Ackerman-Nicholson Fund
The Ackerman-Nicholson Fund assists Earlham College graduates who desire and merit advanced study in journalism or public affairs.
This award was established by a bequest from Carl W. Ackerman '11. Carl Ackerman, a charter member of the Earlham Press Club, served as a war correspondent during World War I and was dean of Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Ralph W. Nicholson '20, also a member of the Earlham Press Club, served as Alumni Trustee 1948-1951, and was owner and publisher of the New Orleans Item.
The Ackerman-Nicholson Fund Committee administers this award, available only to Earlham graduates.
Who May Apply
Seniors and graduates of Earlham College who desire and merit advanced study in journalism or public affairs. Public affairs, for the purpose of the Ackerman-Nicholson award, is defined as work in the public sphere to develop and influence public policy, including government relations, information and communications, public administration, and issue management. Degrees that might be sought include public policy, public administration, public health, international relations, political science, economics, social services, education leadership, urban planning, or law. Subfields of study may include non-profit management, public finance and budgeting, city management and urban policy, information and technology management, and policy management.
Eligibility Limitations
Seriousness of purpose, qualifications, academic record and recommendations. Any Earlham College senior or graduate of the last seven years is eligible.
Award Description and Duration
The award typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. Funds are to be used within two years for graduate study tuition, fees and books.
Application Requirements and Deadline
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter detailing your graduate school plans and your professional goals. (1-2 pages.)
- A writing sample related to your planned area of graduate study. (3 news articles or a 5– to 10-page paper.)
- A resume or curriculum vita.
- Your undergraduate transcript. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. These can be accessed through TheHeart.
- A list of three references who can speak to your character and scholarship. If your reference is a current Earlham faculty member, we need only their name and contact information. If you provide a reference from outside Earlham, please ask them to also submit a letter of recommendation to staedle@earlham.edu or the following address:
Center for Global and Career Education, Drawer 86
ATTN: Ackerman-Nicholson
Earlham College
801 National Road West
Richmond, IN 47374
All applications will be reviewed after the February 7th deadline.