Awards/Scholarships

The Department of Economics has several awards and scholarships available.

Students are encouraged to use the online award search to gather information about the awards, scholarships, and bursaries currently available: https://studentservices.uwo.ca/secure/Awards/awardMain.cfm

We congratulate the 2022-2023 award recipients.

2021-2022 | 2020-2021 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019 | 2017-20182016-20172015-2016 | 2014-2015 | 2013-2014 | 2012-2013

Undergraduate Student Awards (Graduating)

Kevin H. Burley Economics Scholarship

Awarded annually to an undergraduate student graduating from one of the Honors Specialization modules in Economics, based on academic achievement. Students must have obtained an 80% average in their Economics courses at the 3200 level or higher (or equivalent should course numbers change). In addition, they must show proof of acceptance of an offer of admission to an economics graduate program in one of three UK universities: the London School of Economics, Oxford University, Cambridge University or one of the top ranked US graduate economics programs (as judged by the Department of Economics through the use of established ranking systems). Documentation regarding acceptance to an appropriate school is required to be submitted to the Department of Economics Undergraduate office by April 30 each year. The Scholarship and Awards Committee in the Faculty of Social Science will select the recipient. Preference will be given to a candidate who accepts admission to the London School of Economics when there is more than one applicant of equal merit. Value: 1 at $5,000. Additionally, the donor prefers that the scholarship value be maintained at a minimum of $5,000 provided funds are available. Effective Date: 2016-2017 academic year. This scholarship was established with a generous gift from the Burley Family in honour of Kevin H. Burley, a former Professor in Economics (1966-1986), Chair of the Department (1969-1970), and Professor Emeritus (1986-1990) at the University. The Burley family has a close association with the University: Kevin's wife, June, worked at the University Hospital for 17 years; all three Burley children are Alumni, and one of them, Stephen K. Burley, was awarded a Doctorate of Science Honoris Causa by Western in 2016. The Burley family wishes to honour Kevin H. Burley, a learned scholar in Economic History, who published widely in his field and was an active participant in University administration.

Economics Core Course Awards

Awarded to two students in their graduating year as follows:

  • one for the highest average in Economics 2220a, 2221b, 2222a, 2223b, 2260a, and 2261b, and who is graduating with an Honors BA degree in one of the Honors specializations in Economics or with an Honors Double Major which includes Economics; and
  • one for the highest average in Economics 2122a, 2123b, 2150a/b, 2151a/b, 2152a/b, and 2153a/b, and who is graduating with a 4-year degree with a Specialization in Economics.

These awards are made possible by donations from Western alumni to The Economics Fund held at Foundation Western.

Value: Plaque valued up to $60

S.F. Glass Gold Medal

  • Awarded to the top graduating student in the Honors Specialization Economics.

Gold Medal

  • Awarded to the top graduating student with the highest modular average in their module, based on a 5.0 course load in their final year, and a minimum cumulative average of 80%.

Benjamin Higgins' Prize in Development Economics

  • Awarded to the top student in Economics 324F/G or 325F/G provided that student has at least an 80%, book prize.

Mark K. Inman Senior Essay Prize

  • Awarded to the student(s) with the best essay in Economics 4400E, book prize.

Ronald J. Wonnacott Economics Prize

Awarded annually for the best paper by an undergraduate student completing fourth year in an Honors Program in Economics.  The Chair of the Department of Economics (or designate) will select the recipient.  This award was established with a generous gift from the Estate of Dr. Ronald J. Wonnacott (BA ’55) and members of his family.

Dr. Ronald Wonnacott received an AM in 1957 and a PhD in Economics in 1959 from Harvard University.  He taught at Western University from 1958 until his retirement in 1996.  He received the Order of Canada, was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a former president of the Canadian Economics Association and the William G. Davis Professor of International Trade at Western University.  He received an Honorary LLD from Western in 2001.  He enjoyed skiing, Mozart and golf.  Dr. Wonnacott died in 2018 at the age of 87.

