College of the Holy Cross | Graduate Studies

WILLIAM E. SIMON FELLOWSHIP FOR NOBLE PURPOSE

Eligibility:		Graduating college seniors.
Duration:		N/A
Award:		One unrestricted cash of $50,000 to pursue a noble pursuit project of the winner’s own design. Two runners-up each receive $5,000.
Holy Cross procedure:		N/A. This is an indepent application, but the Graduate Studies Office is eafer to assist you with all aspects of the application. Last year’s deadline for applications was February 1st.
Essays:		The most important part of the application is a a narrative of past efforts, future plans, and individual philosophy for living life characterized by noble purpose*. It should include a clear statement of how you would use the cash award in the event you are selected as a Simon Fellow for Noble Purpose. It should be 9-12 double-spaced pages. You must also submit a very simple application form, a letter of recommendation, transcripts and the names of two references.
Then What:		There is no stated date on the webpage as to when winners are notified. This year’s luncheon and awards ceremony took place April 21-22.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The William E. Simon Fellowship is designed to encourage students as they complete their undergraduate education to pursue lives that will benefit themselves and their fellow men and women — that is, lives of "noble purpose."

The Fellowship is an unrestricted cash grant that will be awarded to those graduating college seniors who have demonstrated passion, dedication, a high capacity for self-direction, and originality in pursuit of a goal that will strengthen civil society. Examples of how recipients may use their award include:

* Engage directly in the civic life of their community.

* Help to create opportunity for others, including job creation.

* Advance their expertise.

* Fund the ultimate realization of their noble purpose.

In addition to their mature conception of and passion for what they hope to accomplish, nominees for the prize will be evaluated on the basis of their academic record and extracurricular activities. The Fellowship for Noble Purpose is named in memory of William E. Simon, the sixty-third Secretary of the United States Treasury. Throughout a lifetime of active public service, Simon demonstrated the power of a sacrificial life dedicated to helping his fellow men and women. Through an unrelenting commitment to excellence in all forms — from athletics to finance to religion and charity — Simon worked for a variety of beneficial and noble goals. Over the coming five years, ISI will award $250,000 to graduating college seniors who are named Simon Fellows.

In reviewing applications, judges will take into account the following selection criteria:

1. While not an academic prize for past accomplishment, the Simon Fellowship will be awarded to students who have demonstrated excellence in preparing themselves to make future contributions.

2. Judges will look for exceptional promise to make important future contributions to society.

3. Thoughtfulness in laying out a plan for future efforts that will realize the noble purpose will also be considered.

4. Reviewers will also seek out a compelling personal experience that demonstrates sacrifice, personal commitment, or the ability to overcome substantial obstacles in pursuit of important goals.

Further information may be obtained at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute web site: http://www.isi.org/programs/fellowships/simon.html

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