Awards

Lawrence Friedman Outstanding Graduate Student Research Award

Established in 1993 in honor of Dr. Lawrence J. Friedman, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of the Department of History. This award is given for outstanding graduate student research. The dissertation/thesis must be nominated in writing by the student’s mentor.

Jack Lawrence, "Reforming Ohio's Public-Sector Labor Policy: Dayton Classroom Teacher's Association v. Dayton Board of Education," 2026

Recent Recipients: Robert Carlock, 2019; Jeremy Albrecht, 2020; Everett King, 2021, Austin Van Nest, 2022; Shelbi Royster, 2023; Peter Strzempka, 2024;

Outstanding Public History Project

Established in 2021, this award recognizes the most outstanding Public History project that presents original historical research to a public audience.

Patrick Cook "P-51 Mustang Exhibit" at the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, 2026

Recent Recipients: Katie Nowakowski, 2021, Joshua Dubbert, 2022. Nicholas Pavlik, 2023; Samantha Davis, 2024; Peter Limbert, 2025;

Senior Graduate Student Distinguished Research Award  

Awarded to a senior (2nd-year status) graduate student who submits the best paper from a History class during each academic year.

Alex Eckhart "Lines in the Dust: Mining, Disease, and the Fight for Compensation in Michigan's Copper Country" 2026

Recent Recipients: Jacob Mach, 2020; Daniel Durkin, 2021, Alexandra Gagyi, 2022; Kasandra Fager, 2023; Peter Limbert, 2025

Junior Graduate Student Distinguished Research Award

Awarded to a junior (1st-year status) graduate student who submits the best paper from a History class during each academic year.

Dylan Selhorst "The Grant Tour: The Vacation that Changed American Diplomacy," 2026

Recent Recipients: Brittany VonKamp, 2020, Alexandra Gagyi, 2021; Madison Stump-Smith, 2022;  Patrick Cook, 2025;

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award

Presented to the graduate student recognized as the outstanding teaching assistant in the Department of History.

Patrick Cook, 2026

Recent Recipients: Keith Lenhart, 2020; Victoria TenEyck, 2021; Alexandra Gagyi, 2022; Austin Keplin, 2023; Jack Lawrence, 2024; Chloe Kozal, 2025; 

Outstanding Departmental Citizen Award 

Presented to a graduate student for meritorious contributions to the Department of History.

Garret Lewis, 2026

Recent Recipients:Julian Gillilan, 2020; Robyn Perry, 2021, Stephanie Bohnak, 2022; Kasandra Fager, 2023; Emily Shaver-Kay, 2024; Chase Fleece and Gabriel Rodriguez, 2025

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