Lee Sigelman, Columbian College distinguished professor of political science and interim director of the University Honors Program, died Dec. 21.
A former chair of the political science department, Dr. Sigelman was recognized with the Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg Prizes for both Service and Faculty Scholarship and with the American Political Science Association’s highest award for service to the discipline. Deeply involved in the department and University, Dr. Sigelman served as chair of two different University professor searches and the political science department's chair selection committee and as a member of the department's appointment, promotion and tenure committee and American politics search committee.
Dr. Sigelman was the editor of both the American Political Science Review and American Politics Quarterly, and was the director of the political science program at the National Science Foundation. His teaching and research centered on public opinion, mass communication and electoral behavior, including American national government, research methods and comparative political analysis. Dr. Sigelman also co-founded a popular political science blog, The Monkey Cage, with GW faculty. Dr. Sigelman has published numerous books and articles, including his most recent book, Attack Politics.
Dr. Sigelman is survived by his wife, Carol, professor of psychology at GW. The couple was featured in the February 2008 issue of By George and his obituary can be found in the Washington Post.
The Sigelman Fund for Political Science has been established in his memory. These funds will be utilized to assist junior faculty with their research, a passion of Dr. Sigelman’s. Gifts should be made out to George Washington University and sent to: The Sigelman Fund for Political Science, George Washington University, Department of Political Science, Monroe 440, 2115 G St., NW., Washington, D.C., 20052.