Hobart and William Smith Colleges

26 April 2005 Montesano Wins Prestigious Philosophy Prize

HWS senior presented paper at philosophy conference

(April 26, 2005) GENEVA, N.Y.When William Smith senior Marie Montesano submitted her paper to be presented at the 10th annual Oneonta Undergraduate Philosophy Conference, she expected to spend the weekend engaging in conversation with other students interested in philosophy; her goal wasnt to win the conferences highest honor. But, as the two-day conference came to a close, Montesano was one of 10 students to win an award and the only female to be awarded the highest honor that the conference grants, The Presidents Award.

Montesanos paper, titled The Moral Dilemma of the Militarys Professional Dilemma, explored the role of the military in human rights violations, using the reign of Augusto Pinochet in Chile as a case study.

The Presidents Award is typically given to the four students who most clearly exemplify the standards and ideals of the conference. Judges select the winners based on their paper, gauging philosophical content; exposition and expression; insight, creativity and originality and quality of presentation. Past Presidents Awards have gone to students from Columbia, Vassar, and Dartmouth and other prestigious institutions.

The Oneonta Conference is highly competitive and features the work of undergraduate students from all over North America. This year, 48 papers were submitted for presentation, but only 28 were selected. The conference was held at SUNY Oneonta April 15 and 16 and included time for the presentation of the papers as well as discussion panels designed to facilitate philosophical exchange and opportunities for feedback and critique of students works.

Montesano is a native of Glenville, N.Y., and the daughter of Rocco and Jan Montesano. She has studied in Madrid, Spain, while attending HWS.

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A photo of Montesano is available at http://campus.hws.edu/new/releases/hiRes/montesano_marie_lg.jpg