The complete list of ECSU Foundation Inc. Scholarships is listed below. Beginning with the 2014-15 award year, the ECSU Foundation will make its resources, previously awarded as “Competitive Scholarships”, directly available to the Office of Financial Aid. Students are no longer required to fill in an application. Thank you.
Dr. Jacqueline A. Abbott Scholarship This endowed fund was established by Dr. Abbott and her friends and colleagues upon her retirement to honor the more than 30 years of service that she had provided to Eastern’s community. This scholarship is awarded to nontraditional students in good academic standing and with academic promise who would benefit from special financial assistance and who wish to pursue a career in the field of education.
Academic Achievement Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to a student who will be a senior, has a GPA of 3.0 or better, and is interested in sociology or psychology.
Alston Memorial Scholarship An anonymous donor, who wished to continue the legacy of writer and historian Mary Niven Alston, started this scholarship in 1982. Ms. Alston was a lifelong scholar who placed great value on the pursuit of knowledge. This scholarship is designed to financially assist nontraditional students. The award is intended to defray the expenses of deserving, returning women students.
Altrusa International, Inc. This scholarship is awarded annually to a female student from Northeastern Connecticut who can demonstrate a record of community service at Eastern or in her home area. Preference will be given to a nontraditional student who has completed at least one semester at Eastern and is in good academic standing. Financial need will be considered, but is not the controlling factor.
Barnes and Noble Endowed Scholarship This endowed scholarship is made possible by Barnes and Noble. It is awarded annually to a current Eastern student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.
Dr. Stanley F. Battle and Judith Rozie-Battle Scholarship Established in 1998 by family, friends, and co-workers to honor former Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs Stanley F. Battle, and Judith Roxie-Battle, this endowed scholarship is awarded to students who have academic promise and who would benefit from special assistance. The preferred recipient, who is from an urban community in Connecticut or Massachusetts, has demonstrated leadership qualities, good citizenship, and academic potential.
Hermann Beckert Music Scholarship Mary C. Rogers and friends of the Beckert family established this endowed scholarship in honor of the late Hermann Beckert’s retirement from Eastern. Beckert served in various capacities during his many years with the University. The scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduates with music performance involvement and a solid academic standing.
Charlotte Biederman French Studies Award Eastern Professor of Anthropology Irene Glasser established the Charlotte Biederman French Studies Fund through the ECSU Foundation, Inc. in January 2001, in memory of her mother. It is intended to further the study of French at Eastern, and will be awarded, based on merit, to students who plan to teach French, major or minor in French or French Studies, and/or study French through one of Eastern’s study-abroad programs in a French-speaking culture.
Biology Fund The Biology Fund was launched by Emeritus Biology Professor Barry Wulff and his wife Ella May in 1997 to support student-related projects in the department, including scholarships for Biology majors as well as student research, travel and programs, and has since been endowed.
Doris K. Brown Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2007 in memory of Doris K. Brown for students with unmet financial needs including fees, housing and course materials.
Jeffrey N. Brown ’79 and Virginia B. Gascon Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was launched in 2011 by Jeffrey N. Brown ‘79, a 2010 Eastern Fellow honoree, and his wife, Virginia Gascon Brown. The recipient will be a student in good academic standing with unmet financial need.
Dr. Juliette P. Burstermann Scholarship To honor the late Dr. Juliette P. Burstermann, Eastern professor emerita, Margaret S. Wilson and friends established this endowed scholarship in 1991. When Dr. Burstermann joined the staff of Willimantic Teachers College, now Eastern Connecticut State University, in 1948, she became the first African American college professor in New England. Dr. Burstermann was the first chairperson of the elementary education department and was known as a consummate professional who gave her absolute best to her students. Awarded to an education major demonstrating academic promise and financial need.
The Paul Burton Memorial Scholarship The Paul Burton Scholarship was established in 1999 by Paul’s family and friends, and was endowed in January 2000. This scholarship honors the memory of Paul Burton, a 1999 graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University who majored in computer science. It is awarded annually to an Eastern student who is physically challenged and/or is majoring in computer science.
