The John and Penelope Biggs Department of Classics is pleased to announce the latest recipients of three prestigious departmental awards: the Penelope Biggs Travel Award, the Suzanne Mizera and James Risch Fund for Student Research and Resources in Classics, and the Robert Lamberton and Susan Rotroff Fund in Classics. These awards support students in Classics and in Art History and Archaeology as they pursue research, fieldwork, and immersive learning experiences around the world.

Penelope Biggs Travel Award

Established in honor of Penelope Biggs, this award supports travel and research opportunities that enrich students’ understanding of the ancient world.  Three graduate students from Classics and Art History and Archeology were awarded.  All three students will participate in archaeological excavations at Amheida, Egypt this winter, contributing to fieldwork in the Dakhla Oasis, a site of major significance in Greco-Roman Egypt.

Suzanne Mizera and James Risch Fund for Student Research and Resources in Classics

This fund provides support for student research and access to resources in the field of Classics. It was created to honor the legacy of Suzanne Mizera and James Risch, whose dedication to student learning continues to shape the department.  Aaron Held will benefit from this fund using it toward his winter excavation at Amheida.

Robert Lamberton and Susan Rotroff Fund in Classics

Named for two distinguished faculty members, this fund supports student participation in immersive learning experiences, including travel to classical sites. This spring, along with the two other funds, it will help fund student travel to Rome as part of the Ampersand Program, an interdisciplinary initiative for first-year students from across Arts & Sciences. While the Ampersand students come from a variety of academic backgrounds, they will benefit from the guidance and expertise of Classics and Art History students supported by these departmental awards.

These awards reflect the department’s commitment to hands-on learning, global engagement, and academic excellence. Congratulations to all the recipients for their achievements and contributions to the study of the ancient world!