The $500 scholarship supports overseas study of Chinese language and culture.

2024 Recipient: TBA

The Oh Award

The Oh Award is awarded annually by the Georgetown University Asian Studies Faculty to an undergraduate student to support overseas study of Korean language and culture or other activities related to Korean Studies, including internships and service. The “Oh Award” includes a cash prize up to $1,000 and is open to students from the School of Foreign Service and the College who have an interest in pursuing activities related to Korean Studies.

2024 Recipient: TBA