Connie Campo Memorial Scholarship This scholarship was established in memory of Connie Campo, a former secretary of the English Department. It is awarded to a student majoring in English who is in good academic standing and who demonstrates financial need and preferably, a non-traditional student.
Arturo and Elba Candales Memorial Endowed Scholarship This scholarship, established by Dr. Barbara A. Candales ’74 and her brothers Robert A. and Randall R. A. Candales to honor their parents Arturo and Elba Candales, who were leaders in the Puerto Rican community in New London in the 1960s, encourages social work. Barbara Candales was named Connecticut’s “Social Worker of the Year” for 2006 and had a distinguished teaching and academic career in which she was at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work for nearly a decade and was a recipient of Central Connecticut’s “Teaching Excellence Award.” The scholarship is awarded to a Latino/a with unmet financial need who has at least a 2.0 GPA and is a United States citizen. Preference is given to social work majors but sociology majors and anthropology minors are also eligible.
Dorothy N. Carlyle Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2008 by Cameron A. Carlyle and Dorothy N. Carlyle ’56. The scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student in good academic standing, demonstrating unmet financial need and showing initiative by working to pay for their own education. Priority is given to students not competing in varsity athletics.
Chartwells Scholarship Chartwells created this scholarship in 2008. It is awarded to current Eastern students demonstrating academic achievement and unmet financial need.
Marlin S. Clark Endowed Scholarship Fund David V.S. Burton established the Marlin S. Clark Scholarship Fund in 2004. The scholarship is awarded to a student who is from Windham, Hartford, New London, or New Haven County, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who is actively performing community service. Preference is given to students who have successfully completed the ConnCAP Program.
Class of 1959 Scholarship Built by contributions from members of the Class of 1959 following their 50th reunion, this scholarship is for a student majoring in Elementary Education, in good academic standing and with financial need, who is intending to teach at the elementary or middle school level.
Class of 1994 Achievement Scholarship The funds that make up this endowed scholarship are derived from the dollars remaining in the 1994 Senior Class Committee’s account at the time of the commencement. The class officers designated the sum for a scholarship at Eastern. The scholarship is awarded to a full-time junior or senior with unmet financial need and a minimum GPA of 3.0. He or she should be involved in student clubs or organizations and community activities, and demonstrate leadership skills.
Class of 2008 Endowed Scholarship Graduating seniors in the Class of 2008 launched what the Foundation hopes will become a tradition by giving collectively to establish this endowed scholarship named for the class. It is awarded to a full-time student who lives on campus and is active in a student club or organization.
Class of 2009 Endowed Scholarship Established from gifts by members of the graduating Class of 2009, this scholarship is awarded to a full-time student entering her or his senior year who has been involved in community and student initiatives while at Eastern and has a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Continuing Education Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to a nontraditional student in good academic standing.
The Kevin Crosbie Memorial Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2015 with initial five-figure gifts from the Lester & Phyllis Foster Foundation and the Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation. Kevin was the longtime publisher of the Willimantic Chronicle who was a fixture in the local community. The four-year scholarships will be awarded to students graduating from Windham High School (WHS) who have financial need. Preference is given to students who have indicated their intention to major or minor in music while at Eastern.
The Curran Family Scholarship This endowed scholarship was established by Professor Emerita Ann Curran in 2000, in honor of the following members of her family: Eugene E. Curran, Sr.; Winifred Moriarty Curran, a member of the Class of 1912; and Eugene E. Curran, Jr. This scholarship is awarded annually to assist nontraditional students returning to school and majoring in elementary education.
Jarrell Cuyler and Angelica Padilla Memorial Scholarship Sheridan Vernon created this endowed scholarship in honor of the late Jarrell Cuyler of Windsor and Angelica Padilla of Willimantic. This scholarship is made annually, where possible, to a student with unmet financial need, in good academic standing, and majoring in social work/sociology/applied relations.
Barbara C. Daring Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in March 2014 through the generous donation of Dr. Steve A. Watts, Jr. Dr. Watts launched the scholarship to assist English majors with a concentration in English literature, while honoring the memory of Barbara C. Daring, who taught English at Bennett Junior HS in Manchester, E. O. Smith HS in Mansfield and the English Department at UConn. Mrs. Daring and her husband Douglas were friends for decades with Dr. Watts and his late wife Lee, a Spanish/Spanish Literature Professor who chaired Eastern’s Classical & Modern Languages Department for many years.
