David Library establishes prize for Rider alumnus killed in Iraq

The David Library has established the Omar Vázquez Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Research in honor of the Rider alumnus who was killed in Iraq in 2011.

Vázquez graduated from Rider University in 2007 with a degree in history, but was compelled to enlist in the Army after the events of Sept. 11. Vazquez was killed on April 22, 2011, in southern Iraq.

"It is with gratitude for his service, both to DLAR and his country, and in recognition of his academic ambitions that we name this prize in memory of Omar Vázquez," said Meg McSweeney, David Library’s chief operating officer, in a statement.

Vázquez served as an intern at the David Library in 2006 and 2007 while an undergraduate at Rider. He returned as a volunteer in 2009 while working on his master's degree in liberal studies at Rutgers Camden University. Upon completion of his Army service, Vázquez planned to pursue a doctorate in history.

One outstanding undergraduate scholar in the field of early American studies will receive the first prize in 2015.

The contest is open to undergraduate students enrolled at accredited four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The paper must have been researched and written as a requirement of an American history or early American studies course during the 2014-15 academic year.

The David Library of the American Revolution is a specialized research library dedicated to the study of American history circa 1750 to 1800. Located in Washington Crossing, Pa., the library holds thousands of books, pamphlets and primary source materials such as diaries, muster rolls and letters culled from repositories around the world.

For more information about the prize, including deadlines and submission guidelines, visit www.dlar.org/vazquezprize.