Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Esther Kartiganer Prize for Social Activism and Academic Achievement

This prize honors the distinguished career of Esther Kartiganer '59 (1938-2012), a pioneer in broadcast journalism who became a senior executive producer at CBS News and produced award-winning segments of "60 Minutes" over the course of a long career. Esther was also a founding member and long-time co-chair of the Women’'s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program National Board. Established in 2007 by the WGS faculty in gratitude for Esther's service to Brandeis, the Kartiganer Prize honors an undergraduate for involvement in social activism around feminism or sexuality, on or off campus, and outstanding academic achievement.

Recent Award Recipients

Prize Year Recipient Paper
2022-23 Sydney Carim
2021-22 Ali Hagani
2020-21 Ellie Kleiman
2019-20 Karina Wen
2015-16 Anni Long "Becoming Chinese Feminists"
2014-15 Brianna Majsiak "Brave Miss World"
2013-14 Sara Dejene and Philip Gallagher "Gender, Race and Science at Brandeis"