Gifts That Keep on Giving

As a state institution, USAO participates in the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) matching endowment program. 

The program consists of three levels of endowment:

1. $250,000 – A permanently restricted endowment gift of $250,000 will be matched, if the donor wishes, by OSRHE with an additional $250,000 to create an Endowed Chair, the interest earnings of which can supplement the salary of a distinguished division chair.

2. $125,000 – A permanently restricted endowment gift of $125,000 will be matched, it the donor wishes, by OSRHE with an additional $125,000. The $250,000 corpus then becomes an Endowed Professorship, the interest of which can be used to supplement the salary of a distinguished professor.

3. $25,000 – A permanently restricted endowment gift of $25,000 will be matched, if the donor wishes, by OSRHE with an additional $25,000 to create an Endowed Lectureship. The resulting interest earned from the $50,000 corpus can be used to bring distinguished lecturers to the USAO college campus.

The scholarship funds have been categorized by Division: Arts & Humanities; Business and Social Services; Education and Speech Language Pathology; Sciences and Physical Education; General (no specific major) and Non Scholarship Endowments and Temporarily Restricted Funds. 

Traditionally Foundation Scholarships are awarded to continuing USAO students since other funding is available for students new to USAO.

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General Scholarship Funds

GINA BENZEL ABLESON

Gina Marie Benzel Ableson graduated from USAO in 1980, but lost her life in a traffic accident in 1983 while pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin. This memorial scholarship fund was established in 1984 by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Benzel, along with matching funds from Alco. Preserving her memory and offering doors of opportunity for many more students, Mrs. Benzel gave another gift in 1997 to enhance the endowment and provide further funding for scholarships. No restrictions apply, such as need or specific chosen field, so applications are accepted from students in any major. Recipients are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

AMBRISTER ESTATE   

This scholarship was established with a bequest by Mrs. Myrtle C. Ambrister. The endowed scholarship guidelines suggest that the scholarships be awarded to worthy and deserving students in the amount of $200 per year.

MARTIN AND DOROTHY BEDNAR SCHOLARSHIP

This endowed scholarship fund was established by Mrs. Dorothy Bednar, a 1932 graduate of OCW. Selections are made by USAO Scholarship Committee.

MYRTLE AND VIRGIL BIBLE SCHOLARSHIP

Career educator Mrs. Myrtle Bible established this endowed scholarship to provide assistance to a graduate of Cyril High School each year.  Mrs. Bible was a 1935 graduate of the Oklahoma College for Women and a longtime teacher at the secondary level in Cement and Cyril High Schools.  A $500-per-year award to a graduate of Cement or Cyril High Schools is be provided by earnings from the original gift.  Students should have a 3.0 GPA.  The scholarship can be continued for two years if grade point average is maintained.  Selections are made by high school faculty, and if no senior is interested, a USAO student from that area can be selected.

MARTHA HAMBLETON COMPTON MEMORIAL FUND

Martha's husband Martin, along with friends and family, initiated this fund in memory of Martha Hambleton Compton, OCW '45. Valedictorian of her high school class in Fittstown, Oklahoma, Martha graduated from OCW with a B.S. degree in Home Economics and went on to distinguish herself as a First Lieutenant with the Women's Medical Specialist Corps from 1946 through 1950.  She was an active volunteer her entire adult life, most notably with the OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in the dietary department.  The fund distributes cash stipends based on need and is open to any full time student with a GPA of 2.5 or better.

THE DOROTHY CUSICK SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This scholarship was established with a bequest by Mrs. Dorothy Cusick. The selections are to be made by the USAO Scholarship Committee using standard scholarship guidelines.

GARLAND AND SHIRLEY DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP         

Mr. Garland Davis, a local businessman, established this endowed fund in December 1994 to benefit USAO students, with preference given, though not restricted, to physically handicapped persons. Preference also is given to students demonstrating need not satisfied through other grant/scholarship programs. Selection is made by the Financial Aid office and Scholarship Committee. GPA of 3.0 from high school or 3.25 GPA transfer from an accredited college is required. The award may be renewed for four years as long as the student maintains the GPA and stays at USAO continuously until graduation. The minimum award is $250 per trimester.

