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Marquis Scholar Lauren Frese, an International Affairs major from Morris Plains, N.J., is the 2003 recipient of the George Wharton Pepper Prize, awarded annually to the senior “who most nearly represents the Lafayette ideal” by a vote of the student body and faculty.
The honor was established in 1923 by George Wharton Pepper, a United States senator from Pennsylvania, an attorney, and a founding member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. In his gift, Pepper noted that the “ideal” Lafayette student combines a “sound academic record” with “noteworthy participation in College activities and student life.”
The award is the culmination of an outstanding Lafayette career for Frese, which has led to an internship at the State Department this summer and a full scholarship at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, where she will begin studies toward a master’s degree in the fall (see related story.)
Frese is wrapping up an honors thesis on ways to combat global warming through economic incentives. She was one of 23 Lafayette students who presented March 13-15 at the 17th annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Salt Lake City, Utah. She also has presented her research to the Pennsylvania Political Science Association.
She is conducting her honors thesis under the guidance of John McCartney, associate professor and head of government and law. She decided to take on the year-long project after attending the 54th annual Japan-America Student Conference last summer. The event brought together 36 American and 36 Japanese students to engage in academic discussions, cultural and social events, special topic sessions, panel discussions, field trips, and individual and group reflection.
Frese has conducted EXCEL Scholars research on the role of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force in fighting terrorism. She also studied the future of the Japanese in the globalized world under the guidance of Yoshihiko Ariizumi, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures. She presented her findings at the 15th annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
During an internship at PAL Publishing in Chatham, N.J., Frese learned the ropes of the industry from Paul Luscombe ’60. She conducted research, prepared reports, and compiled a glossary of economic terms to help with two upcoming books.
She traveled to Washington, D.C. twice to participate in annual European Union Simulations sponsored by the European American Institute. At the conferences, Frese represented Greek and Swedish government leaders, participated in a teleconference with European Union (EU) officials in Brussels, and attended briefings, sessions, and dinners with officials from the European embassies and U.S. government.
Frese has served as president of International Affairs Club and participated in the Adopt-a-Class, Communities that Care, Read Along with a Fourth Grader, and Learning Together in Friendship programs through Lafayette’s Landis Community Outreach Center. She has served as philanthropy chair for Alpha Phi sorority and participated in the student group HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education Now. In addition, she spent a semester studying in Spain and traveled to Africa for a special Lafayette course during January’s interim session between semesters.