Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Scholarships & Awards

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Scholarships & Awards 2015-2016 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts offers a variety of scholarships and awards to students throughout their college careers. The scholarships and awards outlined in this publication are designed for students who are currently enrolled at MCLA. Recipients are selected on the basis of the criteria listed for each scholarship. An application for the scholarships listed in the front section of this brochure is attached. All scholarships in this section are applied to the fall semester invoice. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office in Eldridge Hall (413-662-5219). Academic Achievement Scholarship Awarded to a current student to honor their academic achievements at MCLA. Scholarships will be paid in the fall semester and applied toward educational expenses. Scholarships Awarded to full-time students with Freshman, Sophomore Scholarships or Junior are status. intended to assist students with financing their Minimum education, cumulative while recognizing grade point them average for academic of 3.0. achievement, Submission student leadership of the application and success and in short extracurricular essay (250 activities. Topic: How has your experience at MCLA influenced your words). future goals or aspirations? Academic Achievement Transfer Scholarship Awarded to a current transfer student to honor their academic achievements while at MCLA. Scholarships will be paid in the fall semester and applied toward educational expenses. Awarded to full-time students with Sophomore or Junior status who have completed at least 2 semesters of full-time attendance at MCLA. Students must have transferred to MCLA from a community college. Submission of the application and short essay (250 words). Topic: How has your transfer to MCLA influenced your future goals or enriched your educational experience? The MCLA Alumni Association Scholarship Established by alumni of the College to support qualified students who are active in college extracurricular activities and who demonstrate financial need. Good academic standing. Participate in college activities. Community service. Topic: What unique and influential experiences have you had at MCLA that would inspire you to get involved as an alum? How do you see yourself getting involved as a young alum? Melvin Band Scholarship in Mathematics Established in 2004 by friends, colleagues and Melvin Band s family members to award students pursuing a major in mathematics who show mathematical talent and future promise. Mathematics major. Ellen J. Bernstein/Gadsby Fund for Journalism Established by a community member, Ellen Bernstein, to award an annual scholarship to a student with the aspirations to work in the field of print journalism. Preference given to students of color who combine journalism study with a strong liberal arts curriculum. Open to all humanities majors Submission of an essay discussing your future goals in relation to the field of print journalism. References to journalism projects undertaken at MCLA should be included. Ellen J. Bernstein/Gadsby Fund for Journalism Multicultural Internship Established to promote experiential learning opportunities in the newspaper/print and online journalism field. Newspaper/print or online journalism field. Junior or senior status. Preference given to multicultural students. Preference given to internships outside Berkshire county. 1

Blue Chip Scholarship Established by Buffy Lord `98 and her mother Deborah Smith to honor Angie and Roscoe Smith, Ms. Lord s grandparents and Ms. Smith s parents. Part-time or full-time student. Sophomore, junior or senior status Preference to Massachusetts residents. Submission of a short paragraph (250 words) describing someone in your life that has inspired you to further your education. Board of Trustees Scholarship For members of the student body who have maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and have demonstrated financial need. This scholarship was established in 1982 by the Board of Trustees. Freshman, Sophomore or Junior status. Minimum of 24 credits earned at MCLA. Mohan Boodram & Robert Morris Endowed Scholarship Established by the donors in consideration of their interest in education and desire to assist promising students seeking to earn a degree. Junior status. Priority will be given to applicants with demonstrated financial need. Preference given to students from the greater Boston area. Ruth P. and Nicholas Boraski Scholarship Established by Nicholas Boraski, retired General Electric Company executive and his late wife Ruth. Mr. Boraski was also a member of the Board of Regents of Higher Education. Multiple scholarships will be given. English/Communications major. Priority will be given to applicants with demonstrated financial need. Topic: A liberal arts education and responsible citizenship. Frederick K. Bressette 1946 Performing Arts Scholarship Established to memorialize Frederick K. Bressette a longtime and much-loved faculty member, to support students pursuing degrees in the Performing Arts. Full-time students. Topic: What was your favorite role and how did you prepare for it? Please include a list of performing credits Henry J. Bruton Scholarship for Women Established to support educational expenses for women living in Berkshire County in order to receive an undergraduate degree. Part-time or full-time student. Resident of Berkshire County. Centennial Endowment for International Study and Travel Scholarship Established in 1993 by Catherine Tisinger, ninth president of the institution to support students who wish to study abroad. Junior or Senior status. Good academic standing. Letter of recommendation from faculty supervising travel. Topic: Explain the purpose of your study abroad. Include submitted goals and an itinerary of your travel. Michael & Elaine Christopher Scholarship Established by Michael Christopher 73 and his wife Elaine to provide scholarships to Berkshire County residents. Berkshire County Resident. Leilani Claire Scholarship Established to provide scholarships annually in memory of Leilani Claire. Fine & Performing Arts Major. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better. 2

