Jarrett Brotzman Wins Schlegel Prize for International Studies
Washington and Lee University junior Jarrett Brotzman has received the Schlegel Prize for International Studies for the best paper on foreign affairs or international relations in a politics seminar. The prize honors a W&L alumnus who died during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The prize gives Brotzman support for research projects and participation in foreign affairs conferences, including the Student Conference on United States Affairs at West Point, and the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference in Annapolis, Md.
Chi Psi social fraternity created the Schlegel Prize in 2002 in honor of its member, Navy Cmdr. Robert Allan Schlegel, a 1985 alumnus who died at the Pentagon. He was serving there as deputy of current operations and plans branch head for the chief of naval operations.
Over the next year and a half, Brotzman plans to research a general development initiative with James F. Casey, associate professor of economics. It is “a microfinance initiative designed to work as a tool to alleviate poverty through microloans,” explained Brotzman. “It is also an educational and professional development opportunity for students at W&L to learn about the international issues related to economic development and the emerging field of microfinance.”
Brotzman already attended the Student Conference on United States Affairs and will apply to the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference. “I really enjoyed my trip to West Point,” he said. “It was a great experience to discuss issues like the entire global financial structure with students from all across the country and the world.”
Schlegel, the prize’s namesake, graduated with a degree in French and journalism from W&L. He then earned a master’s degree in international affairs from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va. In 1986, he completed Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., and was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy. He received a Naval War College diploma in 1998 after completing the Joint Professional Military Education program.
During his 15-year naval career, Schlegel received a Meritorious Service Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, five Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Armed Forces Service Medal, a NATO Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a National Defense Service Medal and a Purple Heart.
“I feel very grateful to receive opportunities through the Schlegel Prize. The level of devotion and support W&L receives from alumni and other members of the community is incredible, and I think it speaks very highly of the experience and education that W&L provides,” Brotzman said. “If I could, I would like to thank Cmdr. Schlegel for his service. His record of leadership and honorable duty is one to admire and aspire to.”
-Maggie Sutherland ’10
