The Geraldine Gewirtz Friedman ’41 Career Development Fund for Students of Drama, Film, Literature and the Visual Arts
The purpose of this fund is to provide resources for students of drama, film, literature or the visual arts who wish to pursue special professional opportunities in their chosen fields. These opportunities could be in the form of internships or other non-paid professional experiences during the semester, summer employment, or other positions; the primary criteria is that they enhance the students’ knowledge, skills and experience in drama, film or the arts. This Fund was established in 2001 by Robert J. Friedman ’78 and John Friedman in honor of the 80th birthday of their mother, Geraldine Gewirtz Friedman ’41.
Students are not required to major in the subject area of the opportunity they wish to pursue. It is, however, desired that the focus of the project will be related to the students’ professional aspirations beyond Vassar. Students may submit proposals for projects that will take place during the semester, during winter or spring breaks, or in the summer. Applications are limited to juniors and seniors.
The donors of the award hope that over time this singular opportunity will prove to have been critical to the student’s professional development. The funds will be awarded to students whose financial circumstances make them unable to pursue the opportunity without this support. The fund will contribute toward expenses such as travel, living expenses, or other costs related to the project.
The Dean of Studies Office will not fund travel to or study in any area (country or part of country) that is under U.S. State Department Travel Advisory level 3 or 4.
Students pursuing international travel are strongly encouraged to review the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory and the Centers for Disease Control Travel Health Notice for their destination country and to follow the State Department’s Traveler’s Checklist. Those who are U.S. citizens or nationals are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Recipients of Vassar grant funds will be asked to provide a written report and/or a note to the donors of the Fund at the completion of their project.