April 30, 2012

History alumna wins international affairs graduate fellowship

Kali Harper ’10 has been awarded a Pickering Fellowship for graduate study in international affairs. The history majorwill complete her master’s degree in international relations and security at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Kali Harper ’10 has been awarded a Pickering Fellowship for graduate study in international affairs. The history major will complete her master’s degree in international relations and security at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program supports recipients for two years of graduate school to prepare academically and professionally to enter the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service.

“This fellowship will provide the financial support for a degree that will teach me how the global community can help manage conflict and create positive change,” Harper said.

Harper credits Lewis & Clark with providing the foundation that prepared her for the fellowship and a career in diplomacy.

“As a history major, I was often challenged to look beyond facts and dates in order to address the greater themes and perspectives at play,” Harper said. “You can learn so much more about a conflict or event when you consider the environment, culture, influences, and ideas of the age. I believe this ability to consider the greater picture will help me become a more empathetic, aware, and effective diplomat and global citizen in the future.”

The Pickering program seeks outstanding students who enroll in two-year master’s degree programs in public policy, international affairs, public administration, or academic fields such as business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages; who represent all ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds; and who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The fellowship will offer financial support of up to $40,000 annually for two years of graduate school.

Harper is the second Lewis & Clark alumna to win the prestigious award. Lila Wade ’10 received a Pickering Fellowship last year; she is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

2012 National Awards