Class of 1954 Scholarship Established with gifts by the members of the class of 1954. This scholarship is awarded to a student with aspirations to work in the field of education. Sophomore, Junior or Senior status. Education Major. Nancy Wright Scalise Cozzaglio Scholarship Established in 2011 by Dale Scalise-Smith and Joseph Scalise to provide undergraduate students with scholarship funds. Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior status. Preference given to residents of Berkshire County. Class of 1965 Scholarship Established to provide scholarships to students with aspirations to work in the field of education. Sophomore, Junior or Senior status. Education Major. Class of 1986 Scholarship Established by a member of the class of 1986. Full-time student Diane Collins SGA Scholarship Awarded to a student who has demonstrated dedication and responsibility and has been a positive representation of the MCLA Student Government Association on and off campus. Sophomore, Junior or Senior status. Served as a class officer, SGA senator, SGA E-Board member, Student Trustee, or club or organization E-Board for the past academic year. Community Service Scholarship Awarded to a current MCLA student in recognition of their academic achievement and dedication to community service. Scholarships will be paid in the fall semester and applied toward educational expenses. Freshman, Sophomore or Junior status. Community service involvement on/or off campus. Listing of community service projects or activities including brief contact information. Topic: The role of community service in education. Charles Jackson Craig Foundation Scholarship Established by community members Barbara and John Craig, to award scholarships to MCLA students who demonstrate a strong desire to complete his/her education at MCLA. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. Linda & Stephen Crowe Endowed Scholarship Fund Established by the donors because of their interest in education and their desire to assist promising students seeking to earn a degree. Education or Business Administration major. Priority will be given to first generation college students. Pamela P. Dennis Achievement and Triumph Sch. Fund Established to honor and memorialize Pamela Dennis, class of 1982, who came of age (and out) on the campus of MCLA. Pam was an active member of the community. She both loved the institution and overcame adversity in her life. Participation in the Undergraduate Research Conference. Letter of recommendation from faculty or staff suggested. Topic: Human triumph and how it relates to your life. Donald R. Dion, Jr. Scholarship Established in 1996 by a local businessman Donald Dion. The scholarship is intended to motivate, reward, and provide financial aid to a student who is preparing for a career in Economics or Business Administration. Junior or Senior status. Economics or Business Administration major. Priority will be given to applicants with demonstrated financial need. 3

Philomena J. Dolan Memorial Scholarship Established by Anthony E. Dolan 84 to provide scholarships for students who are active and engaged in non-athletic extracurricular activities. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better. Eligible for financial Aid. Involvement in Residential Life, dance, drama, music, film, art clubs, or independent creative initiatives. Preference given to Arts, Arts Management, English Communications, Fine & Performing Arts, History, Political Science, Philosophy and Women s Studies majors. Educator s Scholarship Established in 1993 by an anonymous alum of the College who believed in the value of the teaching profession. The award is to honor this profession by recognizing a student who intends to become a teacher and has shown academic excellence in the study of this field. Junior or Senior status. Fairbank Family Scholarship Established by the Fairbank family to provide scholarships to highly motivated students who are good community members. Full-time Berkshire County student. Sophomore, Junior or Senior standing at the time of receiving the scholarship. Faculty letter of recommendation must be submitted with application. Isanne and Sanford Fisher Scholarship Established in 2011 to provide renewable scholarships for students pursing degrees in the Fine and Performing Arts. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8. Eligible majors include Art, Arts Management and Fine & Performing Arts. 4 Susan Foley 1973 Scholarship Awarded to an undergraduate student who is pursuing a degree in Education. Jenny Rosenberg Fyler 1913 Scholarship Awarded to a student of high academic caliber with financial need. It was established in 1987 through a bequest from Carlton D. Fyler in memory of his wife, Jenny. Mrs. Fyler was a member of the class 1913, a long-time supporter of the Alumni Association, and an early member of the Century Club. Freshman, Sophomore of Junior status. Good academic standing. Walter Grant Memorial Scholarship Awarded to a deserving student who lives in an immediate neighborhood of Boston such as: Roxbury, Mattapan, Dorchester, East Boston or South Boston. Preference given to students who reside in Dorchester. Barbara Jayne Haddad Memorial Scholarship Established to provide scholarships to students with financial need. Full-time Student. Avaz Hajizadeh Scholarship Fund for Overall Excellence Established in memory of Professor Hajizadeh by his wife, family and friends to assist promising students seeking to earn a degree at MCLA. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 to 3.5. Preference give to Business Economic Majors Preference given to minority students and students involved in extracurricular activities.

