We are delighted to announce the winners of our chapter awards for the 2019-2020 academic year. These four chapters and faculty advisor were exemplary in their commitment, passion, and creativity in advancing AHS's educational mission. We hope they will serve as a model to other chapters striving to enlarge their place in campus life, and we could not be prouder of their accomplishments. Below, you can read about their achievements over the last year.
Chapter of the Year: Duke University
In the 2019-2020 school year, AHS at Duke University held 6 debates and discussions with AHS speakers, which were attended by over 250 students. Additionally, the chapter organized over 20 student group discussions on topics ranging from Brexit to the Taiwanese elections. The chapter has a committed general membership, a mailing list with hundreds of subscribers, and vibrant relationships with Duke's academic departments and other student organizations. While the chapter is long established on campus, this was a historically successful year for its members!
Best New Chapter: College of the Holy Cross
AHS at the College of the Holy Cross inaugurated its chapter in the 2019-2020 school year with 2 debates and discussions with AHS speakers, which were attended by 116 students. The chapter cultivated a broad membership base by hosting group discussions and organizing a regular newsletter. They formed a close partnership with the John Carroll program at Holy Cross and other academic institutes on campus, while gaining a prominent place in campus life. AHS speakers who visited Holy Cross applauded the chapter for its curiosity and passion.
Most Improved Chapter: Hillsdale College
AHS at Hillsdale organized a diverse ensemble of events in the 2019-2020 school year, including a day-long nuclear security conference, a seminar on war and ethics and a radio program on America's global role. Overall, AHS at Hillsdale organized 7 debates and discussions with expert speakers which attracted 370 students. Their energy and innovation raised the standard for AHS chapter programming, and provided deep and lasting enrichment for hundreds of students.
Best Flyer: College of William and Mary
Founded in the spring semester of 2019, AHS at the College of William and Mary grew rapidly in the 2019-2020 school year. The chapter organized engaging academic and professional opportunities for students on key foreign policy topics, like American grand strategy, Chinese investments abroad, and Russian information warfare. They held three debates and discussions with AHS speakers, with a total audience of 370 students. They received the Best Flyer award for their panel discussion on China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Faculty Advisor of the Year: Mary Prentice, Liberty University
Mary Prentice, Associate Professor of Government at Liberty University, has advised the AHS chapter on campus since its founding in the fall of 2018. She has given invaluable backing to the chapter, supporting them in manifold ways: moderating speaker events, publicizing AHS on campus, and assisting the chapter leadership in developing their goals. Dr. Prentice reflected that "Our students at Liberty University have really embraced membership in the Alexander Hamilton society and I am so happy to be faculty advisor for this leading club on campus that is helping develop our next generation of foreign policy and national security leaders." Before joining the faculty at Liberty, Dr. Prentice worked in the Fulbright Scholarship office in Washington, D.C. She also served in the U.S. Embassy in Ghana in its political and economic sections and in military and defense relations, and worked for the Ford Foundation on higher education and cultural grants in Zimbabwe.