04/20/2026
Call for applications!
Joseph E. Connolly β72 Memorial Prizes
for undergraduate essays on religion and politics/society
Due April 24
Throughout history and across the contemporary global sphere, religious practice and ideology interweave themselves in the political and social fabric of human life. The Joseph E. Connolly β72 Memorial Prizes are awarded to undergraduates who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship at the intersection of religion and politics or society. The Connolly Prizes seek to support, recognize, and inspire imaginative, wide-ranging undergraduate research that addresses these themes in any area of the humanities, and relating to religion(s), religious beliefs, and religious practices in the broadest sense.
Up to two prizes of $500 each will be awarded for essays by students at the freshman, sophomore, or junior levels. In addition, up to two prizes of $1500 each will be awarded to seniors for a senior honors thesis or capstone project.
Cornell undergraduates from all colleges are eligible to apply, including December 2025 graduates.
Applications must be submitted as pdf files to the at [email protected] by April 24, 2026.
Detailed instructions can be found here: https://societyhumanities.as.cornell.edu/connolly-prize