Eva Lassman
Eva Lassman is a hero. She was not only a survivor of the Holocaust, but also an unyielding advocate for educating people about the genocide of 6 million Jews and 5 million people of other nationalities, religions and viewpoints under Nazi Germany during World War II. She was a member of the Spokane community, where she was a wife, mother, and holocaust educator. Her inspirational story is continued in many ways, including several awards in her honor that are given by the Gonzaga Institute for Hate Studies.
Eva would say that constant vigilance is needed to overcome racism and anti-Semitism, adding that we must learn from the mistakes made before us and do everything we can to prevent something like this from ever happening again. The Gonzaga Institute for Hate Studies honors Eva and her legacy by recognizing outstanding students interested in doing research related to better understanding and countering hatred in any of its manifestations as well as individuals and organizations that take action against hate.
Interview with Eva Lassman by United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
For more information about Eva's incredible life, see:
Donations
If you are interested in making a gift to the Eva Lassman Memorial Fund, you can do so by contacting the Institute at (509) 313-3665 or through email.
Eva Lassman Memorial Student Research Award (ELMSRA) Application
Annual Submission Deadline: March 1
Each year, in honor of the life and memory of Holocaust survivor and educator Eva Lassman, the Institute for Hate Studies presents the Eva Lassman Memorial Student Research Award. Annually one $1,000 award and additional smaller award(s) support Gonzaga undergraduate or graduate students who are engaged in research projects that address issues of hate.
Any student currently enrolled and in good standing in an undergraduate, graduate or professional studies program (e.g. law, business, leadership) at Gonzaga may apply. Award recipient must remain enrolled and in good standing at Gonzaga during the award period.
Recipients:
2020
- Manojprabhakran Thirupal, White Supremacy in the Northwest (First Place)
- Christopher Combs, Gay in Cuba: Analyzing Sexual Stigmatization through the Lens of Class-based Experiences in a “Classless” Society
2019
- Rev. Terry Jane Stewart, Fowler's Stages of Faith, Images of God, and Othering: An Exploratory Case Study of United Methodist Leaders. Access Online
2018
- Taylor Carnevale, From Advocate to Extremist: Othering as a mobilization tactic in domestic terror.
2017 Inaugural Endowment Award Recipient
- Marnie Rorholm, The Pink Triangle Prisoners: Memorializing Homophobia and the Holocaust. Access Online
2012
- Hillary McNeel, Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri - "Hate Crimes Against American Indians/Alaska Natives;" Access Online
- Sarah Owens Williams, MATESL, Gonzaga University - "Globalizing North Idaho: Using Ethnographies to Raise Awareness of Local Diversity;"
- Jourdan Cruz, Psychology, Gonzaga University - "Implicit Racial Biases: Grappling with Modern Racism and Its Unconscious Manifestations"
2010
- Michael Kincaid "Examining the Relationship between Helplessness and Hate;"
- Carla Hasley "Impacts of Holocaust Mandated Education on Secondary Education Teachers"
Eva Lassman Take Action Against Hate Awards (ELTAAHA) Application
Each year, in honor of the life and memory of Holocaust survivor and educator Eva Lassman, the Institute for Hate Studies presents the Eva Lassman Take Action Against Hate Awards. Annually one individual and one organization are recognized for their work to counter hate.
Annual Submission Deadline: TBD
Recipients:
2020
- Leslie McAuley, Whitworth Office of Church Engagement Coordinator of Reconciliation Calling Community (Individual)
- Spokane County Human Rights Task Force, Dean Lynch, President (Organization)
2019
- Jordan Tyrus Reidt, Western Washington University (Individual)
- The Spokesman Review, Stacey Cowles, Publisher; Rob Curley, Editor (Organization)
2017
- Ken S. Stern, J.D., Executive Director of the Justus & Karin Rosenberg Foundation (Individual)
- International Network for Hate Studies, Directors Mark Walters, University of Sussex and Jennifer Schweppe, University of Limerick (Organization)
2013
- Linda Pall, J.D., Ph.D. (Individual)
- World Outside My Shoes (Organization)
2012
- Rev. Happy Watkins, New Hope Baptist Church (Individual)
- Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations (Organization)
2011
- Mary Stamp, Editor, The Fig Tree (Individual)
- Partners with Families and Children, Spokane (Organization)
2010
- Dr. Raymond Ryes, Associate Academic Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Gonzaga University (Individual)
- Human Rights Education Institute, Coeur d' Alene, Idaho (Organization)
2009 Take Action Against Hate Award Inaugural Recipient