Background. The Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose is named for a former Treasury secretary under presidents Nixon and Ford and recognizes graduating seniors who seek to live lives of "noble purpose." The first awards will be given to students graduating in 2005. The award is funded by the Templeton Foundation through the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.

The fellowship is an unrestricted cash grant. Three will be awarded each year: two for $5,000 and one for $40,000.

Requirements. The Simon Fellowship is awarded to graduating college seniors who have "passion, dedication, a high capacity for self direction, and originality in pursuit of a goal that will strengthen civil society." Academic record and extracurricular activities are also important.

Examples of how recipients may use the award include:

• Engage directly in the civic life of their community.
• Help to create opportunity for others, including job creation.
• Advance their expertise.
• Fund the ultimate realization of their noble purpose.

The deadline for initial expression of interest is Dec. 15. The deadline for final application, including an essay of 1,000-1,500 words describing past efforts, future plans, and individual philosophy for living a life characterized by noble purpose, is Jan. 15.

Campus Advisor. Patrick Noltemeyer (noltemey@centre.edu).


Links. For information and application forms, go to http://www.isi.org/programs/fellowships/simon.html.