John J. Delmonte, Jr. Scholarship Madeline Bernstein established this endowed scholarship in 1993 in memory of her son, John J. DelMonte, Jr., ’73. This scholarship is awarded to a student in good academic standing who is a Performing Arts/Theatre major or minor. In Ms. Bernstein’s own words, the recipient must have a “driven passion for the theater in all of its facets.”
Corbett DeVivo Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2010 by Mary Lou Corbett DeVivo ’60, who owns and manages Willimantic Waste Paper along with her sons Timothy ’89 and Thomas DeVivo. The company was founded by the DeVivo family more than 60 years ago, and now offers a full range of recycling, collection and disposal services throughout Connecticut and elsewhere in New England. The scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior in good academic standing with unmet financial need.
Dr. Robert W. Dolph Scholarship Award The family and friends of the late Dr. Robert W. Dolph, a former Eastern professor of education, established this memorial-endowed scholarship in 1996. The scholarship is awarded annually to an education major who shows academic promise and who will benefit from financial assistance. Preference is given to students with a specialty in early childhood or elementary education.
Alf E. Dyrland Memorial Scholarship Celeste Prussia ’83 created this scholarship in memory of her late husband. Its aim is to preserve the quality of the environment and continue Mr. Dyrland’s goals and desires through present-day students. It is awarded to a biology major who has unmet financial need and is actively involved in a non-paid internship/practicum or research project directly related to the environment, either in a lab/field experience or the Tropical Biology course.
Eastern Chapter State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF) Endowed Scholarship Established in 2002, this scholarship will be awarded to an Eastern student with financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to students who are involved in community service and whose parents or guardians are active or retired SUOAF members at Eastern.
Eastern Employees Scholarship Established by Eastern’s Executive Vice President Michael Pernal as he retired in 2013, this fund is to provide a scholarship of at least $500 each year for 10 years for the son or daughter of an Eastern classified employee attending the university.
ECSU Alumni Association Scholarship Sponsored by the ECSU Alumni Association, these scholarships support students who are in good academic standing and demonstrate unmet financial need.
ECSU Foundation Scholarship The ECSU Foundation established this scholarship fund in order that individual donors may memorialize the loved ones of their choice. Gifts have been given to the fund in the memory of Franklin Prague, Karen Hall, and Biel Beckert. The scholarship is awarded to students with unmet financial need.
ECSU Foundation Community Youth Scholarship Funded by Eastern’s annual Bowl-A-Thon, this scholarship is awarded to academically promising seniors from local high schools. Each recipient must have made a commitment to attend Eastern, be in the top 25 percent of his/her class, and have made a contribution to the high school and/or community in which he/she lives.
ECSU Foundation Faculty/Staff Scholarship This award is made possible through gifts from Eastern faculty and staff, who restrict their contributions to unmet financial need.
Eastern Connecticut State University New London High School Endowed Scholarship This endowed scholarship, established in 2000, is awarded to a New London High School graduate who will be attending Eastern in the fall.
Grace F. Enggas Scholarship Established in 1996 to honor Grace F. Enggas, Eastern’s director of housing and residential life, this scholarship is awarded to a student with unmet financial need living in a campus residence hall or apartment. The student must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and have demonstrated leadership, preferably within a residence hall or apartment complex. Once a student is selected as a freshman, the scholarship will continue to be awarded in subsequent years as long as the criteria are being met.
Neil R. Esposito Memorial Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2007 by Marisa Esposito ’08 in memory of her father and is earmarked for a student in good academic standing, who has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (after their freshman year) and unmet financial need.
First Niagara Scholarship Fund This scholarship was established in 2011 for deserving students with unmet financial need. Preference will be given to students majoring in business administration or economics.
