Established by grateful student Gail A. Lione ’71, the Richard F. Fenno, Jr., Award for Political Inquiry recognizes extraordinary contributions that have advanced the field of political science and/or the study of congressional representation. Recipients are widely admired in their fields of scholarship and showcase characteristics that Professor Fenno embodied, such as dedication to teaching, mentorship, and relationship building.

The award honors Richard (Dick) Fenno, Jr., a giant among 20th-century scholars of American politics who was instrumental in shaping the field and establishing the national reputation of Rochester’s political science department.