The Women's Studies Department and the family of Laura Richardson Whitaker, Class of 1995, are pleased to announce the LAURA RICHARDSON WHITAKER AWARD to encourage and recognize outstanding undergraduate research focusing on women in history. Typically, this annual award will be awarded for a student essay, term paper, or honors thesis, but other forms of achievement (for example, a video script or a museum exhibit) are also eligible.

Entries will be evaluated by the Women's Studies Department for originality and excellence. Winners will receive a $500 cash award and a plaque; their names will also appear on a permanent plaque housed in the Women's Studies Department. The award will be presented at the Department''s spring end-of-year reception. The winner is encouraged, with support and assistance of faculty in Women's Studies, to further develop their research for publication or other public presentation.