Student Scholarships

Established in memory of John S. Shropshire, Dean of Enrollment Management & Academic Records at Clarion University, Clarion alumnus Class of 1961. John had a strong affinity for the Pittsburgh city public school system, having graduated from Westinghouse High School, and a strong affection as well for the Harrisburg city public school system, having taught at Central Dauphin East High School for many years. The following are the criteria for a student to be eligible for the John S. Shropshire Memorial Scholarship: student must demonstrate evidence of financial aid via the FAFSA form, must be a second semester freshman or above with at least 12 credits earned with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and must have graduated from Pennsylvania city public school listed with the Admissions and Financial Aid Offices. An essay is required on the topic, "How will you use your education to make the world a better place?" Essay is not to exceed one page in length, typewritten. Applications are available in the Admissions Office and Financial Aid Office. Deadline for applications is the first Friday in April and the award is made for the following fall and spring semesters.

This scholarship was established in 2002 by the brothers of Sigma Tau Fraternity.  The fraternity promotes academic values and has decided to establish this award as a way to give back to the university.  Many of its members participated in extra curricular activities whose participation and contributions helped establish the rich tradition at Clarion University.  To be considered, students must have accumulated 48 credit hours and be enrolled in the Honors Program.  Students must have a cumulative gpa of 3.4 or above, show financial need per FAFSA documentation, and be involved with a service related extra curricular activity.  Contact the Director of Honors Program for further information.

This scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Earl Siler to recognize graduate or undergraduate students in the areas of elementary education or early childhood in their professional development activities. For additional information contact the chair of the Education Department at 814-393-2404.

This scholarship established by family, friends, and members of the Speech Pathology program to honor Mr. Simpson, who joined the faculty in 1966 and taught for 22 years. In recognition of his commitment to the SP department, a Simpson Scholarship recipient selected each year by a departmental committee. Awards will be made based upon the student's academic record and service to Clarion University.

An annual award will be presented to the outstanding foreign student of the year based on services and activities performed for the university, the Clarion International Association, civic and professional groups, and other activities of academic and/or cultural enrichment. Students selected by a faculty committee. Contact the Office of International Programs at 814-393-2340 for more information.

The scholarship established by David C. Smith '64 in memory of his father, Harry, to provide an annual scholarship to an Accounting major. Applicant must be a full time undergraduate student, have a minimum of 1000 on the SAT test, and must demonstrate financial need as per FAFSA which must be on file by the application date. Contact the Accountancy department at 814-393-2628 for additional information.

These scholarships are made possible by an endowment established by Mrs. Helen Smith in memory of her husband. Applicants must be full-time students at the junior or senior level majoring in library science or mathematics, must have completed at least 64 credits, and have a QPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarships are available for a second year, provided students maintain the academic standards required. Contact the chair for Library Science at 814-393-2271.

In honor of their lives' works of commitment to serving others, the Dr. Harold & Carolyn Hartley Family has established a scholarship honoring Harold's childhood friends, Wesley Stephens and George Stephens of Lenoxville Pennsylvania.  Harold learned a great deal about helping others at age 8, when the heroic actions of his two young friends saved his life.  As a result of life's experience, a grateful Hartley Family has long-valued commitment and helping others.  This scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to the Stephens and Hartley families.  First preference for the scholarship is an incoming freshman from Mountain View School District in Susquehanna County PA.  Second preference is an incoming freshman pursing studies in Speech Pathology & Audiology. Students will be automatically considered.

Awards are available to students who participate in the University Theatre. Criteria for selection are aptitude, dependability, dedication, talent, and performance promise. Students selected by the theatre staff. The number and amount may vary from year to year. For additional information contact the director of theatre at 814-393-2648.

One scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding junior or senior majoring in special education. Selection is based upon academic record (minimum QPA 3.5) and service to exceptional individuals. Contact the Special Education and Rehabilitative Sciences Department chair at 814-393-2325. Applications must be received by March 15.

Scholarships are available to both men and women who compete on intercollegiate teams at Clarion. Interested students should have their high school coach contact the respective coach at Clarion for additional information.  Coaches will make the scholarship offer to one of those scholar athletes in his/her group of recruits/team members each year.  Prospective student athletes will automatically be considered when appropriate.

This scholarship has been established with the foundation through the sponsorship of the Iron Furnace, the Oil Creek, and the Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited. It provides a $1,000 annual award to support the education of a senior student who displays a keen interest in conservation of natural aquatic resources, especially cold-water. The award will be based first on a written statement of the student's conservation goals and second their academic record. For additional information contact Dr. Andy Turner Department of Biology room 235 Peirce Hall. Application deadline is April 22.

An annual scholarship award is available to a junior or senior student majoring in special education or rehabilitative sciences. Minimum requirements include achieving a 3.5 QPA and active involvement with persons who have handicaps. Application deadline date is March 15.

