Richard Kieckhefer Undergraduate Research Grant
It’s exciting to announce that thanks to the initiative and foresight of our Chair Beth Hurd we now have a brand new Undergraduate Research Grant Award. The Richard Kieckhefer Undergraduate Research Grant is named for one of our most beloved professors, a fan favorite among our students, you might say, and one who has dedicated multiple decades to the assiduous teaching, care, and mentorship of our students.
On behalf of the Department of Religious Studies we thank Professor Kieckhefer for nearly a half-century of service, and for many contributions to the enrichment of the Department and the University.
2025: Sylvia Li | Our second annual “Richard Kieckhefer Research Grant” was awarded to junior major Sylvia Li for her senior honors research project, "Between Pride and Penance: Investigating the Paradox of Humility and Triumph in the Crusades." Sylvia Li will be advised by Professor Kieckehefer.
2024: Audrey Zhou | The very first annual “Richard Kieckhefer Research Grant” was conferred upon junior major Audrey Zhou for her honors research project on hospital chaplaincy at the University of Chicago Hospital.