The Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics, launched by the U-Imagine! Center for Integrative and Entrepreneurial Studies in 2014, invites students to submit an essay on a topic of ethical or moral importance. Beginning in 2017, the essays will respond to a case study that presents an ethical dilemma. Submissions are judged on their clarity, insight, focus, originality, and quality of analysis.

The Rev. Richard Schellhase, Ursinus Class of 1945, has had a long and distinguished career in philanthropy and in the clergy. Since 1947, he has been a respected clergyman in the Evangelical and Reformed Church and its successor, the United Church of Christ. Dr. Schellhase served as Assistant Professor of Religion at Ursinus College from 1956 to 1964. He is a member of the First Congregational Church in Berkeley, California. He is the most recent holder of The Davis Chair of Judeo-Christian Values, established by Nancy Davis in honor of her late husband, Thomas, Class of 1952, a former Trustee.

The competition is judged by Ursinus alumni. The first prize winner is awarded $2000; second prize, $1,000; and third prize, $500 through the generosity of Trustee and alumnus Will Abele, Class of 1961.