Overview

After receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986, Elie Wiesel (D.H.L. '74; University Professor, Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities, and Professor of Philosophy and Religion) established a Foundation for Humanity. Its purpose is to advance the cause of human rights and peace by creating forums for the discussion of urgent ethical issues confronting people throughout the world. Through its programs, the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity hopes to awaken and reinforce humane sensibilities, and inform public opinion and policy. The Foundation can be contacted at The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, 529 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10017, (212)490-7777 (telephone), (212) 490-6006 (facsimile), http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org.  It is not affiliated with Boston University.  The Foundation sponsors an annual essay contest for full-time undergraduate juniors and seniors in colleges and universities throughout the United States. Students are challenged to examine and analyze urgent ethical issues confronting them in today's complex world.

Eligibility

The contest is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors who are enrolled full-time.

Criteria

Essay topics are set annually. In 3,000 to 4,000 words, students are encouraged to raise questions, single out issues, and identify dilemmas. The essay may be developed from any point of view and can be in the form of a case study, a personal experience, or an analysis that is literary, philosophical, historical, biographical, sociological, theological, or psychological. Essays must be the original, unpublished work of the student and only one essay per student per contest year may be submitted.

Application Process

Persons interested in applying for the Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics must have a member of the Boston University faculty review the essay and fill out a Faculty Sponsor Form.  Any interested member of the faculty may act as a faculty sponsor and a maximum of two entries from any one professor per contest year will be accepted. Applications, which include Faculty Sponsor Forms and essay topics, are available on this web site.   Applications are sent by the students directly to:  The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics, The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, PO Box 1089, New York, New York 10150.  The national competition will be judged by a distinguished panel of judges, whose decisions are final. Winners will be notified by mail.

Award Value and Conditions

• First prize: $5,000
• Second prize: $2,500
• Third prize: $1,500
• Honorable mentions: $500

Manuscripts will not be returned. Essays may not be submitted elsewhere until the awards have been announced. The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity reserves the right to publish the prize-winning essays. These essays may not be published elsewhere without written permission from the Foundation.

Further information can be obtained from the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity.