51����

Professor Yoshio Niho retired in the summer of 2008. In addition to a legacy of outstanding graduate students and contributions to the discipline, his financial contribution started the Excellence Fund that bears his name. The Fund has grown into a critical tool increasing the research and exposure of the Department. This last year of 2024-25 makes that clear and the future is even brighter.

In 2024-25 the Niho fund allowed Prof. Vivian Lei to purchase a new laptop and protection package for her research. It allowed Prof. Itziar Lazkano to attend a World Bank conference in her research area of energy and development. Prof. Kundan Kishor was pleased to attend the Midwest Econometric Group Meetings and share his work with experts in his field. Prof. Scott Drewianka thanks the fund for updating his computer software and renewing critical academic memberships. Jangsu Yoon appreciated that the fund that allowed him to present research at the Southern Economics Association.

Thanks to the support of friends and alumni, and building on the generosity of Professor Niho, the Department has made a total of eight awards for this current year. Wow, a new high! The Niho Fund has certainly proven itself a critical part of our research activities. Thanks to Yoshio and all our supporters.

Department PhD student Zo Andriantomanga wins the Abramson Scroll from the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). The Abramson Scroll is awarded annually to the author of an outstanding article published inBusiness Economics, the NABE flagship journal.  Zo won the award for the year starting in October 2024 for his article “The Role of Survey-Based Expectations in Real-Time Forecasting of U.S. Inflation” appearing in the March 2025 issue ().  He attended the annual meetings in Philadelphia in October 2025 to accept the award.

Together with the Student Experience and Talent Center here at 51����, the Department held a session on Job Search for students in all our economics degree programs. On October 10th four returning alums shared their own experience, provided tips and answered questions.  They explained the importance of internships and how to be a convincing job candidate.  Many thanks to to Willie Delwiche (MA 2006), Daniel Gaenslen (MA 2023), Jessica Johnson (BA 2011, MA  2014) and Amber Joshway (BA 2020) for coming back to campus and helping our current students!

Willie Delwiche, Jessica Johnson and Amber Joshway  Screen: Daniel Gaenslen

As part of our long-standing exchange agreement with JLU – Giessen, we welcomed Prof.  this fall.  She taught a 3 credit econometrics course over the month of September, attended our fall welcome, attended seminars and gave one of her own.  She spoke on fertility and changes in German educational policy.

It was a great month and we were sorry to see her leave but we sent her home with a special 51���� glass to remember us by!

Ole Ulpts won the Perlman Paper Prize.  The prize is given to the best submitted paper in labor economics here at 51����.  This year Ole’s paper, “In a Hurry to Graduate: The Effects of Compressed Schooling on Degree Completion,“  took the prize.  It is given in memory of Richard Perlman, a long time departmental faculty member who specialized in labor economics.  The prize is generously supported by the friends and alumni of the department.