Awards

The McSorley Award

The McSorley Award for excellence in scholarship and service in the field of justice and peace studies is presented each year by the Program on Justice and Peace to a graduating major in Justice and Peace Studies. The award is named for the late Reverend Richard McSorley, S.J., a tireless lifelong advocate for peace and justice, author of eight books on peace issues, and founder of the Center for Peace Studies at Georgetown University. From his time as a prisoner of war during WWII, through his close association with the Kennedy family, in marching with Martin Luther King Jr., and by teaching courses such as “The Nonviolent Revolution of Peace,” Rev. McSorley distinguished himself as a scholar and activist with a principled commitment to positive change. Rev. McSorley passed in 2002, but not before leaving an inspiring legacy of intellectual engagement and nonviolent action in the pursuit of justice and peace. The McSorley Award honors this rich tradition of dedication to just causes through research, scholarship, and service.

The Founder Mark Lance Award

The Founder Mark Lance Award is given annually in honor of Emeritus Professor Mark Lance, the founder of the JUPS Program and its director and faculty member for over three decades. The inaugural award was presented in Spring 2025 with the JUPS Major celebrating its 10th year! and thereafter awarded annually to an undergraduate JUPS senior from the graduating cohort who demonstrates a commitment to grassroots organizing and social justice activism. Self-nominations or nominations made by faculty, staff, and external Georgetown members should be completed here.