The Helen & Lawrence Smith Scholarship

Purpose of Award

The purpose of the Helen & Lawrence Smith Scholarship is to recognize and award exceptional scholarship and outstanding extracurricular participation by undergraduate students with a major or specialization in library science or mathematics. Awards for mathematics students are made separately by the Department of Mathematics. The scholarship will be in the form of a tuition credit to the university. Two $1,350 awards will be made to library science students for 2002-2003.

Larry Smith, a Clarion County native, was born 29 May 1916. First admitted to Clarion State Teachers College in 1937, he completed a two year program then available. With the advent of World War II, Mr. Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served with distinction. After the war he returned to Clarion in 1946 to complete his B.S.Ed.

During his final two years at Clarion, Mr. Smith exhibited those qualities that later marked his professional career. A wide range of interests led him to develop concentrations in social studies, science, and geography. An excellent student, his performance led him to memberships in two honorary societies--Pi Gamma Mu, recognizing distinction in social studies, and Phi Sigma Phi, the national honorary society for men with superior scholarship and commitment to promoting the interests of education. Through broad participation in the life of the college, he enriched both his own life and that of the Clarion community. A member of Sigma Tau Gamma, he also served on the Interfraternity Council. Leadership roles in the International Relations Club and Student Senate were augmented by participation in the Outdoor Club and in athletics as a Varsity C member. In recognition of his many accomplishments, Mr. Smith was nominated by the college for membership in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

On August 14, 1948, Mr. Smith married his life-time companion, Helen Long. He completed his formal schooling at the University of Pittsburgh where he earned both his M.Ed. and doctorate. After teaching and supervising a number of elementary schools, Mr. Smith was invited, in 1964, to return to his alma mater. For the next thirteen years he was a vital member of the Education faculty, teaching many different courses and assuming a variety of administrative roles. He was one of the founders of the West Shortway Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. Along with this and his life memberships in the PTA, the NEA, and PSEA, Mr. Smith was able to help support the interests of education in the service of youth. An avid bridge player and gamesman, Mr. Smith started and advised the Clarion Chess team. In 1976 he retired from his service with the college, though he continued to support the causes of education until his death on August 23, 1980.

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Eligibility

1. Applicants must be full-time students at the junior or senior level majoring in library science or mathematics.
   
   
2. Applicants must have completed at least 64 credits at Clarion University.
   
   
3. Applicants must have a cumulative QPA of 3.0 or higher.
   
   
4. Applicants can receive the scholarship for both their junior and senior year at Clarion. However, the applicant must apply to the scholarship committee for the second year.
   
   
5. Applicants must submit an application form, a written statement of application, and two letters of faculty recommendation.

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Selection

Selection will be based on:

1. academic performance (minimum QPA of 3.0)
   
   
2. involvement in professional organizations
   
   
3. contributions to the university
   
   
4. contributions to the community
   
   
5. two letters of faculty recommendation
   
   
6. the student's letter of application

Evaluation of the criteria and recommendation of the library science candidate(s) will be made by the Department of Library Science Awards Committee.

The award is administered through the Clarion University Foundation to ensure compliance with university, state and federal student financial assistance regulations.

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Past Recipients

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Revised 27March2003.