Founders of Accounting Scholarship Established in 2005 by Emeriti Professors John P. Listro, William T. Sisco and Ralph E. Webb, this scholarship is awarded to an Accounting major with unmet financial need. In addition, the recipient will possess leadership and citizenship qualities, and will have earned a minimum GPA of 3.2, 15 credits of Accounting at Eastern, and 75 credits overall.
Michael F. Gable Biology Student Assistantships Fund Established by Biology Professor Michael Gable upon his 2008 retirement from Eastern, this award is for biology and biochemistry majors who have served biology teaching assistantships and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Recipients are chosen by the Department of Biology in conjunction with Institutional Advancement.
Thomas W. Gavigan Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established by Thomas Gavigan ’49 in 2007 for students who are attending Eastern Connecticut State University and have unmet financial need.
Francis E. and Dorothy M. Geissler Memorial Endowed Scholarship Friends and colleagues of Francis E. Geissler initially funded this scholarship in honor of his retirement in 1977, following many years of service as an Eastern administrator and coach. With the passing of Dorothy (February 2007) and Francis (July 2009) and at the request of the Geissler children, the name of this scholarship was changed to the Francis E. and Dorothy M. Geissler Memorial Endowed Scholarship to honor the contributions to Eastern of both Francis and his wife of 67 years. This award is for a student who has completed two years at Eastern, is going to be a junior, has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and has made an outstanding contribution to the college community through leadership in extra-curricular activities.
Adam Huber Memorial AccessAbility Services Fund Founded by Barbara Cignotti-Huber and Barry Huber in memory of their son Adam Huber, an Eastern student who died tragically in a 2006 accident, this fund finances a scholarship or scholarships of at least $1,000 each year to students who use the services of Eastern’s Office of AccessAbility Services. The fund may also be used to supply technology to assist students academically when their disabilities necessitate such aid, and for equipment such as wheelchairs to help in students’ daily lives.
Carleton P. and Teresa H. James Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2007 by Teresa H. James ’49 to honor her late husband, Carleton P. James. The recipient of this award will be a student in good academic standing (preferably above a 3.0 GPA), majoring in Early Childhood or Elementary Education and preferably from Windham County. The student must be an in-state resident.
Anita N. Jean Memorial Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in October 2015 by Anita’s brother, Paul Jean, and his wife, Anne Jean, three years after Anita’s death. Anita worked for over two decades as an accountant at Eastern and was a key volunteer in the athletic department. In 2007, Nita was the recipient of the Michael A. Atkind Service Award presented to her by the Hall of Fame Committee of ECSU for her exceptional service and loyalty to the intercollegiate athletic program. Nita’s deepest love was for her family. This scholarship will be awarded to an in-state student(s) in good academic standing with financial need. The recipient(s) must be involved in extra-curricular activities on campus.
Sophie L. Jenkins Scholarship In 1989, the year of Eastern’s centennial anniversary, Sophie L. Jenkins ’43 established this endowed scholarship upon her retirement as the University’s associate dean of academic affairs. Additional contributions were made in her honor by her family and her many friends and colleagues. The scholarship is awarded to undergraduates demonstrating academic achievement and unmet financial need.
Dr. Arthur L. Johnson Unity Endowed Fund This endowed fund was established in October 2000 by his wife, Dr. Marie Love Johnson, and their family and friends. A portion of the interest earned on this fund will be used to assist Eastern students-in-need and in good standing on an emergency basis and to fund an annual book scholarship for an under-represented student with unmet financial need.
Paul E. Johnson, Sr. Community Conference Room Scholarship The family of Paul E. Johnson, Sr. established this endowed fund in 1999 in honor of Mr. Johnson, who served on the staff of Willimantic State Teachers College from 1948 until 1966. The scholarship is awarded to students in good academic standing who are interested primarily in Native American and African American studies.
Andy Jones Visual Arts Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2007 with funds collected from the sale of the “Connecticut Quarter” prints designed for the U.S. Mint by Andy Jones, Professor of Art. The recipient(s) must be a junior majoring in Visual Arts and in good academic standing.
