Professor Jon Andelson Receives 2026 Distinguished Scholar Award from Communal Studies Association

Jon Andelson ’70, professor of anthropology, has been recognized by the Communal Studies Association (CSA) with the 2026 Distinguished Scholar Award. This honor recognizes individuals who have greatly contributed to the study of communal societies for an extended period. 

“Over the years, the CSA has helped me and countless others realize the important role intentional communities can play as testing grounds for ideas about how people can live in harmony with one another, with the natural environment, and with the spiritual forces that braid everything together,” he says. “The CSA has long provided me with a stimulating home for much of my thinking (and several of my publications!), for most of my academic career.” 

Andelson has been contributing to the CSA through conferences and published pieces in their journal, Communal Societies, for more than 40 years, focusing largely on the Amana Colonies. \

“I want to acknowledge the special role that the Amana Colonies has had in my work, and thank every scholar who has helped tell the stories of intentional communities, both to other scholars and to the wider public,” he says.