Graduate Scholarships
2012-2013 Academic Year
 



The College of Graduate Studies welcomes and encourages all eligible matriculated graduate students to apply for scholarships. Applications are posted on the website in September. Please send your completed application to:

College of Graduate Studies
Bridgewater State University
Maxwell Library, Room 021
10 Shaw Road
Bridgewater, MA 02325

Finalists for each scholarship are selected by committee members based on criteria determined by the donor of the scholarship and/or the University Advancement division. The dean of the College of Graduate Studies then reviews and selects the recipient(s) based on the recommendations of each scholarship committee. The Walsh Scholarship recipient is determined directly by the scholarship committee.

Student awardees will be notified by mail in April and will also receive official invitations to attend the Honors Week Graduate Scholarship Award Ceremony. Scholarship recipients are encouraged to attend this event, where all graduate scholarships will be awarded. Students who are not selected are also notified by the committee.
 

 

The Dr. Mary Lou Thornburg Graduate Student Professional Development Scholarship Fund deadline is December 31, 2012.


The Dr. Mary Lou Thornburg Graduate Student Professional Development Scholarship Fund was established in 2006. This scholarship is awarded to defray research and/or conference travel expenses for students in the Athletic Training, Health Promotion, or Physical Education degree programs.
        Criteria:

  • Matriculated Bridgewater State University graduate student.

  • Enrolled in at least three credits per semester over the last three consecutive semesters.

  • Completed at least 15 credits toward a Master's degree program.

  • Making satisfactory progress toward a Master's degree in Athletic Training, Health Promotion, or Physical Education.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript or degree audit documenting graduate course work.

  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty members who have knowledge of your proposed project/research.

  • A summary/abstract of your project, how this project fits in to your graduate program concentration, and how it will enhance your personal and professional goals.

  • A brief description of how the funds will be used.

        Application             Amount of Award: $1,100
        Recipient: Helena Russell
 


Applications below are due to the College of Graduate Studies Room 021 in the Maxwell Library by February 22, 2013.


The Dr. Marilyn White Barry, '58, Graduate Award for Academic Excellence was established in 2007 in honor of Dr. Marilyn White Barry, former dean of the Graduate College at Bridgewater State University. This award is given to a Bridgewater State University alumnus who has achieved high academic standing and is enrolled in a graduate program at the University. This is a one-time per student award and is not renewable.

        Criteria:

  • Accepted into a Bridgewater State University graduate degree program.

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 as an undergraduate student at Bridgewater State University.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript(s) documenting undergraduate and graduate coursework.

  • Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic sources.

    Supporting statement: (minimum 150-word statement)
        o     As an alumna/us, what drew you back to Bridgewater State University to pursue your graduate education?
        o     What are your academic strengths?
        o     What are your career objectives and how will this master's degree program help you achieve these goals?

        Application             Amount of Award: $5,000
        Recipient: Nicole Fitzpatrick
 


The Bridgewater Alumni Association (BAA) Graduate Scholarship Fund was established by the BSU Alumni Association to benefit Bridgewater State University alum who have been accepted into a master's degree program at the University.
        Criteria:

  • Enrolled in a minimum of six graduate credits in each of the fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters.

  • Minimum GPA of 3.2 as an undergraduate.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript(s) documenting undergraduate and graduate coursework.

  • Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic sources.

  • Demonstrated financial need.

  • Supporting statement: (minimum 150-word statement)
        o     Summarize your educational and professional background and how it applies to your current program at BSU.
        o     What are your educational goals and objectives (purpose)?
        o     What distinguishes you from others in your program?
        o     Describe your leadership roles in the community and college life.
        o     Given your financial need, to what extent will this award finance your graduate education at BSU?

        Application             Amount of Award: $4,700
        Recipients: Elizabeth Caliri, Melissa Ellard, Courtney Fuller, Christine Sweeney, Ian Tolland
 


The Class of 1955 Graduate Scholarship Fund was formed to benefit Bridgewater State University alumni who have been accepted into a Master of Education (MEd) graduate program at the University.
        Criteria:

  • Alumni of Bridgewater State University undergraduate program.