THE ALVENA ADAMS AND JANE ADAMS GAPENSKI SCHOLARSHIP
In 2005, Jane and her husband Lou initiated the Alvena Adams and Jane Adams Gapenski Scholarship Fund to honor Jane’s mother Alvena Adams, OCW – ’35. Jane, who also graduated from OCW in 1963, remembers her mother speaking often of cherished times at OCW. The scholarship, renewable for up to three years and is open to full-time, USAO sophomores, juniors and seniors regardless of major with a GPA of at least 3.0.  

BETTY BAKER JERNIGAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Well-known Chickasha business woman Betty Baker Jernigan initiated this endowed scholarship fund in 2004 to provide a full, two-semester academic scholarship to a full-time student making satisfactory academic progress and of "good moral standing".  Every applicant must write and submit before February 15th an original 300 - 500 word essay entitled "How is America Doing - Politically, Socially, Economically?".  Winning essays will be judged by members of the USAO faculty and the Financial Aid Office for "proficiency of written expression, dedication to a commitment of citizenship and service, and clarity of thematic development".  This scholarship is open to all majors.

THE FLORENCE B. AND WILLIAM R. JURTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Mr. William R. Jurth established this scholarship fund to honor his wife, Florence B. Jurth, a 1925 graduate of OCW. Earnings provide scholarships for students who exhibit outstanding achievement and academic ability. Recipients are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

GLEN JUSTICE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Funds for this endowed scholarship have been provided by family and friends, along with fundraising efforts through the Annual Glen Justice Memorial Golf Tournament.  Glen Justice was Vice President for Fiscal Affairs of USAO and Executive Director of the USAO Foundation at the time of his death in 1996. He was an untiring promoter of the College and a community leader. Recipients of the scholarships are selected by the USAO Scholarship Committee using the PLC scholarship guidelines. Consideration is given to students from all majors.

ELDA A. MANIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Created through a 2005 bequest, the Elda A. Manis Scholarship Fund is open to all students making satisfactory academic progress.  Mrs. Manis was a 1934 graduate of the Oklahoma College for Women and majored in Music Education. She was a long-time employee of OG&E Electric Services in Oklahoma City and her modest life-style allowed her to provide a lasting legacy to USAO.  The permanently endowed fund provides scholarships from interest earnings and is open to all majors.

J. W. & GRACE MUCKLE KAYSER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This scholarship award was established by Mrs. Helen Gilbert in December 1996 in honor of her parents and was later enhanced by a bequest from her estate. J.W. Kayser was publisher of the Chickasha Star, and was influential in state politics. He was a fierce advocate of the liberal arts. Helen (Kayser) Gilbert grew up working with both her parents at the local newspaper. A $500 per year scholarship from earnings of the endowment is available to students from any major.

THE GLADYS P. KLINE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This scholarship was established with a bequest by Gladys Phillips Kline, 1936, for Oklahoma high school graduates and is distributed on a four year basis, in equal shares, to four individuals. Selections are made by the USAO Scholarship Committee using standard scholarship guidelines.

ELISE MACCLANAHAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

A long-time member of the music faculty at OCW, Miss Elise MacClanahan provided funds in a bequest from her estate. Miss MacClanahan was head of the voice department of the Oklahoma College for Women until her retirement in 1960. Endowment interest provides annual scholarships.

OAKES SCHOLARSHIP

For many students whose potential exceeds their finances, a special scholarship pays tribute to their academic ambition. Established by a gift of stock from Robert H. and Bertha (Oakes) Barker, the fund provides scholarships to needy and worthy students. The stocks have split and dividend earnings provide scholarships to a number of students selected by the Scholarship Committee.

MERILYN PIERCE SCHOLARSHIP

The Pierce family established this scholarship upon the death of Merilyn Pierce, an alumna of Tuttle High School and USAO. She graduated with an Elementary Education degree in 1982 and a Special Education Degree in 1983. She was teaching Special Education at Tuttle High School at the time of her death. The scholarship is to benefit a graduate of Tuttle High School who attends USAO. The recipient is chosen by the Tuttle Scholarship Committee.

