What is the Jackier Prize?
In 2013, UM alumnus Lawrence Jackier and his wife Eleanor Jackier loaned 30 archaeological artifacts from their private collection to the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology in order to facilitate hands-on exercises for students. In addition, they donated the funding to establish a cash prize for undergraduates who participate in these exercises. In 2014-2015, we opened the competition to all undergraduates at the University of Michigan. Last year’s prize winners were: Anna Billiard, a freshman planning to major in Data Science and English; Joshua Burg, a freshman planning to study Business; Ryan LaRose, a senior majoring in Mathematics and Physics; Logan Light, a junior studying Computer Science; and Amanda Talaski, a freshman planning to study Public Health.
Learn more about the winners and read their essays:
Welcome to the 2017-2018 Jackier Prize Competition!
What do I need to do to compete?
Write a 5-10 page essay on two related objects in the Kelsey Museum. One object must be selected from a group of 10 artifacts available for hands-on examination and the other must be selected from the Kelsey Museum’s permanent display. The essay should be based on a combination of close examination of the objects themselves and detailed research, with the goal of shedding light on (a) the actual objects, and (b) what they tell us about the ancient world.