Value:  1 at $1,000

Undergraduate Student Awards (Years 2 - 4)

Essay Prizes in Economics

There are two essay prizes valued at $500 each. The following criteria will be used to award the prizes:

  • Students can only win the prize once and must be currently registered at the time the award is given out.
  • Two prizes may be awarded each year—one for a student in honors-level Economics essay courses and one for a student in 2100-level Economics essay courses for an essay they wrote as part of their course work in those courses. Economics 4400E is not eligible.
  • Nominations are requested from each of the instructors teaching an Economics' essay course. Nominations are submitted to the Undergraduate Coordinator with all comments and grades removed.
  • A departmental prize committee consisting of the Undergraduate Director, the WUER Faculty Advisor and one other faculty member will select the best essays. The decision of the Committee is final and cannot be appealed.
  • Essays will be judged on content, originality, use of references, spelling and grammar.

All winning essays will be submitted to the Western Undergraduate Economics Review.

Hon. Edward Blake Scholarships

  • Awarded to the student in second year of an Honors bachelor degree with either an Honors Specialization in Economics or a double Major which includes Economics based on academic achievement (minimum 80% average). Value: 1 @ $150.
  • Awarded to the student with the highest standing (minimum 80%) in third year of an Honors bachelor degree with either an Honors Specialization in Economics or in a double Major which includes Economics. Value: 1 at $150.

The scholarships were endowed by the late Major Hume Cronyn, KC, MP, in memory of his uncle, the Hon. Edward Blake, former Premier of Ontario and, later, member of the British House of Commons.

Faculty Association Scholarship

  • Awarded to the student with the highest average in their department. Must have 5.0 courses taken in Social Science in their previous year and be taking 5.0 courses in their current year in the faculty of Social Science. Require a minimum cumulative average of 80% and have not won this award before.

Dr. W. Glenn Campbell and Dr. Mark K. Inman Scholarships in Economics

  • Awarded annually to full-time undergraduate students with high academic standing continuing in or entering an Honors Specialization in Economics. One third-year recipient and one fourth-year recipient will be selected.

These scholarships were endowed by Dr. W. Glenn Campbell through Foundation Western in recognition of Dr. Inman's influence on Dr. Campbell's career.  Value: 2 at $2,000.

Harold Crabtree Foundation Awards in the Economics of Industrial Organization

  • Awarded to students in year 2 or higher of a Four-year Bachelor's degree, pursuing an Honors Specialization, Specialization or Major offered through the Department of Economics, with an interest in the field of Industrial Organization.
    • Preference will be given to recipients who are also pursuing at least one course in Social Science with significant Canadian content. The recipients will be selected based on academic achievement (minimum 70% academic average) and demonstrated financial need.

Applications can be accessed online through the Office of the Registrar's Web site and must be completed by September 30. The Office of the Registrar will determine financial need and the Faculty of Social Science in consultation with the Chair of the Department of Economics will select the recipients. Value: 2 at $1,250.

Joel Fried Scholarship in Economics

  • Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student entering third or fourth year in an Honors Specialization or Major in Economics, based on high academic achievement in the previous year (minimum 80% average). The student must have completed at least 0.5 course in Monetary Economics or Financial Economics. The scholarship and awards committee in the Faculty of Social Science will select the recipient.

This scholarship was established through memorial donations received in memory of Joel Fried, a Professor Emeritus in Economics, and a bequest through Foundation Western by Christopher James Grimes (BA Honors Economics `55). Value: 1 at $2,000.

Godsoe Scholar Award

  • Awarded to undergraduate students in Year 2 of an Honors bachelor degree who are in an Honors Specialization in Economics or History, or a double Major which includes Economics and/or History, on the basis of academic achievement (minimum average of 80%). The scholarships will continue as long as the recipients meet the criteria for the award and maintain a full-time course load.

These scholarships were established by a generous donation from the Godsoe Family through Foundation Western. The Godsoe Family Continuing Scholarships will continue for all recipients selected in 2010-2011 who remain eligible. As of 2011-2012, no new Year 2 recipients or replacement recipients will be selected for these scholarships.

There is also the Godsoe Family Bursary: Awarded annually to a student registered in the Faculty of Social Science or the Faculty of Arts who has strong academic standing and demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students who are taking courses in the Department of Economics, History or Philosophy and who are registered at main campus, but are taking one course at Huron University College. Value: 1 at $3,000.

