Political Science

John C. Culver Fellows Program

Culver Center logoJohn C. Culver, who thoughtfully served the people of Iowa for 16 years in the U.S. House and Senate, has had a long-time interest in Simpson. He co- authored an award-winning biography of Henry A. Wallace, another prominent figure in Simpson history who served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Secretary of Agriculture (1933-1940), Vice President (1941-1945) and Secretary of Commerce (1945-1946). Wallace was an Iowa native who valued his friendship with renowned educator and scientist George Washington Carver - one of Simpson's most accomplished alumni. Wallace’s wife Ilo, an Indianola native, also attended Simpson College. The rich tapestry of these historical connections is a proud chapter in Simpson’s history.

The John C. Culver Fellows program honors Senator John Culver’s career and legacy in public service, democratic values and courage in public life. Each year, five incoming students with a passion for politics, history or public service will be awarded a minimum scholarship of $12,500 that is renewable. Public service may include contributions made within the context of volunteer work, elected office, government service and civic education. In addition to the scholarship, Culver Fellows will have opportunities to participate in a variety of programs sponsored by Simpson College including:

  • Oral history projects that involve interviewing  important Iowa leaders and processing the material for use by scholars and students. This is in conjunction with the work of the Iowa History  Center at Simpson
  • The Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP), a semester-long internship in Washington, D.C.
  • The opportunity to meet with state and national leaders in connection with an annual Culver Lecture.
  • Participation in conferences and programs at other educational institutions, including the Institute of Politics at Harvard University.

You may download an application to become a Culver Fellow.

For more information on the John C. Culver Fellows program contact: Dr. John Epperson at 515-961-1694 or the Office of Admissions at 800-362-2454 or admiss@simpson.edu.

Last Updated: 11/18/11