Political Science

Scholarships & Awards

The Political Science Department awards several scholarships and awards to its students.

Political Science Senior Recognition Award

This award is given to a senior majoring in political science to recognize outstanding achievements in and out of class.

Past winners:

  • Claire Zautke, '10
  • Claire Esker, '09
  • Gordon Bothun, '08
  • Kelly Bauer, '08
  • Samantha Kraimer, '07
  • Kurt Kromm, '07
  • Alyson Kuttruff, '06
  • Karen Gottfredsen, '05
  • Rocio Herrera, '04
  • Erica A. Williams, '03
  • Thomas Justice, '02
  • Brian O'Connell, '01
  • April Lamb, '98

Eric H. Olson and Anna Olson-Thom Scholarship

With what President Campbell describes as a lively and jovial "effervescent spirit," Eric Olson was remembered fondly after his death. Mr. Olson was a political science professor for more than 30 years at Carthage, retiring in 1986. He was associated with Carthage for 33 years and moved with the College from Illinois to Kenosha to continue teaching. After the move, he was named chairman of the Political Science Department.

A man with many interests, he was a Kenosha County supervisor, and a member of the Republican National Committee, Republican Governors PAC, and the United States Senatorial Club; he was also a Congressional Republican VIP and a local Republican Party officer. Eric Olson served in the military in the 102nd Infantry Division from 1943-46, including two years of combat during the occupation of France and Germany. After passing on to countless Carthage students the gift of his experience and knowledge, he died in 1989. His legacy of kindness is continued in the form of this scholarship, established just before his death in 1988 to remember his sister, Anna Olson-Thom, who passed away in 1987.

Past winners:

  • Thomas Stowe, '10
  • Jeanne Sullivan, '10
  • Brittany Dayton, '09
  • Eric Jaburek, '09
  • Nicole Rakers, '08
  • Kelley Bauer, '07
  • William Crowley, '07
  • Karina Hoth, '06
  • Chris Nikkinen, '06
  • Casen Griffiths, '05
  • Alyson Kuttruff, '04
  • Kim Phillips, '04
  • Kurt Kromm, '03
  • Erica A. Williams, '02
  • Adam D. McBrady, '01
  • David E. Ahlvers, '00
  • Alan L. Spiegel, '00
  • Kelly Sexton, '99
  • Ryan E. Ruffcorn, '98
  • Jeffrey Winden, '98
  • Angela M. Serio, '97
  • Sean T. Shields, '96
  • Rolan Covert, '95
  • Deborah Schlitz, '94
  • David Sweeney, '93
  • Martin Schulteis, '92
  • Laura Scarry, '91
  • Tracey Lopas, '90
  • James McAlister, '89

Academics at Carthage

Prospective Students

Student Voices

"Political science is a great major that offers a lot of freedom to study what interests you," says Brittany Dayton, '10. "In class, the professors will always encourage you to speak your mind and voice your opinions, so be prepared to talk." Read more.

Patagonia, Argentina

J-Term Travel

The Political Science Department offers regular study tours during J-Term, giving students the opportunity to explore the politics, economics and culture of Argentina, Cuba, Russia and more. Read more.

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