Linda Alapi Juras Memorial Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2014 in memory of Linda Juras with a gift from the estate of her surviving husband Michael, directed to Eastern through their daughter, Lisa Girard, and her husband James P. Girard ’97. Mrs. Juras received both her bachelor’s (’71) and master’s (’76) degrees in Early Childhood Education at Eastern, and taught first grade for more than 35 years at Lyme Consolidated School, where she was named a Connecticut Teacher of the Year. Each recipient must be an Early Education or Elementary Education major or minor in good academic standing, with unmet financial need.
The Kahan, Kerensky & Capossela, LLP (KKC) Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2010 by the law firm of Kahan, Kerensky & Capossela, LLP, located in Vernon and Storrs. The scholarship is to be awarded to an Eastern junior or senior in good academic standing with unmet financial need, preferably demonstrating an interest in attending law school, who has demonstrated a commitment to his or her community through service.
Mae K. Kaplitz Memorial Music Scholarship Paul Kaplitz established this endowed scholarship in 1995 in memory of his wife, Mae. Her lifelong love of music, especially vocal performance, inspired Mr. Kaplitz to create this scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a music student active in the University’s choral organizations and demonstrating unmet financial need.
John F. Kearney, Jr. ’75 Memorial Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was launched in memory of John F. Kearney ’75 following his death in 2012. Kearney at the time was President and CEO of Titan Energy New England in Rocky Hill, a company that delivers best practice energy management strategies. He devoted his career in large part to addressing public policy concerns. He was on the Alumni Association Board of Directors starting in the late 1990s, and served three times as its president. This scholarship will be a minimum award of $750 annually when available to a qualifying student(s) with financial need majoring in Political Science.
Stephen A. Kenton Endowed Scholarship Established by Mathematics Professor Stephen A. Kenton in anticipation of his 2008 retirement from Eastern, the scholarship is awarded to Mathematics or Computer Science majors who are in good academic standing and have satisfactorily completed two required courses specified by Dr. Kenton.
Megan L. Kleczka Memorial Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of Megan Kleczka, who lost her life in 2007 while a student at Eastern. Megan was passionate about issues related to women’s health, safety, equality and justice. Recipients are full-time students in good academic standing at Eastern and committed to women’s social issues such as sexual health education, sexual assault services and/or reproductive justice. Preference is given to students in the field of women’s studies, social work or sociology with unmet financial need.
Howard S. Kniffin Endowed Scholarship Barbara Kniffin Lapp established this scholarship in memory of her late husband, Howard S. Kniffin, and in recognition of the achievements of their son, Charles E. Kniffin ’76, during his student years at Eastern. It is awarded to sophomores or juniors who have demonstrated excellence in an independent study in their major fields.
The Konover Endowed Scholarship This scholarship is designated to support students majoring in Social Work, who are from the Hartford area and enrolled full-time at Eastern. Recipient(s) should be in good academic standing at the University.
Dr. K. Narayan Kutty Endowed Scholarship Established by Dr. K. Narayan Kutty, an Emeritus member of Eastern’s English Department, with his 2009 gift, this scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students who represent specific backgrounds or academic interests and who have financial need. Qualifying students must also be upperclassmen and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The four specific categories are an Asian, Native American, African, native Australian of Aboriginal heritage, Middle Eastern or Israeli female; a Puerto Rican female or male student in good academic standing majoring in English, History, Economics, Environmental Studies, or Biology; an African American student majoring in Government and Public Policy, Economics, History or Environmental Earth Science; and a female student majoring in English and with a strong interest in Women’s Studies. The actual scholarships awarded will be contingent on the availability of qualifying students in the four categories and the amountof investment income available, but no award will be made for less than $250 and amounts will be divided equally among the recipients.
The Earle M. Lacey Scholarship Family, friends and classmates of Earle M. Lacey ’51, established this scholarship in 1999. This endowed fund is awarded annually to a student majoring in education who works to improve the lives of those in economically challenged communities. The recipient must be in good academic standing and demonstrate unmet financial need.
The Dorothy Gardiner Lackman ’67 Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in December 2014 by the Lackman children to assist education majors at Eastern while establishing an appropriate legacy for their mother, who passed away in 2009. After graduating from Eastern, Dorothy began her teaching career in the Eastford School System. She started working at the only pre-school in her hometown of Ashford, Pompey Hollow Nursery School, around 1970, and was credited with introducing Montessori materials into a traditional nursery school environment.