James A. Hardman, Jr. Scholarship Award Amount: Amount equal to in-state tuition and fees. Awarded to a student who has a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in journalism. This scholarship was established to honor Mr. Hardman, who was the editor and publisher of the North Adams Transcript. At the time of application, the recipient must have completed 60 credits of academic study at MCLA with major emphasis of study in English/Communications with the goal of obtaining a bachelor s degree. Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in journalism. Priority will be given to applicants who have a demonstrated strong academic record with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better or have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the field of journalism. Currently working or has worked on the staff of the College newspaper (The Beacon), or participated with a daily newspaper or other external publication as an intern. Submitted portfolio of work in journalism/ communications. Applicants may be invited to discuss their portfolio with the scholarship committee. Margaret A. Hart Scholarship This scholarship honors Miss Margaret A. Hart who was the first student of color to graduate from State Teachers College at North Adams in 1935, now known as Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Miss Hart s distinguished career in teaching and community service spanned more than five decades. This fund was established in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the College and Berkshire County. Junior or Senior status. Strong academic record with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Demonstrated community service. Preference shall be given to students of color. Priority shall be given to students who are residents of Berkshire County, MA. Topic: Please tell us what you consider to be the single most important societal problem and why. Also include your plans and goals for the future, how college will help you achieve those goals and how they relate to your answer about societal problems. (500 1000 words). John M. C. Hess Scholarship This award will memorialize the integrity, commitment, and leadership that Professor Hess brought to his students and colleagues in his 36 years of service to the College. Junior or Senior standing at the time of receiving the scholarship. At the time of nomination, the recipient must be a returning student at MCLA whose major emphasis of study is Chemistry or a related field, with the goal of obtaining a bachelor s degree. Priority will be given to applicants who have demonstrated strong academic record with a cumulative GPA of 3.25. Academic and research record of student will be well documented and will be considered key criteria in the selection process. Candidate will be nominated by faculty members. Honors Program Scholarship Fund Established to endow scholarships for students who are members of the MCLA Honors Program to ease financial pressure on highly motivated and creative students. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2. Preference to students eligible for financial aid. Writing sample must be submitted. Letter of recommendation from a honors faculty member. Lola and Edwin Jaffe Arts Management Scholarship Established to provide scholarships to students pursuing degrees in Arts Management. Sophomore or Junior status. Evelyn Hampel Jorge 1944 Scholarship Awarded to undergraduate or post-baccalaureate students intending to attain licensure to teach. This scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. Jorge to express their appreciation for the education Evelyn received at North Adams State Teachers College and to promote and encourage young teachers. At the time of application, the recipients must be students whose major emphasis of study is in a state-approved licensure program at the undergraduate or postbaccalaureate level. Priority will be given to students with demonstrated financial need. Strong academic record with a grade point average of 3.0 or better and/or has passed the MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure) exams. 5

