Princeton University’s Economics Department commemorated the annual Class Day on May 25, 2026, honoring graduates’ accomplishments, including outstanding thesis awards and recognitions.

Economics Department Chair Wolfgang Pesendorfer recognized the class’s academic achievements, sharing that this year’s class comprises 168 students, marking a department record. Notably, 123 graduates also earned minors in various programs, including 54 who received a Minor in Finance and 20 in Political Economy.

“Congratulations to all of you for your many varied and extraordinary accomplishments,” remarked Pesendorfer.

Award Highlights

Koda Gursoy received the prestigious Halbert White ’72 Prize in Economics for excellence in coursework and thesis creativity. Among other notable awards, Felipe de Bolle was awarded the John Glover Wilson Memorial Award for his thesis on financial inclusion in Brazil, while Joe Tyson received the Walter C. Sauer ’28 Prize for his research on mobile money in Africa.

The department also recognized outstanding policy-relevant theses with several awards, with winners including Andy Duan and Jake Simon. 

Gursoy took home multiple prizes, further highlighting his exceptional work. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has already been accepted to the Economics PhD Program at MIT, which he will commence in the fall of 2026.

This year’s graduates from Princeton will be in good stead to continue their studies in the context of a Masters or PhD program.

Recognition Beyond Economics

Recognising economics-relevant contributions from outside the department, Emmanuela Omole (Environmental Science) earned the Henry Horn Prize for her research on housing crises in Ireland, and Sarina Sheth received an honorable mention for her thesis in Global Health.

Pesendorfer also acknowledged the contributions of graduate student preceptors and faculty advisors, along with recognizing the student athletes of the department. 

More details of the ceremony and the winners can be found in the Princeton press release.