Established by Chuck Weir, Class of 1956, a former Clarion University athlete, and Shirley Weir, in honor of the Weir family that includes many children and grandchildren, some of who have graduated from Clarion University. This scholarship will be awarded to a freshman student-athlete who meets the eligibility criteria set by NCAA.  Coaches will make the scholarship offer to one of those scholar athletes in his/her group of recruits/team members each year.  Prospective student athletes will automatically be considered when appropriate.

This scholarship established by Mrs. Nancy Williams in memory of her husband, the voice of Clarion wrestling for many years. The award is made annually to a member of the university's wrestling team or a graduate student associated with the program. The recipient will be selected based upon the following requirements: academic proficiency, wrestling performance, character, moral standards, and eligibility under NCAA rules.  Coaches will make the scholarship offer to one of those scholar athletes in his/her group of recruits/team members each year.  Prospective student athletes will automatically be considered when appropriate.

This endowed scholarship funded by the Wollastons (George '57 and Twila M. '58) as a means of attracting outstanding young men and women in academics and athletics to Clarion. Two freshman scholarships are awarded each year, one to a member of the men's baseball team and one to a member of the women's basketball team.  Coaches will make the scholarship offer to one of those scholar athletes in his/her group of recruits/team members each year.  Prospective student athletes will automatically be considered when appropriate.

This award is presented annually to the most outstanding junior or senior who is majoring in Spanish and plans to study either in Spain and/or a Hispanic country. It is based upon academic excellence and contribution to the Spanish section of the Modern Languages Department. Selection made by the Spanish Scholarship Committee. For further details contact the Modern Languages Department at 814-393-2494.

This sophomore year scholarship established by Dr. Max H. Burns in honor of his parents Fred and June McCall Burns. Current student must be seeking a degree in Music, Drama or Mathematics or in the Education fields of Music, Drama or Mathematics, and possess excellent grades at Clarion. Contact the Scholarship Administrator in the Admissions Office for additional information.  Deadline for consideration is March 17.

This scholarship is for a declared mathematics major who achieves the highest score on a standardized calculus test. Students must be recommended by faculty members to take the test. The award is available annually through the Mathematics Department Endowment Fund. For further information contact the chair of the Mathematics Department at 814-393-2592.

This scholarship awarded annually by department members on the basis of academic achievement, involvement in the Communication Department and community service. Additional information can be obtained from the Communication Department chair at 814-393-2245.

Annually, a scholarship in honor of James D. Cole, former Dean of the School of Mass Media Arts & Journalism, is directed toward second semester undergraduates majoring in Mass Media Arts & Journalism with no fewer than 15 credits and no more than 32 credits. Final selection made by department members on the basis of academic achievement, involvement in the department and community service.

Annually a scholarship in memory of alumnus J.J. Canelos is offered to a junior Mass Media Arts & Journalism major. Eligibility requires a minimum QPA of 3.4. Final selection is made by department members on the basis of academic record, contribution to the Communication Department and the university, participation in extracurricular activities, and financial need. Additional information can be obtained from the Mass Media Arts & Journalism Department chair at 814-393-2245.

To be considered, students must be sophomore or junior standing at Clarion University. Criteria for selection include academic excellence and service to the History department. Contact the chair of the History department at 814-393-2546.

This award is given annually to one graduating senior English major. There is no application process. Nomination of candidates for the award and selection are made by department members each spring.

Two scholarships are awarded annually to second-semester junior English majors for their senior year of study. Student applicants must submit either a recent sample of critical writing or a recent sample of creative writing. Final selection is made by department members. Contact the English Department for further details.

This scholarship fund established by Mr. Joseph F. Centorcelli in memory of his wife, through the Clarion University Foundation. One recipient is selected each year. Applicants must be an English major of at least sophomore standing, have a 2.5 QPA and be residents of Clarion, Jefferson, or Venango County. Candidates must submit a narrative in which they discuss academic interests and future goals. Also they are urged to submit samples of critical or creative writing. Application should be made in the Spring Semester to the chair, English Department at 814-393- 2482.

Annual scholarships are awarded to AITP members majoring in Computer Information Science (CIS). Selection is based on academic record and contribution to AITP. Additional information can be obtained from the CIS Department at 814-393-2442. Deadline date is April 15.

These scholarships are made available to deserving students in computer science. The scholarship is renewable through four years, provided that students meet the required academic standards. Contact the chair of the Computer Information Science Department at (814) 393-2442 for more information.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a computer science or information systems major based on academic excellence and participation in university and community activities. Additional information can be obtained from the Computer Information Science Department at 814-393-2442.

This scholarship is made possible by a generous contribution from the family of former chemistry student, John Heagy. Awarded annually to Chemistry major of at least sophomore standing. The candidate is selected by the Chemistry Department on the basis of academic record. The scholarship is paid by the foundation to the student's billing account. For more details, contact the Chemistry Department chair at 814-393-2281.