DAN PROCTER SCHOLARSHIP

Provided by the friends of Dr. Dan Proctor, who served as President of OCW from 1943-58, this memorial scholarship fund now benefits a new generation in the campus family. Deserving students are chosen from various fields by the University Scholarship Committee.

MARY RODDY SCHOLARSHIP

A bequest by Mary Roddy, a former Regent of USAO, created this scholarship. The award is not restricted to specific criteria such as need or major field, so application may be made by any full time student. Selection is made by the USAO Scholarship Committee.

NADINE RODGERS VINCENT SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Nadine Rodgers Vincent, this trust preserves the memory of her sister Aubrey Jane Batson. Funding is provided by oil well royalty earnings, as well as bequests from both the Batson and Vincent estates upon their deaths in 1999 and 2000.  Scholarships are awarded for scholastic achievement and can be continuing, provided the student is enrolled full time and maintains the same academic grade point average as used for the PLC scholarships. Awards are to be $250-300 per semester.                                   

THE DOROTHY GILKEY WILCOX FUND

Established by a gift from the Dorothy Gilkey Wilcox Trust, this fund provides scholarships to deserving students from any major, using standard guidelines.  Selections are made by the USAO Scholarship Committee.

Arts & Humanities Scholarships

VIRGINIA ANDERSON SCHOLARSHIP

A music scholarship has been established in memory of Virginia Anderson, Professor Emeritus of Vocal Music, by Homer and Johnanna McLaughlin. The fund was enhanced by a matching gift from the Halliburton Foundation. Interest proceeds are awarded to music students who meet standard scholarship guidelines.

SARA JANE LEDBETTER BARTZEN SCHOLARSHIP

Family and friends of Sara Jane Ledbetter Bartzen, an alumna of the Oklahoma College for Women, established this scholarship to honor her memory. Guidelines suggest a female Drama or Communication major with a GPA of 3.0 to be selected by the Scholarship Committee using PLC criteria. The student is to be from Oklahoma, preferably from a small town.

FREEMAN & MARGARET BEETS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Established by Dr. Freeman Beets, who served as president of the Oklahoma College for Women from 1958-60, this scholarship honors the memory of his late wife, Margaret Beets. Income from the endowment is to be used for scholarships, preferably for music students exhibiting some need. Recipients of the scholarships are selected by the Scholarship Committee, following the usual scholarship guidelines. 

EUGENIA WILKES BURNETT SCHOLARSHIP  

Her love for music became the impetus that created the Eugenia Wilkes Burnett Scholarship in 1983. The endowment provides scholarships exclusively for piano students exhibiting both talent and financial need, selected only by audition.

PEGGY CRUTCHFIELD MEMORIAL ART SCHOLARSHIP FUND

To honor Chickasha artist Peggy Crutchfield, son Casey Crutchfield, family and friends established this memorial endowment in 2005 to pay tribute to Peggy's appreciation of fine art.  Preference will be given to art majors who maintain a 2.5 or better GPA.  The assessment of scholarship recipients will be based primarily on artistic talent and secondarily on financial need as determined by faculty of the USAO Art Department.

FRANCES DINSMORE DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP

Known as a disciplined performer, educator and gifted artist, Frances Dinsmore Davis served for many years as dean of fine arts at OCW, shaping young performers for successful careers in theatre and music. This endowment was started in 1981 with gifts from former music faculty member Louise Waldorf and others. Annual awards are made from interest proceeds to students in fine arts who meet standard scholarship guidelines.

FRANCES D. DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN DRAMA

Dorothy (Hill) Kerbow ’49 and Dr. Jay Kerbow established this fund in 2003 to honor Frances Davis and acknowledge the benefits of studying drama for all career goals. The Scholarship is merit based requiring a GPA of at least 3.0 for a freshman majoring in drama. Secondary preference will be given to a senior majoring in drama with a GPA of at least 3.0

POLLY KEIM SCHOLARSHIP

Established by George Keim to honor his mother, Polly Keim, this scholarship is awarded to an art major, with preference given to students who demonstrate need. Mrs. Keim was a long time rural resident of the Chickasha area who had a keen interest in youth activities and a great pride in her community. This scholarship is a memorial to her zest for life and love of beauty.