Ellen L. Lang ’81 and James E. Watson, M.D. Endowed Scholarship Ellen L. Lang ’81 and James E. Watson, M.D. established this endowed scholarship in 1998, originally known as the Ellen L. Lang Endowed Scholarship, and it was renamed in 2011 to recognize the role of both donors. The scholarship is to honor/recognize older, nontraditional students returning to Eastern to obtain undergraduate degrees. All candidates must be in solid academic standing.
Lauter-Greer-Flanzer Scholarship Joseph A. Flanzer and the Lauter-Greer Foundation established this scholarship in 1987 in remembrance of Philip Lauter and Josephine Lauter Greer. Two scholarships are awarded each year: the first to an incoming student who placed in the top 20 percent of his or her graduating class and who has a combined SAT score of 1,000 or better; the second to a continuing student who has a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Liberty Bank Foundation Scholarship Funded by Liberty Bank, this scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students majoring in business or economics and is awarded based on unmet financial need.
The John Lombard Economics Excellence Scholarship This scholarship was established just prior to the retirement of John Lombard in recognition of his career as a distinguished Professor of Economics at Eastern for more than 30 years. It will be awarded to an Economics major or majors enrolled full time with at least 30 credit hours and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Dr. Nicholas Mahalawich and Mrs. Anne Pisarko-Mahalawich ’44 Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2013 and is awarded to a student from a family that is a member of the Holy New Martyrs Church in Norwich and/or a student that attended the Norwich Free Academy.” The student must be in good academic standing and have financial need.
Frank and Katrina Post Scholarship This endowed scholarship was established in 1990 from the estates of Anna Zipkin Post, class of 1912, and Frank and Katrina Post. The purpose is to establish a scholarship to help needy students whose primary goal is to become teachers.
The Franklin and Edith Prague Endowed Centennial Scholarship This Prague Scholarship was established in 1989, given by Senator Prague and the late Mr. Prague at that time in honor of Eastern’s centennial anniversary. The scholarship is awarded to students from New London, Tolland or Windham County who have at least a 3.0 GPA, and may be renewed by students maintaining their averages at that level or above.
President’s Community Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was launched in conjunction with Eastern President Elsa Núñez’ 2007 inauguration and is awarded to a student or students in good academic standing with unmet financial need.
The Virginia and Charles Prewitt Peace and Human Rights Studies Endowment Scholarship Launched in 2002 to support classes in peace and human rights studies, this endowment’s purpose was subsequently expanded to support a scholarship to a student committed to its ideals. When Dr. Prewitt made another major gift in 2011, a room was dedicated to commemorate the gift and support peace and human rights activities on campus. Under the revised agreement, the recipient of the scholarship will be a student(s) who minors in peace and human rights or exhibits advocacy for those ideals.
Kathleen W. Roan Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established by the late Kay Roan in 2007 for students in good academic standing with unmet financial need. Kay volunteered countless hours to non-profits in Willimantic and was one of the longest standing members of the ECSU Foundation Inc. Board of Directors.
The Rogers Endowed Teaching Scholarship Awarded to a junior in any undergraduate major preparing to teach in elementary or middle school (grades 1 through 9), and with a course concentration in the sciences, this endowed scholarship was launched in 2000 by Emerita Professor Mary Rogers Beckert, a longtime member of the Physical Sciences faculty. She passed away in 2010.
David M. Roth Memorial Scholarship In 1985, this endowed scholarship was established in remembrance of David M. Roth, renowned Connecticut historian and Eastern history professor of 23 years. It is awarded to a History or History and Social Science major with distinguished academic performance and with evidence of initiative and leadership in the field. The student will also demonstrate unmet financial need.
SBM Charitable Foundation Early Childhood Education Endowed Scholarship Fund The SBM Charitable Foundation Early Childhood Education Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 to provide Early Childhood Education majors with tuition scholarships.
Richard A. Savage Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2007 to honor Richard Savage, director of financial aid, at the time of his retirement. The recipient(s) must be a Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Earth Science, Computer Science or Business Information Systems major and be enrolled full-time. The recipient must have completed 45 credits, the majority at Eastern, and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 with unmet financial need.
