Stephen L. Green American Governance Essay Competition
The Stephen L. Green American Governance Essay competition was launched in 2010-2011 emerging from Mr. Green’s interest in and concerns about American democracy.
Held every two years, the competition highlights Hartwick’s commitment to civic engagement, critical thinking, and preparing students to lead in a democratic society.
In 2025, a total of $25,000 in cash prizes was awarded, including $6,000 for the first-place winner.
The Competition
Students from across the college are invited to submit proposals and 15 students are chosen to participate in the essay contest. Accepted students write a maximum 10 page essay addressing a prompt relating to American democracy. The awards are presented at a luncheon in late April or May, which Mr. Green has sometimes attended in person. The top award winner is also recognized at Honors Convocation as the Stephen L. Green ’59 American Governance Essay Competition Winner.
2025 Essay Topics & Winners
Students were asked to respond to one of two topics: the meaning of freedom in American democracy or the personal and societal influences that shape their political views and goals as citizens of the United States and/or the world.
1st Place – Tianna Wyskowski ’25, “Freedom Cut Me Loose: The Contradictory Nature of ‘Freedom’ in Trump and Harris’ Presidential Campaigns.”
2nd Place – Meer Singh ’28, “Belonging: The Body of Community”
3rd Place – Dylan Dwyer ’26, “The Politics of Freedom: Two Parties, Two Visions.”
4th Place – Jack Magee ’25, “My Dad Told Me Medicare Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.”
Past Competitions
2025 Stephen L. Green American Governance Essay Winners Announced
Stephen L. Green Winner Seeks to Save Democracy
Stephen L. Green ’59
Leading real estate entrepreneur — and political science major — Stephen Green ’59, PM’05, H’15 established the Stephen L. Green ’59 American Governance Award in 2010 to encourage Hartwick students to think deeply about issues that impact this country and the function of democracy. He endowed the award in 2012.
Hartwick College Institute of Public Service
Hartwick College
Departments of
Political Science, Law, and International Relations & Sociology, Criminology, and Human Services
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