Andrew Grant Scholarships for Second and Third Year

  • Awarded to a student in second year of an Honors bachelor degree with either an Honors Specialization in Economics or a double Major which includes Economics based on academic achievement (minimum 80%). Value: 1 @ $600.
  • Awarded to a student in third year of an Honors bachelor degree with either an Honors Specialization in Economics or a double Major which includes Economics based on academic achievement (minimum 80%). Value: 1 at $600.

Dr. Mark K. Inman Scholarship

  • Awarded to a student in any year of an Honors Specialization, Major or Specialization in Economics based on academic achievement (minimum 80% average). The recipient will be selected by the Dean's Office, Faculty of Social Science, in consultation with the Department of Economics. 

This scholarship was established by a generous donation from M. Elizabeth Dillon in honour of Dr. Mark K. Inman through Foundation Western.  Value: 1 at $1,000 annually.

Walter J. Koenig Scholarships

  • Awarded to two students entering third year of an Honors bachelor degree in either an Honors Specialization or a double Major which includes Economics.

Endowed by colleagues of Walter J. Koenig who died in an auto accident in March 1980. Value: 2 at $700.

Richard J. Kohn Scholarship

  • Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in any year of Economics, based on academic achievement (minimum 80% average). The scholarship committee in the Faculty of Social Science will select the recipient. This scholarship was established by Foundation Western and the Alumni Association, with donations from Western alumni, in recognition of Mr. Richard J. Kohn's (BA'69) contributions as President of Foundation Western from 2012 to 2014. Value: 1 at $1,000 Effective: 2014-2015 to 2023-2024 academic years inclusive.

Grant and Peggy Reuber Merit Scholarship

  • Awarded annually to a fourth-year undergraduate student who is pursuing an Honors Specialization in International Relations or History or a double Major in History combined with Economics, Political Science, Mathematics or Statistics and to a fourth-year undergraduate student who is pursuing an Honors Specialization in Economics or a double Major in Economics combined with History, Political Science, Mathematics or Statistics.

Candidates must have demonstrated financial need and achieved a minimum 80% average in the third year of their honors degree program. Recipients will be selected on the basis of their potential as scholars and their promise for distinguished achievement after graduation as reflected by demonstrated leadership and other personal qualities. Students must apply for these scholarships. Applications can be accessed online through Student Center and must be submitted by September 30.

Final selection of the recipients will be made by the Chairs of the Departments of History and Economics, respectively, and the Dean of Social Science. Established through the generosity of Grant and Peggy Reuber.

 Value: 2 at $5000

 

Barry Connell Steers Scholarship

  • Awarded to a full-time student enrolled in his or her third or fourth year of an Honors Specialization or double Major in an Honors degree which includes Economics, History or Political Science, based on academic achievement (minimum 80% academic average). The recipient will be selected by the Faculty of Social Science Scholarship Committee.

This scholarship was established in honor of her husband, Mr. Barry Connell Steers (BA '51, HBA '51, LLD '89), on the occasion of his 75th birthday, by Mrs. Martha Steers (BA '51), Mr. Con Steers (HBA '76), Ms. Sara Steers (HBA '81) and Mr. Gregory Steers through Foundation Western. Value: 1 at $2500.

David J. Stenason Scholarship

  • Awarded to a full-time student from Quebec or Ontario (with Preference given to Quebec residents) who are in any year of a Honors Specialization, Specialization, or Major in Economics at Western based on academic achievement (minimum 80% average). The recipient will be selected by the Dean's Office, Faculty of Social Science, in consultation with the Department of Economics.

This award was established by Mr. David J. Stenason (BA Economics '78) through Foundation Western.  Value:  1 at $2,500.

Elizabeth Sullivan Award in Economics

  • Awarded annually to full-time students entering their third or fourth year in Economics (Major or Honors Specialization) with a minimum 70% average and demonstrated financial need.
    • Preference will be given to graduates of a public high school from the City of Windsor or Essex County.

Online financial need assessment applications are available through the Office of the Registrar's Web site and must be submitted by September 30. The scholarship and awards committee within the Faculty of Social Science will select the recipients after the Office of the Registrar assesses financial need.

These awards were established by a bequest from Mrs. Elizabeth C. Sullivan (BA'46) with Foundation Western.  Value: 2 at $1,250.