How to Support the Department of Political Science

Private gifts are increasingly important to maintain a quality program in Political Science. Support from alumni, family and friends will make a difference in academic opportunities we can offer to our students and faculty. Our funding needs include the following:

Political Science Enrichment Fund

We will use these funds to provide additional opportunities for our students, such as research travel funds and additional undergraduate and graduate scholarship support. These funds will also help us attract and retain high-caliber faculty members through such things as supplementing research travel or the purchase of specialized data sets or computer software.

Gary Carman Memorial Fund

The Gary Carman Merit Award was established to honor the memory of Gary Carman. Gary placed great importance upon serving the department and the university, and was widely known for his friendliness and his willingness to help wherever and whenever needed. He viewed students, faculty and staff as part of his extended family. In 2007, he passed away after an intense struggle with cancer and the department decided to pay tribute to him by creating an award that recognizes a student, who demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence in service to the Department of Political Science and The University of Memphis. The long-term goal of the department is to endow this fund.

Mock Trial Team Fund

We will use these funds to provide travel support for our Mock Trial Team to compete in national tournaments. Members of our Mock Trial Team have gained invaluable experience by competing against strong national competition and participation of our students in this program will help prepare them for careers in the field of law.