Topic: Describe your educational goals and financial need. Jane Kerr Kahlert 1922 Scholarship Awarded to students in good academic standing with financial need. It was established in 1987 from a bequest of the estate of Jane K. Kahlert, a graduate of the College. Freshman, Sophomore or Junior status. Good academic standing. Margaret, Frances, Nellie Karrey Scholarship Awarded to a student in good standing with the College. It was established in 1993 by Nellie Karrey 31 in memory of her sisters, Frances and Margaret, who attended this institution and pursued successful careers as teachers. Departmental Awards The Minimum following awards cumulative are chosen grade point by the average individual of 3.0 departments. Eligible Any questions for financial concerning aid. the award should be di- or better. rected Good to the academic department standing. listed within the award description. These awards are not part of the application process. Gary F. Kelley Computer Science & Math Scholarship Established in memory of Gary F. Kelley a longtime mathematics teacher at Drury High School in North Adams. Computer Science or Math major. Preference given to graduates of Drury High School. Yvonne Leonesio Memorial Scholarship Established by Yvonne Leonesio s family to honor her memory and legacy at MCLA. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. Preference given to Berkshire County residents, especially first generation college students. Charles Mark Scholarship for Third World Study This award was established in 1986 by former Professor Charles Mark to provide assistance in funding a student interested in doing fieldwork in a third world environment, including sites in the United States of third world minorities; for example, an Indian reservation, a Black, Hispanic, Asian ethnic settlement, or a Mennonite community. Traditional or nontraditional student. Interested in third world issues. MCLA Scholarships This scholarship offers awards to students with financial need. It also recognizes academic achievement. Freshman, Sophomore or Junior status. Andrew Mick Jr. USN Scholarship Program for Veterans Awarded to a veteran of the United States Armed Services Including the U.S. Coast Guard, having served or is still serving on active duty, reserve duty or in the National Guard. Those with past service must have an honorable discharge. Resident of Massachusetts. U.S. Citizen. Dr. John Moresi Memorial Scholarship Established to provide a renewable scholarship to a student pursuing a degree in the Sciences with preference given to students pursuing a Bachelor Science in Athletic Training. Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better. Demonstrated financial need. MountainOne Scholarship Aid Fund Established through the vision and generosity of MountainOne to assist students enrolled in a degree program at MCLA and who have been impacted by the closure of North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH). Enrolled in a bachelor s degree program. Applicants must submit documentation verifying loss of employment at NARH. NASC Scholarship Fund Established to provide scholarships to students with financial need..preference to students eligible for financial aid. 6

Naughton Family Scholarship Established through the generosity of Christina & Jeff Naughton. Available to both undergraduate & graduate students. Non-traditional student 23 years or older. Ames Samuel Pierce Scholarship Awarded to a student in good standing with the College. It was established in 1986 by former Professor of History Ames Samuel Pierce. The award is a tangible expression of Pierce s long standing belief in the value of higher education. Paula Nickerson Plock Scholarship Established by Dick Lamb & Holly Taylor to financially assist an education major to complete their degree. Part-time or full-time student. Education major. Bernard (Bud) E. Riley Scholarships The following scholarships were established in recognition of Bernard (Bud) E. Riley s contribution to the Feigenbaum Foundation and his desire to assist students from the Berkshire County region to further their education in the study of accounting and business at MCLA. Business Major Scholarship Declared Business Major. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25. Accounting Scholarship Enrolled in the Accounting Concentration curriculum. At the time of application students must be currently enrolled in or have completed the first course in the Accounting Concentration (currently Accounting Systems BADM 320) and be currently enrolled in the Accounting Concentration curriculum. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25. Professional MBA Scholarship Student must have successfully have completed their first two MBA courses. Submit an application and an essay on the topic: What I hope to accomplish with my PMBA. Lee Hamilton Ransford Memorial Scholarship Awarded to a student who has displayed creativity in any of its varied forms. It was established by Dorothy Guisti 64 and Charles Ransford to honor the memory of their son Lee Hamilton Ransford. Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated financial need. Strong academic record with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8. Demonstrated creativity in any manner, but most importantly in creative thinking, including but not limited to, problem solving in the sciences, art, athletics, writing, theatre, education, math, or any academic pursuit. Topic: Describe your creativity project. Applicants will be invited to discuss their project with the scholarship committee and should have visuals to present. Kathleen M. Shea Memorial Scholarship It was established by the Kappa Omicron Sorority in memory of their fellow sister who was one of the founding members of the sorority. Full-time student. At the time of application, the student must have completed 30 credit hours and not be engaged in post-graduate study. Computer Science or Mathematics major with the goal of obtaining a bachelor s degree. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7. Submit an application and a 500-1000 word essay on the topic: The importance of extra curricular involvement in the undergraduate experience. 7

