James A. Schiller Award

James A. Schiller was a political science major at SUNY Brockport. A former U.S. Marine Corps member and a resident of Greece, NY, he was a dean’s list student at the college.

Mr. Schiller was noteworthy for his intense interest and involvement in politics. From childhood, he was fascinated by the political process, and he worked on several election campaigns in his town, serving as a member of his party’s town committee. In the spring of 1984, he campaigned for president of the Brockport Student Government.

In 1986, he planned to participate in Brockport’s Washington Internship Program during the spring semester ahead of his graduation that May. After his graduation, Mr. Schiller expected to enter a career in politics and public service. However, he passed away in January of that year.

The Department of Political Science and International Studies established the James A. Schiller Award in his memory to recognize a deserving student who plans a career in public service.

To qualify for the Schiller Award, applicants must be incoming freshmen or transfer students who plan to enter politics or a career in public service. Applicants must provide evidence of extensive involvement in public service through active participation in practical politics or volunteer work with a private or governmental agency focused on public service. They also must submit a letter of nomination that provides specific information regarding public service participation from a high school counselor for freshmen or a department chair of an undergraduate institution in the case of transfer students. Preference will be given to a student from Monroe County, NY.