Student Funding

The KU Jewish Studies Program depends on the generosity of donors and funders to ensure that the history, culture, languages, and religion of the Jewish people continue to be taught at the University of Kansas. This support directly impacts our students by providing opportunities for academic achievement, language study, service, and study abroad.

The Danciger Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City provides critical support for Jewish Studies students through merit, service, and need-based awards. Additional funds provide targeted opportunities for students:

  • David and Sharyn Katzman Award – recognizes a graduating Jewish Studies major for academic excellence.
  • Shelley M. Rissien Fund – supports the study of Hebrew language.
  • Harvey Bodker Study Abroad Award and Donald and Regina Miller Fund – provide financial support for students studying abroad in Israel.

Together, these gifts make it possible for KU Jewish Studies students to pursue their academic interests, gain meaningful experiences, and build the skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Interested in supporting Jewish Studies or learning more about giving opportunities? Please email JewishStudies@ku.edu with any questions.

 

 

 

  • $400 awarded at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters. 
  • Candidates must be actively pursuing a BA in Jewish Studies; and 
  • Attend at least three Jewish Studies events per semester; and  
  • Attend a one hour-long Jewish Studies Learning Community roundtable in either fall or spring led by the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the Jewish Studies Director. 
  • Two $500 awards offered in the Spring semester: one to a presenter of a Jewish Studies Senior Capstone project and one to a non-Capstone research project open to any student presenting on any research topic in Jewish Studies that was produced in a 300-level JS course or above during the academic year (or during one of the two semesters). 
  • Nominees are required to give a 15-20-minute research presentation at the Spring Symposium before the Jewish Studies Faculty and other students in the program. 
  • Students are encouraged to consult their professors or research mentor to develop their presentations 
  • Non-Capstone presenters are nominated by faculty; all students undertaking a Senior Capstone project will be required to present their research at this symposium. 
  • Presentations are evaluated by the Jewish Studies Faculty Awards Committee based on pre-determined rubric/criteria 
  • 1st place $500 
  • 2nd place $300 
  • Offered in the Fall semester only 

  • Capstone final project essays are not eligible for consideration for this award. 

  • Open to all Jewish Studies majors and minors who have produced an original essay of no more than 5,000 words on any Jewish Studies topic of their choice, including language, history, literature, culture, religion, and politics. 
  • Candidates either self-nominate or are nominated by faculty at the end of the Fall semester. 
  • Essays are reviewed by the Jewish Studies Faculty Awards Committee. 
  • $500 award (no more than one recipient per level: first-year, second-year, and third-year Hebrew/independent study)  
  • Awarded in the Spring. 
  • Awarded to students of Hebrew who have displayed academic excellence or notable improvement related to their Hebrew studies throughout the academic year. 
  • All students enrolled in two semesters of Hebrew courses per academic year can qualify for this award. 
  • Nominated by Hebrew language instructor and reviewed by Jewish Studies Faculty Awards Committee.  
  • $500 - $1,500 depending on need 
  • Awarded to Jewish Studies majors and minors. 
  • Candidates must submit a short narrative detailing explanation of need.  
  • All submissions are confidential. 
  • No deadline to apply. 
  • Students can apply once a semester.  
  • Awards are determined by the Director of Jewish Studies.  
  • $500 award 
  • Awarded to one graduating Jewish Studies major or minor who has enriched the Program experience through: 
    • Spearheading student events and Hebrew language roundtables  
    • Providing peer support through tutoring and mentoring initiatives 
    • Volunteering at Jewish Studies events 
    • Taking on leadership roles within the program 
    • Acting as a spokesperson for Jewish Studies 
  • Nominated by Jewish Studies faculty and staff and reviewed and selected by Jewish Studies Faculty Awards Committee 

This award was established in 2020 to honor a Jewish Studies major who exhibits academic excellence. Dr. David Katzman, Professor Emeritus of American Studies, was instrumental in the creation of the Jewish Studies Program. David and Sharyn Katzman are longtime supporters of the Jewish Studies Program, and they have shared their generosity through the Katzman Award, given to a graduating senior selected by the Jewish Studies Faculty Awards Committee. Monetary award (varies from year to year) 

  • Awarded to a senior graduating with a BA in Jewish Studies. 
  • Based on overall academic excellence in Jewish Studies—student(s) must have a minimum of 3.7 GPA in their Jewish Studiesmajor. 
  • Nominated by Jewish Studies faculty and selected by the Jewish Studies Faculty Awards Committee. 

 

  • Provides direct financial support for KU degree-seeking students in the Program of Jewish Studies at the University of Kansas studying abroad in Israel.
  • Support may include, but is not limited to travel expenses, passport fees, and visa applications. 
  • Students may apply for this award.  
  • Award distribution is at the discretion of the Director of Jewish Studies and in accordance with KU Policy on Study Abroad. 

This award was created by Mr. Harvey Bodker in honor of the memory of Rabbi Morris Margolies, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom and longtime professor of Jewish Studies at KU.  

  • Provides direct financial support for KU degree-seeking students in the Program of Jewish Studies at the University of Kansas studying abroad in Israel. Support may include, but is not limited to travel expenses, passport fees, and visa applications. 
  • Award distribution is at the discretion of the Director of Jewish Studies and in accordance with KU Policy on Study Abroad. 

The Shelley M. Rissien Fund, established in May 2025, awards students who are dedicated to the study of the Hebrew language and demonstrate academic excellence.