Five science-related scholarships formed at Emporia State
The sciences are flourishing at Emporia State University. In recent months, five new scholarships have been established by alumni and friends to benefit science students. The web of support equals a formula for success.
“These scholarships are significant incentives because of documented shortages nationally in the scientific and teaching fields,” said DeWayne Backhus, chairman of the departments of physical sciences. “In addition, the availability of scholarships and financial aid in general has not kept pace with the increasing costs. These additional dollars are significant to provide access to higher education for those with the talent and interest in the sciences.”
For the 2006-07 school year, about $1.8 million in scholarships were awarded. The five new scholarships come as part of Building Blocks for Success, ESU’s campaign for student scholarships, as alumni and friends partner with the university to aid tomorrow’s leaders. As Backhus said, scholarships allow talented students to pour themselves into their classroom and lab work. Upon graduation, they are more likely to distinguish themselves in their careers.
The Dr. Robert and Louise Boles Scholarship
The long-time affinity of Dr. Robert and Louise Boles for Emporia State has resulted in a scholarship that will serve students majoring in biology or studying in the School of Library and Information Management.
Dr. Boles taught biology at ESU from 1960 to 1980. He served as editor of The Kansas School Naturalist and later earned the University Service Citation award. Louise Boles, after earning a master’s degree in library science from ESU in 1967, joined the staff at the William Allen White Library on campus and rose to head of technical services.
The Boles’ nephew, Russell Clay Harvey, of Topeka, established the scholarship to honor the Emporia couple, and to commemorate Robert’s 90th birthday and Louise’s 80th birthday.
The Gerald Witten Scholarship Fund
Dr. Mark Witten (BSE 1975) has honored his father, Gerald Witten (BSE 1956, MS 1958), a physical sciences faculty member at Emporia State from 1962 to 1991, by establishing a scholarship for ESU cross country runners.
The Witten name is already well-known at ESU. Gerald’s devotion to running led to a generous donation in 1993 to name the Zola Witten track in Welch Stadium, in honor of his mother. Meanwhile, Mark is developing a drug that is showing promise against radiation exposure, respiratory and immune viruses, and more, at his Arizona-based company.
The scholarship is designed for students majoring in physical science, math or education from the Kansas counties of Grant, Kearney, Finney, Haskell, Seward, Stevens, Morton or Stanton.
The John R. and Lenore S. Zimmerman Scholarship Fund
John Zimmerman, of Commerce, Texas, have established a scholarship for students at Emporia State, named for him and his wife Lenore. As graduates of the university — John in 1942 with a physics degree and Lenore in 1941 with an education degree — the Zimmermans chose to give something back to today’s Emporia State students.
John, honored by ESU as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1980, desired to help students “get back to the basics.” The Zimmerman scholarship is available to students majoring in elementary education with an emphasis in mathematics.
The Mark and Jill Brady Scholarship Fund
Mark and Jill Brady, of Overland Park, established a scholarship for Emporia State students in recognition of their love for the university. Mark, an anesthesiologist, earned his biology degree at ESU in 1985. Today he serves on the ESU Foundation Board of Trustees.
The scholarship is designed to support undergraduates studying chemistry or biology who intend to pursue medical training.
The Chemistry Emeritus Faculty Scholarship
The chemists of tomorrow are benefiting today from the efforts of ESU chemistry alumni and faculty members. A scholarship has been established to honor retired faculty including Charles Greenlief, Ken Johnson and Dave Schroeder, who taught and inspired students for generations.
Greenlief, Johnson and Schroeder not only helped students understand abstract concepts, but mentored and befriended those students. Chemistry majors who meet the Physical Sciences Scholars Award program requirements will be eligible.
Last Updated July 2, 2007>