In addition to awards offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Department of History annually honors undergraduate, graduate, and alumni achievements through scholarships, prizes, and awards. Many are named for distinguished faculty and alumni who have shaped the department’s legacy.
Students and faculty may apply or nominate individuals for multiple awards if eligibility is met. Contact faculty or the department office for guidance. This list includes the Hugh Jameson Graduate Student Essay Prize and the James R. Shirley Graduate Article Prize but excludes other graduate funding opportunities.
The late Jeannie Armstrong Hainds was a long-time supporter of NIU and the humanities. She established an endowment to benefit undergraduate education in the Department of History in 1982. The two scholarships given in her name honor her wish to support academic excellence in our department. The scholarships are awarded to two students exemplifying past and potential academic achievement through their outstanding credentials and/or through overcoming a significant obstacle.
Patrick White (1926–2006) began teaching American constitutional law and politics at the NIU Department of History in 1961. His interests centered on the role of judges and courts as policymakers in a democratic society. White served in various administrative roles, including director of Foreign Study programs and assistant chair of the Department of History. These scholarships recognize teacher certification candidates in History and the Social Sciences at the beginning of student teaching who have exhibited excellence in discipline, curriculum planning, scholarship, and potential as a teacher. They are awarded for the semester of student teaching.
Oscar Matasar (1915–1996) was an alumnus of the NIU Department of History. After serving in World War II, he returned to complete his degree and became a high school history teacher. This scholarship recognizes a student of high academic achievement with financial need. Students from non-traditional backgrounds or underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
This scholarship honors Marvin Rosen (1934–2001), a dedicated teacher at NIU for nearly 40 years. An endowment was established in his memory to recognize students whose passion for history extends beyond the classroom. Freshmen and sophomores demonstrating motivation and initiative are encouraged to apply.
Anita M. Andrew (1953–2018), Ph.D. (History, University of Minnesota, 1993); M.A. (East Asian Studies, Indiana University, 1979); B.A. (Asian Studies, Wheaton College); and M.A. (1975) served as an Associate Professor of Chinese and Comparative Asian History at NIU from 1995 until her passing in December 2018. Before NIU, she was a visiting instructor at Beloit College (1988–1994). Anita was a dedicated teacher and mentor, inspiring many to pursue graduate study. This scholarship honors her commitment to the interdisciplinary study of Asia.
The scholarship provides support for undergraduate students participating in interdisciplinary coursework or learning experiences in Asian or Asian American studies.
This scholarship supports full-time junior and senior history majors enrolled in the History and Social Science Secondary Educator Licensure Program who graduated from an Illinois high school. Preference is given to students who have had to forgo employment to complete their student teaching requirements.
This scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing a degree in History. Two scholarships are awarded each year.
This award recognizes a history student for outstanding overall academic performance.
This prize is awarded to the two research papers written in the HIST 495 Research Seminar that demonstrate the most significant scholarly achievement. (HIST 495 is required for all history majors.)
This award recognizes two students who demonstrate superior academic performance and have contributed to the academic or non-academic community.
James R. Shirley (1925–1993) joined the Department of History in 1962 as a specialist in Chinese history. Renowned for his teaching, he made Asian history popular among students. The Shirley family established an endowment in honor of James and Helen. These prizes are awarded for outstanding essays submitted by undergraduate students in any history course (other than HIST 495) during the previous two semesters.
Hugh Jameson (1897–1980) served as a professor of history at NIU for 35 years. This prize recognizes the best research essay submitted by a graduate student in a history research seminar during the previous two semesters.
Each year, the Department of History recognizes one alumnus or alumna with distinction in a chosen career—whether in academia, public service, self-employment, or another field. The award winner is invited back to NIU for a celebration and to present to faculty and students.
If you have any questions or need further information about the scholarships, awards and prizes, please contact the Department of History at history@niu.edu. Faculty and students are encouraged to discuss nomination opportunities and eligibility requirements with the department.
Scholarship applications must be submitted via MyScholarships. All other nominations should be emailed to historyawards@niu.edu. Deadline: Feb. 15 annually.
Department of History
Zulauf 715
Phone: 815-753-0131
Email: history@niu.edu
Our office is open Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except for a daily lunch break from noon-1 p.m.
Faculty and Staff Directory
Advising