Richard M. Nixon Fellowship

The Richard M. Nixon Fellowship was created by gifts and funds from friends and alumni to honor Whittier College alumnus and former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon '34.

The fellowship was established in Nixon’s honor after a campus visit by Dr. Henry Kissinger, who talked about Nixon’s efforts to open up the U.S. relationship with China. The fellowship is designed to prepare exceptional students for informed citizenship and service through internships and/or research opportunities that echo Nixon’s successful legacy in domestic and foreign policy. Fellows will develop leadership skills, increase international understanding, and experience the rewards inherent in a career dedicated to the public good.

One Whittier College student will be selected annually to be a Nixon Fellow and engage in a self-designed program of focused learning and applied experience. The proposed work will support student research on some aspects of Richard Nixon’s Presidential or Vice-Presidential careers, especially foreign or domestic policy issues. The fellowship has also been used to fund student participation in the Democratic and Republic National Conventions in 2008 and 2016 and the Presidential Inauguration in 2012.  

Eligibility Criteria

  • First-years, sophomores, or juniors in good academic standing
  • Open to students of any major or academic program
  • A minimum 3.2 GPA

Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrated academic ability.
  • The ability to conduct and complete the proposed research project, internship, or experience.
  • Previous experience with research is welcome, but not necessary.
  • If traveling abroad is part of the proposal, the ability to engage in study abroad.

Benefits

  • A stipend of $5,000
  • When applicable, students may also be funded to attend the Presidential Inauguration or the Democratic or Republican National Conventions

Application Documents

Past Fellows

Samira Pintado- Falero (2023)
Jillian Crane Mauzy (2022)
Sunny Wood (2021)
Richardo Mendoza & Kristi Weyand (2020)
Amy Trinh (2019)
Richard Manjarres (2018)
Caleb Britton (2017)
Titus Grabauskas (2016-2017)
Cindy Banh (2016 –Republican National Convention)
Samantha Vega (2016 – Democratic National Convention)
Patrick Kellycooper (2015)
Clifton Whittaker (2015)
Mathew Emerick (2014)
Jessica Nemervoski (2014)
William Hougan (2013)
Mario Obando (2012-2013)
Daniel Kulick (2012 – Presidential Inauguration)
Carlee Shults (2012 – Presidential Inauguration)
Poonam Narawatt (2011-2012)
Melissa Samarin (2010-2011)
Alex Tallarida (2009-2010)
Caitlin Finley (2008-2009)
Steve Addezio (2008 – National Convention; partial funding)
Teresa Baranowski (2008 – National Convention; partial funding)
Daniel Strauss (2008 – National Convention; partial funding)
Neslie Tumulac (2008 – National Convention; partial funding)
Hansen Hunt (2007-2008)