STUART MELTZER ENGLISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Long-time OCLA and USAO professor of English and foreign languages, Stuart Meltzer was urged by fellow professors and friends to establish this scholarship for English Majors or Foreign Language Majors.  Scholarships will be given to senior English majors with GPAs of at least 3.0. Secondary preference will be given to senior foreign language majors using similar academic criteria.

NLAPW – National League of American Pen Women Creativity Award, Norman Chapter

The NLAPW is a national organization established in 1896 primarily for professional women. This award from the Norman Oklahoma chapter was established as a permanent endowment. Awards from this fund are rotated annually between the areas of literature, art and music. Selection is based on evidence of work already completed. The award goes to a graduating senior at the beginning of the senior year.

ELIAS & ILA NOVIKOW SCHOLARSHIP

Bequests from Mrs. Ila Novikow, a graduate of OCW, included a house in Guthrie and a farm near Crescent, along with the mineral rights. The result is an endowed scholarship fund that benefits music students. Scholarships are awarded by the USAO Scholarship Committee.

VIRGINIA SEVIER ART SCHOLARSHIP FUND

To celebrate  her 90th birthday, family and friends of Virginia Sevier established in 2005 this Scholarship Fund for deserving art students.  Virginia Sevier, an invaluable 25-year volunteer for the Art Department at USAO, is perhaps best remembered for her help in jewelry making and in cooking meals during faculty and student field trips.  The award is open to full-time sophomore, junior, or senior students who work in mulitple forms of art.  Recipients must maintain a GPS of at least 2.5.  Assessment will be based primarily on artistic talent and secondarily on financial need as determined by faculty of the Art Department and the Financial Aid Office.

DAVID SMATHERS MEMORIAL ART SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Initiated in memory of USAO art student David Smathers, this scholarship is for art students who "express a desire to make artwork his/her livelihood".  Recipients must have a GPA of at least 2.5.  Preference is given to a graduate of an Oklahoma high school whose parent(s) are employed in civil service of the U.S. military.  Selections will be made by members of the Art Department and the Financial Aid Office.

DERALD SWINEFORD ART SCHOLARSHIP

The legacy of artist and educator Derald Swineford is preserved by the endowment which bears his name. As chairman of the Art Department for 30 years, Professor Swineford influenced the lives of students at the OCW, OCLA, and USAO. The scholarship is offered to deserving junior or senior full-time students majoring in art. Selection is made by the University Scholarship Committee in cooperation with the art department faculty. Applicants must have demonstrated exceptional talent in the area of art, hold a minimum of 3.0 GPA and demonstrate leadership or community service. The endowment is provided by members of the Swineford family and memorial contributions to honor the esteemed educator.

TEATA SCHOLARSHIP

One of the most honored names in Oklahoma history is that of Teata Fisher, a 1919 graduate of OCW who devoted herself in later years to promote her alma mater. Established in 1980, the endowment honors the memory of this nationally known storyteller, a person so gifted and rare that state officials created an award with her in mind and dubbed her the first “Oklahoma Treasure." Her life story is the subject of documentaries and books. Scholarships from this endowment go to Native American students majoring in fine arts with selections to be made using standard scholarship guidelines.

THE PAT AND NORM MURDOCK MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND

1957 OCW graduate Patricia Murdock and her husband Norman (whom she met while studying at OCW) initiated this scholarship fund in 2006 with assets from appreciated stock.  The permanently endowed fund will provide music scholarships to deserving USAO students. Commenting on her years as an OCW student, Pat writes "My friends from my time at OCW are the greatest friends in the world and we all still keep in touch with each other, which is remarkable after all these years!  I hope today's students are still making great friends and enjoying the school and learning as much as I did."

