Johannes M. Botes Capstone Achievement Award

Botes Award Winner

The Johannes M. Botes Capstone Achievement Award was established in 2017 to honor the legacy, memory and contributions of our late colleague, Johannes M. Botes, associate professor emeritus in the School of Public and International Affairs.

This annual award recognizes a graduating student from either the Negotiations and Conflict Management program or the Global Affairs and Human Security program who:

• demonstrates academic excellence in the capstone project, the final integrative research project in both programs
• embodies the shared mission and spirit of the programs more broadly.

As sister programs, the Negotiations and Conflict Management program and the Global Affairs and Human Security program share the core goal of preparing students for careers that require functional knowledge grounded in theory, research and practice. Further, both programs equip students with the skills necessary for addressing complex and/or emerging real-world problems that exist at various levels and across different sectors. Though each program has a different focus and operates independently, they share a complementary commitment to public service, social justice, cooperation, sustainability and the promotion of societal welfare.

Both fall and spring graduates may be considered for the award, but the awardee is always announced in the spring at the end of each academic year.  The awardee is also recognized at the College of Public Affairs Honors Ceremony, which is typically held in May.

Botes Award Winners

The School of Public and International Affairs Awards Committee selected one winner and two honorable mention awardees among the 2024-2025 graduates of the Global Affairs and Human Security and Negotiations and Conflict Management master's programs.

Nicole Butler, M.S. '25

2024-2025 Botes Award Winner

Nicole Butler graduated from the M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management program, and the title of her capstone project is "Navigating Emotional Complexities: Middle Management's Role in Post-Merger Success." 

Dagemawit Kebede, M.A. '25

Honorable Mention for Excellence in Academic Writing

Dagemawit Kebede graduated from the M.A. in Global Affairs and Human Security program, and the title of their capstone project is "Planting a New Seed: Redefining Sovereignty in Today’s Global Context."

Miriam Carrión de Moore, M.S. '25

Honorable Mention for Exemplary Service & Leadership

Miriam Carrión de Moore graduated from the M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management program, and the title of their capstone project is "Conflict Resolution in Educational Systems: Viewed Through a Social System Lens."

Honoring the legacy of Johannes (Jannie) Botes

The Johannes Botes Capstone Achievement Award was established in loving memory of retired professor Johannes (Jannie) Botes, who lost a two-year battle with ALS in January 2015. Prof. Botes had served on the faculty of the School of Public and International Affairs since 1999. He was a world-class educator and scholar in the area of conflict management and resolution, and was much loved by his colleagues and students.

In partnership with his family, UBalt established The Johannes Botes Capstone Achievement Award, an annual award to recognize one student in either the Negotiations and Conflict Management program or the Global Affairs and Human Security program for their outstanding work in the final thesis capstone project.

You can learn more about the award and make a gift of remembrance by contacting the Office of the Dean at 410.837.5359.