J. Michael Silsby 1976 Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2002 by Michael s wife Sheila, to commemorate the commitment and dedication of J. Michael Silsby to the human services of Western Massachusetts and of the Commonwealth. Sophomore or Junior status. Human services major with the goal of obtaining a bachelor s degree. Demonstrated financial need. Strong academic record with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or better. Topic: Why I want a career in human services. (500-1,000 words). Donald A. Thurston Communications Scholarship This scholarship was created to honor a man who had worked successfully and effectively in the communications industry for more than fifty years. The award is to encourage students to acquire a comprehensive knowledge, including innovative and experimental approaches, of the communications field. Completed 45 credits of academic study at the time of application with the goal of obtaining a bachelor s degree. Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in communications and/or new technologies in radio, film, web design, corporate communications, or events management. Anna Ruth Chase Spurr 1930 Memorial Scholarship Established in 1987 as a memorial to Anna Ruth Chase Spurr 30 by her husband Colonel Jerome Lyon Spurr. The scholarship was created because of Mrs. Spurr s cherished memories of North Adams, both with regard to her classmates and the faculty that inspired her love of teaching. Junior status. Deserving student of academic promise. Preference to a student who is a native of Vermont and planning a career in education. Norma Lorell Starr Memorial Scholarship Established to endow scholarships for full-time students pursuing a bachelor s degree at MCLA. Education Major. Ida Maino Trabold 1936 Scholarship Fund Established to provide scholarships to students who are residents of Berkshire County. Education Major. Berkshire County Resident. Visual Arts Scholarship Established with a bequest from the estate of Rita Card `43 to support students in the visual arts. Freshman, Sophomore or Junior status. Pursuing a career in the visual arts. 8

Mitchell L. West Opportunity Scholarship A respected member of MCLA s administrative staff for 17 years, Mitchell West served first as the Individual Enrichment Program (IEP) Outreach Counselor in Admissions and later as Coordinator of AHANA (Asian, Hispanic, African and Native American) Student Programs and Services. In both these positions, Mitch demonstrated his commitment to the College and to providing opportunities for students who might be less advantaged than their peers. Sophomore or Junior status when applying. Junior or Senior status when received. Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better with preference given to students with a grade point average of 2.8 or better. Benefit from financial support. Have made a positive contribution to the College and/or community. Preference will be given to first generation students of color who work to serve the needs of their peers. Submit the application and a 750 word essay on the topic: Please describe your commitment to promoting higher education as a pathway to success and your intention to pursue an advanced degree. Don Westall 1969 Memorial Scholarship This scholarship was established to memorialize long time and much-loved MCLA alum and Foundation Director Don Westall 69. Student majoring in the Performing Arts. Passion for performing on-stage. Sharron Sprague Zavattaro 1985 Scholarship This scholarship was created by Sharron Zavattaro 85, a respected member of MCLA s administrative staff. The purpose of the fund is to support students studying abroad. Special consideration is given to but not limited to foreign language study. A one page statement of intent for study abroad must be submitted. Terms and Conditions Scholarships are distributed annually. Students must be attending full-time during the semester in which the scholarship is paid unless otherwise stated in the scholarship criteria.. All scholarships which specify grade level refer to a student s status at the time of application unless otherwise stated. All scholarships are deducted from a student s college bill and are not paid directly to the student. Students who withdraw during the semester are subject to the College s Refund Policy. As a result, a portion or all of the scholarship may need to be repaid. Please refer to the Refund Policy included in this brochure. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Refund Policy The following are the return policies for all Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students who are recipients of scholarships funded through the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation, Inc., as approved by the Foundation s Board of Directors. Please note the Foundation adheres to the same return policies adopted and published by the College in the College Catalog and Financial Aid Guide. Refund Policy: Withdrawal prior to the first day of classes (official opening) - 100% of the scholarship is returned to the Foundation. In the event of withdrawal after the start of school or the reduction of credit hours (during the add/drop period) the College will determine the amount of the scholarship that is unearned up to the 60% point of the semester. Any and all unearned portions of the scholarship will be returned to the Foundation by the Bursar s Office. At no time will the student be the recipient of any unused portion of scholarship proceeds funded by the Foundation. Leave of Absence: A leave of absence is considered an official withdrawal and any return of funds will be calculated based on the above criteria. 9

MCLA Scholarship Application Form Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Completed scholarship forms must be returned to the Financial Aid Office by Friday, April 3, 2015 Name: Fall 215 Fr., Soph., Jr., or Sr. A#: MCLA Box #: Permanent Address: City: State: Zip: Local Address: Local or Cell Number: E-mail Address: Major: Minor: Current Cumulative GPA: College Activities/ Clubs/ Organizations Please indicate offices held: Community Involvement/ Extracurricular Activities/ Volunteer Projects on or off campus: Areas of interest/personal accomplishments that you would like to bring to the attention of the committee: (Please use additional paper, if your response requires it.) Please list the scholarship for which you would like to apply: A separate application must be submitted for each scholarship for which you are applying. In addition, all essays should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office with your application Student Signature: Date: Office Use Only GPA: Major: Financial Need (if applicable): Initials Fin. Aid: 10