THE ROBERT GLENN RAPP FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND FOR MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

In 2005, the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation of Oklahoma City provided a $50,000 pledge to establish The Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation Endowment Fund for Music Scholarships. The fund provides scholarships to music students and can be renewed for up to three years so long as the recipient continues as a full-time student and makes satisfactory academic progress.  Criteria for selection are based on academic performance and qualified enrollment in some aspect of the music program.

USAO STAFF ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In 2003, the USAO Staff Association established this fund to provide scholarships with preference given to current USAO personnel and their immediate family members. Awards will be based on financial need. At least one current member of the USAO Staff Association will participate in the selection committee’s decision.

LOUISE WALDORF SCHOLARSHIP

Memorial gifts from friends and a bequest from the estate of Miss Louise Waldorf (1909-2000) have funded this scholarship. A member of the University music faculty from 1932-1973, Miss Waldorf also served as Chair of the Department of Music. She served her students and the college with a grace and dignity, an adventurous spirit, and a vibrant love-for-learning that characterizes only the very best members of the teaching profession. She served under eight different presidents of the college and played the violin professionally in a dozen orchestras in America and abroad. In Oklahoma, she played for 28 years with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra in Oklahoma City, and several years with the Lawton Philharmonic. She taught music privately for most of 70 years. She played professionally well into her 80s. This scholarship allows her legacy to continue by helping music students pursue their dreams.

ESTHER WILLIAMS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Friends and family have provided funds to remember the legacy of Esther Phillips Williams, best remembered as the composer of the "College Hymn," still sung at commencement ceremonies and other observances. A 1927 graduate, Esther Phillips also wrote the words for the college pep song, "Cheer OCW."  After OCW, she studied at the University of Oklahoma. She served many years as director of the Episcopal Church choir and church organist. She was a collaborator with soloists on compositions and musical arrangements for poems. She was named "Woman of the Year" by the Episcopal Guild.  Awards from this fund benefit academically worthy and financially deserving students majoring in music with a GPA of 2.8 or better.

MARTHA WOLTZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Established by family members and memorial contributions from friends, this scholarship is a memorial to honor Martha Woltz, former Director of Nash Library.  Mrs. Woltz was a great supporter of the University and an untiring servant to students.  Guidelines indicate the award should go to a young woman, perhaps a single parent, who shows initiative and academic abilities in Liberal Arts studies or an English major who is a full time student. The award can be renewed for four years if a GPA of 3.0 is maintained. Selection is made by Scholarship Committee.

Business & Social Sciences Scholarships

LELA FAYE ALLEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The legacy of former career educator Lela Faye Allen is preserved by this endowment, a tribute to the former Verden High School teacher. Income from the invested principal is used for scholarships to help a first year student who is a graduate of Verden High School attending USAO. The recipient is to be a student with special interests in business. 

MILDRED JOHNSON KYLE SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established by Mildred Johnson Kyle to honor three of the nine children of Jefferson Davis Johnson and Mittie Unis Lee Johnson who graduated from Oklahoma College for Women: Thelma Johnson Schauer, 1927; Mildred Johnson Kyle, 1930; and Dorothy Agnes Johnson, 1933. Applicants must be full time students demonstrating financial need, with a 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to a math major. Selection to be made by scholarship committee. 

DR. ANNA LEWIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN HISTORY
Dr. Anna Lewis, of Choctaw decent, taught history at the Oklahoma College for Women from 1917 - 1956.  Throughout her distinguished career, she educated thousands of students, authored two books, numerous articles, and collected photographs and rare documents, many of which are now in the University Archives.  Established in 2003 through the estate of OCW graduate Patricia Lee Stallcup '52, this fund provides scholarships to academically worthy and financially deserving junior history majors with a GPA of 3.0 or better.  Award decisions are shared by the History Department and the Financial Aid Office.

NATIVE AMERICAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Professor Lee Hester established this fund in 2001"to provide scholarships and cultural enrichment for Native American students".  Criteria for scholarship awards are academically based and preference is given to Native American students and Native American students who are American Indian Studies majors.