John E. Lobdell Undergraduate Scholarship

John E. (Jack) Lobdell (1947-1999) was an anthropologist specializing in the human biological and environmental history of Alaska. He had extensive field experience in southern Alaska and on Alaska’s North Slope. Jack came to Alaska to teach at the Anchorage Community College (ACC) in 1973. He played a significant role in the creation of the University of Alaska Anchorage Department of Anthropology. He received his PhD from the University of Tennessee in 1980 with a dissertation on the archaeofauna and human osteology of the Kachemak Tradition in Kachemak Bay, Alaska.

Jack Lobdell was a co-sponsor of the first statewide conference for Alaskan anthropology (1974), from which developed the Alaska Anthropological Association (1975). He inspired many students to pursue careers related to Alaskan indigenous prehistory. Lobdell died an untimely death in 1999 while conducting research in Alaska (see W.B. Workman’s “An Appreciation of the Career of John E. (Jack) Lobdell (1947-1999)” in the Alaska Anthropological Association Newsletter, 1999, 25(2):6-8).

The Association invites applications for the John E. Lobdell Undergraduate Student Award for $1500.

This scholarship is designed to assist eligible students in their pursuit of an academic degree in anthropology, or a clearly related degree program/curriculum, or interdisciplinary degree that includes anthropology as a significant component. Students should have an interest in the anthropology of the north.

The scholarship will be used to help underwrite a program consisting of at least eight academic credits. If fewer credits are taken, it is required that the student be engaged in full-time work toward a degree. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, or other expenses related to the pursuit of a degree.  Scholarships are not intended to underwrite part-time studies or to cover expenses of doing fieldwork not directly connected with academic courses.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate program and be a member of the Alaska Anthropological Association (i.e., current year dues must be paid at or before time of application). The scholarship may be used at any appropriate institution. Scholarship funds must be expended within one year of being granted and may not be used retroactively. The primary evaluation criterion will be evidence of promise in and commitment to the field of anthropology. Note that awards are not made every year, and are dependent on the number and quality of submissions.

Download and complete the application. You may attach additional pages to the form if needed to include all required information. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be received by January 15th 2024 for awards to be announced at the Annual Meeting. Award announcements will be sent to applicants by February 15th 2024.

Please submit your application and resume/CV via google form: https://forms.gle/Ys72WVvMcx5efcG36.

Or submit your completed form and resume/CV in adobe pdf format to: alaskaanthroaward.scholarship [at] gmail [dot] com

John E. Lobdell Undergraduate Scholarship Application