Michigan Conference of Political Scientists
Founders Award
The Founders Award is presented to members of the MCPS for their outstanding contributions to the discipline of Political Science and the Association. These contributions include participation, leadership, scholarship, work and support for the enhancement of the study of political science.
Recipients:
2001
Dr. Ken
Verburg
Michigan State University
Dr. Ellis
Perlman
University of Michigan Flint
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2002
Dr. John
W. Smith
Henry Ford Community College and University of Detroit
Over his long and successful career
John W. Smith has been a strong and active voice in the Michigan Conference of
Political Scientists and has been a major force in supporting and encouraging
the organization from its first days. John has degrees from the University of
North Dakota, Northwestern University and the University of Michigan. He began
his career at the University of Detroit in 1962 and has taught at Northern
Michigan University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Henry Ford Community
College. He has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of
Michigan-Dearborn, Eastern Michigan University and Mercy College. He published
the lead chapter in a book on the Detroit riot of 1967, Riot in the Cities,
and co-authored The Urban Politics Dictionary. He wrote four
journal articles with content ranging from Constitutional Law, pedagogy in the
discipline and suicides in the Wayne County Jail. In addition to serving as
past president of this body, twice organizing the annual meeting, once in
Windsor Canada, he has twice served as Section Chair of Political Science for
the Michigan Academy of Arts, Science and Letters. He has been on the Village
of Beverly Hills Planning Board, serving twice as chair and stewarding the
Master Plan through the administrative process twice. He retired from teaching
in August of 2002 and is co-writing a book on Michigan 21st Century Geography.
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2003
Dr. Peter
Kobrak
Western Michigan University
Dr. Peter Kobrak, one of the first members of our association, has had a long and distinguished career both in government service and academia. His government service includes work for Gov. Nelson Rockefeller of New York, for the US Department of Labor, and for Congressperson William Steiger. In addition, Dr. Kobrak has served as a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1969-1973) and Western Michigan University (1974 - Present) where he has specialized in public administration and public affairs.
Over the years Peter has presented numerous papers at
professional conferences and authored a wide variety of articles and books. But
perhaps members of the MCPS know him best for his tireless efforts on behalf of
our association and its annual conference. A MCPS conference wouldn't be quite
the same without Peter's thoughtful contributions to panels and roundtables on
public administration. For this, and so much more, the MCPS wishes to honor
Peter Kobrak with the Founder's Award.
Dr. Mary
Young,
Southwestern Michigan College
Dr. Mary Young, a long-time member of the MCPS, earned degrees at Delta College, Central Michigan University and Michigan State University. She has held a wide variety of positions, including social worker / public relations officer at Women's Health Service, Saginaw, Michigan; and consultant-needs assessment officer for the Cass County Youth Council. Since 1984, Dr. Young has been a faculty member in the Department of Communication, Social Sciences, and Humanities at Southwestern Michigan College, serving as Department Chairperson since 1997.
Over the years, Mary Young has been as exceedingly faithful member of the MCPS, making numerous contributions to the organization and our annual conferences. She is a past member of the MCPS Board. The MCPS wishes to express our profound gratitude to Mary for her valuable contributions by granting her this award.
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2004
Dr. Helen Graves
University of Michigan, Dearborn
The Michigan Conference of Political Scientists wishes to honor Dr. Helen M. Graves as co-recipient of the Founders' Award. Dr. Graves is currently an Emeritus Professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn in the Social Sciences Department. Dr. Graves has a long and distinguished career as an academic, scholar, and a promoter of public service. Dr. Graves has also taught at the University of Arizona and serves as director of the University of Ottawa's Political Internship Program in the Canadian House of Commons.
During her career as a political scientist expanding over 30 years, Helen has received many honors and awards including Distinguished Faculty named by the Michigan Association of Governing Boards, Michigan Women's Commission, and the Canadian House of Commons Recognition. Helen was elected the First Woman President of MCPS in 1979. Over time, she has presented many papers at its annual meetings on topics related to international relations and women's issues and has contributed significantly to the development of the Association.
Dr. Ed Lorenz
Alma College
Dr. Edward C. Lorenz is the Reid-Knox professor of Political Science and History at Alma College. Dr. Lorenz has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professor, scholar, and administrator. Dr. Lorenz received his Ph.D. in political Science from the University of Chicago and has been with Alma College for the last 15 years where he has served in a variety of leadership roles including the Department Chair of the Social Science Division. He has also received several Teaching Excellence awards. Dr. Lorenz is known for promoting active involvement of students in field research and service learning projects. His research focuses on issues of globalization and social justice. Dr. Lorenz served as President of the MCPS in 1994 and 2001.
2005
TBA
at University of Michigan, Dearborn