Tammy E. Schaeffer Memorial Endowed Scholarship Established in 2006 to honor Tammy Schaeffer, a 1990 Eastern graduate whose passion in life was the Spanish language and culture. The recipient must be a promising student with unmet financial need, in good academic standing, and planning to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Creativity This scholarship award is given to a junior or senior taking BUS 351, Advanced Business Concepts & Entrepreneurial Applications, in the spring and fall of consecutive years. Top ranked students in both sections will be considered for nomination by the course instructor(s). Consideration will be given to their past academic performance, commitment to his/her studies, demonstrated unmet financial need, and creativity and innovation in business.
The George Shafer- Frederick Noble Endowed Scholarship Established in 1953 by the ECSU Alumni Association of Willimantic State Teachers College, this endowed scholarship honors Dr. George H. Shafer and Dr. Frederick R. Noble for their years of service to Eastern. It is awarded to in-state, full-time undergraduates on the basis of academic merit, unmet financial need, and community involvement. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.7.
Victoria Leigh Soto ’08 Memorial Endowed Scholarship On December 14, 2012, Victoria Leigh Soto ’08 lost her life protecting the children in her first-grade classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, from an assailant who shot and killed 20 children and seven adults that day. Victoria was a dean’s list student while she attended Eastern as an elementary education and history double major. Her dream job was to teach and nurture young children in the primary grades. She died protecting those children. Eastern started this scholarship in honor of Victoria and her heroism, to support students studying to be teachers who have unmet financial need.
Student Government Association Endowed Scholarship Established in 2011, the Student Government Association is awarded to a student involved in at least one campus club or organization who has completed a minimum of 30 credit hours and has a GPA between 2.8 and 3.2. Qualification also requires a recommendation from at least one club or organization advisor.
The Student Research Scholarship fund was recently launched by Dr. Marc R. Freeman ’93, a nationally recognized medical researcher and Associate Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Neurology at the UMass Medical School, and his wife, Amy Sheehan ’93, with their substantial initial gift and multi-year pledge. This fund will support Eastern students for research work or research internships in the sciences – including room and board, research materials and stipends.
Nancy K. Sulinski Scholarship This endowed scholarship was established in 1998 in memory of Nancy K. Sulinski ’76 by Michael McLaughlin and the family of Nancy K. Sulinski. It is awarded to a student in good standing entering his or her senior year and majoring in mathematics, preferably with an interest in attending graduate school.
Alexander “Sandy” Taylor Memorial Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was launched by family, colleagues and friends of Sandy Taylor; a scholar, Eastern professor and publisher, following his death in 2007. The scholarship was endowed in 2015. The recipient will be an English major, and preference will be given to students who demonstrate a commitment to peace and the rights of mankind and to those who show an interest in poetry.
Ann and Kenneth Tucker Scholarship Barbara M. Tucker, professor of history and director of the David M. Roth Center, established this endowed scholarship in November 2000 for Connecticut Studies. It is to be awarded each year to one full-time student in financial need who has completed 45 credits at Eastern, is a History or History/Social Sciences major, has completed five history courses at Eastern, and has a minimum GPA of 3.25.
United Technologies Endowed Scholarship United Technologies Corporation established this scholarship in 1999. It is designated for graduates of Hartford public schools majoring in mathematics, science, or technology and demonstrating unmet financial need.
Rosalie Vernon Memorial Scholarship Sheridan Vernon established this endowed award in 1995 in memory of his mother, Rosalie Vernon. It is awarded annually to an Eastern biology major in good academic standing with unmet financial need. The recipient should have an interest in attending medical school.
The Sidney Vernon, M.D. Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2000 by Sheridan Vernon to honor the memory of his late father, Dr. Sidney Vernon, who practiced medicine in the Willimantic area for many years. It is intended for a student studying physical science, biology, pre-professional programs or biochemistry, or in an individualized program related to medicine. The recipient shall be in good academic standing and demonstrate unmet financial need.
