May 16, 2018
Callie Kanthack, a recent Montana Western graduate, has received one of two 2018-19 Robert W. Sledge Fellowships nationwide from the college honor society Alpha Chi.
A native of East Helena, Mont., the interdisciplinary social sciences major will be attending the Creighton University School of Law, in Omaha, Neb. this fall. Kanthack’s field of study at Montana Western combined courses on global politics, sociology, and legal studies—a combination that she believes provided her with the foundation she needed to study law.
“Dr. John Hajduk, the UMW Chapter Sponsor, encouraged me to apply for the fellowship by submitting a research paper I wrote for his ‘Montana and the American West’ course. Alpha Chi is an outstanding national honors society that emphasizes scholarship and service within undergraduate and graduate education.”
The $4,000 fellowship recognizes Kanthack’s outstanding academic and community service activities. As a student at Montana Western, she volunteered with P.A.T.H. (Peers Advocating Towards Health), the Rape Prevention Education Task Force, and the Women’s Resource Center.
“Callie received this award in competition with students from colleges and universities around the country, all of whom are in the top 10% of their classes, making this a very impressive accomplishment,” said History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences Professor John Hajduk.
According to the Alpha Chi website, the purpose of the society is to “promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction.”
With around 300 chapters across the country, the society actively promotes academic excellence, undergraduate and graduate research, campus academic dialogue, and civic engagement.
“This is a well-deserved honor for Callie, and to be among the top six Alpha Chi fellowship recipients is a very exciting accomplishment,” said University of Montana Western Chancellor Beth Weatherby.
Kanthack will begin her law degree studies this fall and feels the support she received at Montana Western has made a positive impact on her future.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a member of Alpha Chi and likewise beyond thankful for Dr. Hajduk’s continued support for student academic success,” said Kanthack.
