Awards & Honors
Iota, Iota, Iota, Women and Gender Studies Honorary
The Theta chapter of Iota, Iota, Iota was founded at Clarion University in 1999 by Jennifer Niemczyk, Rachael Busch, and Jennie Seigler. Triota is named for three ancient goddesses; Inanna, known as the queen of land, the source of the earth's life blood; Ishtar, the light of the world, lawgiver, bold teller of truth; and Isis, the creator, giver of life, the mother.
Our chapter joins eight others nationwide working toward national recognition by the Association of College Honor Societies. Triota encourages and supports excellence in WGS scholarship and social justice activism. Additionally, this chapter strives to promote interest in WGS related activities that celebrate the diversity of women's experience and gender expression.
Membership is open to students in good academic standing who have completed 12 hours of Women's Studies courses with a QPA of 3.5. Evidence of social justice activism will also be considered. Initiation is held each spring.
Mary R. Hardwick Scholarship
This scholarship fund was established in honor of retired speech, communication, and theatre professor, Dr. Mary R. Hardwick in recognition of 27 years of service to Clarion University. Edna R. Brown of Ponca City, OK, presented the endowment as executor of the estate of the late Marguerite S. Fitzwilliam to memorialize Dr. Hardwick's career as a gifted artist and dedicated educator. A scholarship is presented to a deserving incoming student each year. Contact Jodie Mount at the Admission Office for additional information.
The Eileen Murphy Thornton Award
The Eileen Murphy Thornton Award honors the life and accomplishments of the person for whom it was named. This annual award, established in 1976, is presented to a graduating senior majoring in the humanities (art, english, history, language and literature, modern languages and culture, music, philosophy, or speech and theatre) to recognize distinguished academic achievement. To qualify, the candidate must have earned an overall QPA of 3.5 or higher and have earned at least 100 credits at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Selections are made by the director of WGS in collaboration with WGS Advisory Committee members. Candidates' academic advisors may be contacted.
Eileen Murphy Thornton was the ultimate students of the humanities. She wrote well and extensively on a variety of subjects that challenged social norms. With two other students she convinced professors Gib Thornton and Jack Williams to propose the course known today as PSY 220: Human Sexuality.
After graduation Eileen became a social case worker for a Child Welfare Agency in Clarion. Late one night in 1976 while returning from an emergency case, she was struck and killed by a drunk driver. Dr. Franklin Takei, professor of philosophy, at the time, along with 40 donors established this award in her memory.
Dr. Deb WGS Scholarship
This is a new scholarship established by Dr. Deborah Burghardt in honor of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Women and Gender Studies Program at Clarion University. The intention of this scholarship is to support students in their pursuit of feminist ideal through scholarship, personal development, and service. WGS anticipates giving out two awards of $740.00 each for the spring 2020 grant cycle.