Veterans Scholarship The recipient(s) must be taking at least nine credits at Eastern to apply and have served in the U.S. Military with an Honorable Discharge or Medical Hardship Discharge. It is preferred that the recipient(s) has completed a 120 day overseas tour and/or has been deployed to a combat zone. Any reservist, drilling reservist or inactive reservist is encouraged to apply.
Lee (LeClaire) B. Watts Endowed Scholarship This endowed scholarship was started in 2010 by Dr. Steve A. Watts, Jr., in memory of his beloved wife, Dr. Lee B. Watts, who died in December of 2009. Lee taught Spanish and Spanish Literature and headed Eastern’s Classical & Modern Languages Department for many years. Lee was credited with developing the Spanish major and internship program and founded the Nu Chi Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish honors society, before retiring in 1995. Lee’s dedication and passion for teaching and new methodologies gained the respect of her colleagues and students alike and in recognition the World Languages and Cultures suite was named in perpetuity in her honor. Recipients of the Lee B. Watts Scholarship will be students who have a sincere interest in Spanish and Spanish Literature and are in good academic standing.
Andrée & C.R. Webb Endowed Scholarship Former Eastern President Charles Webb and his wife, Andree, established this fund in 1999 on the occasion of the naming of Charles R. Webb Hall.
The Hans Weiss Visual Arts Award Hans Weiss, friend of Eastern and artist and proprietor of the Fine Arts Studio & Gallery in Manchester, as well as members of the ECSU Foundation Board of Directors established this award in 1998. It is awarded to a student in good academic standing who is majoring in visual arts.
Priscilla Saunders Wilcox Memorial Scholarship This endowed fund was established in 1993 by Mr. Alfred Wilcox. It is awarded to students in good academic standing with unmet financial need.
The Nathan K. Williams Memorial Endowed Scholarship This scholarship was established by Clifford S. and Susan Williams in May 2014, with a four-year pledge, in memory of their son Nathan, who died while a full-time student at Eastern. Nathan was a student who valued higher education as a route to a successful future. The endowed fund was created to support male students with financial need who have exhibited a commitment to volunteerism and who are in good academic standing.
Margaret S. Wilson Endowed Scholarship Fund Established in 2008 by Dr. William Wilson, Margaret Wilson’s son, and augmented with earlier donations by Mrs. Wilson and numerous memorial gifts after her July 2008 passing, the scholarship honors Margaret Wilson’s lifelong dedication and service to Eastern. Mrs. Wilson graduated from the school when it was Willimantic State Teachers College, later returned to teach here, and retired as Executive Dean in 1989. The scholarship is awarded to a graduate or graduates of the Norwich Free Academy in good academic standing and with unmet financial need.
The Windham Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co., Inc. Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2004 by the Windham Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company to benefit promising students in the field of business. The preferred recipient is a business major who has demonstrated leadership qualities and good citizenship, and is in good academic standing with unmet financial need.
Henry N. and Frances Z. Winiarski Scholarship Established in 1997 by Dr. Virginia W. Lowney and family members, this endowed scholarship commemorates Dr. Lowney’s parents, who were avid supporters of education. This scholarship is awarded to a full time junior/senior with unmet financial need who is involved in student clubs and community service/activities.
Yankee Gas Endowed Scholarship This award was established for a deserving minority student.
David A. and Martha R. Yutzey Endowed Music Fund Dr. David Yutzey, a retired psychology professor from the University of Connecticut, generously established this fund in 2011 as a tribute to his friend and musical colleague Prof. Robert Lemons. Dr. Yutzey has played tuba in the Community Band led by Bob Lemons for more than three decades. In 2014, at the time of Prof. Lemons retirement the fund was renamed to include David’s wife, Martha R. A portion of the fund’s assets will be used each year to provide a scholarship for an academically qualified music major with unmet financial need.
Frances Karlyn Zittel Endowed Award This award was established in 1999 through a bequest from the estate of the late Captain Karl O. A. Zittel, USCG-Ret. This bequest established an endowment in memory of the captain’s daughter, Frances Karlyn Zittel, who predeceased him. Proceeds of the endowment will be used to support scholarship assistance for students pursuing a degree in the field of education, as well as for other programs that foster success for current Eastern students.