  • Full-time and making satisfactory progress toward a Master of Education (MEd) degree.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript(s) documenting undergraduate and graduate coursework.

  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty members who have knowledge of applicant’s academic achievement.

  • Demonstrated financial need.

  • Supporting statement: (minimum 150-word statement)
        o     Summarize your educational and professional background and how it applies to your current academic program at BSU.
        o     How have you distinguished yourself as an educator?
        o     Given your financial need, to what extent will this award finance your graduate education at BSU?

        Application             Amount of Award: $2,700
        Recipients: Megan Ciesluk, Jennifer Souza, Kristy VanKleef
 


The Damon Fund for Graduate Counselor Education was established in 2009. This scholarship will benefit a graduate student who is matriculated and working successfully toward a degree in the area of Counselor Education, i.e., School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling (school based) or Student Affairs Counseling. Preference will be given to a student who demonstrates financial need.
        Criteria:

  • Matriculated Bridgewater State University graduate student.

  • Making satisfactory progress toward a Master's degree in Counselor Education.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript or degree audit documenting graduate coursework.

  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty members who have knowledge of applicant's field experience or work toward degree.

  • Demonstrated financial need.

  • Supporting statement: (minimum 150-word statement)
        o     Summarize your educational and professional background and how it applies to your current academic program at BSU.
        o     How have you distinguished yourself in your field of study?
        o     Given your financial need, to what extent will this award finance your graduate education at BSU?

        Application             Amount of Award: $900
        Recipient: Janine Bradley
 


The Eleise B. Doran Scholarship Fund was established to benefit the education of a deserving and qualified bachelor's degree graduate of Bridgewater State University who is pursuing a Master's Degree in Education (MEd).
        Criteria:

  • Alumni of a BSU undergraduate program.

  • Making satisfactory progress toward a Master of Education (MEd) degree.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript(s) documenting undergraduate and graduate course work.

  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty members who have knowledge of the applicant’s academic achievement.

  • Supporting statement: (minimum 150-word statement)
        o     Describe your academic program at Bridgewater State University. How have you distinguished yourself academically?
        o     In what college and community activities have you been involved?
        o     What are your educational and career goals?
        o     Why have you selected a career in education?

        Application             Amount of Award: $3,400
        Recipient: Stephanie Iacadoro Molloy
 


The Elsie Golush Frank Fund for Social Work was established by the Frank family in 2006 to benefit a Bridgewater State University graduate student enrolled in the Master of Social Work program.
        Criteria:

  • Matriculated in Master of Social Work program.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript(s) documenting undergraduate and graduate course work.

  • Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic sources.

  • Demonstrated financial need.

  • Supporting statement: (minimum 150-word statement)
        o     Summarize your educational and professional background and how it applies to your decision to pursue an MSW at Bridgewater State University.
        o     What are your educational goals and objectives?
        o     How have you distinguished yourself as a student?
        o     Given your financial need, to what extent will this award finance your graduate education at Bridgewater State University?

        Application             Amount of Award: $500
        Recipient: Corday Silva
 


The Peter J. Mazzaferro Graduate Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 to honor and recognize Peter J. Mazzaferro, associate professor emeritus of education and head football coach at Bridgewater State University for 36 years. This scholarship will benefit a Bridgewater State University alumnus who played football for two - four years at Bridgewater State University and have no remaining athletic eligibility.
        Criteria:

  • Alumni of an undergraduate program at Bridgewater State University.

  • Evidence of playing football for two - four years while an undergraduate at BSU.

  • Have no remaining athletic eligibility.

  • Matriculated into a master's degree program at BSU.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript(s) documenting undergraduate and graduate course work.

  • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member who has knowledge of your academic achievement.

  • Supporting statement: (minimum 150-word statement)
        o     Summarize your educational and professional background and how it applies to your current program at Bridgewater State University.
        o     How have you distinguished yourself as a student?
        o     How has your experience as a student-athlete affected your choice of graduate study?

        Application             Amount of Award: $700
        Recipient: Michael Pimental
 


The Dr. Thomas Walsh '90, G'93 and Joan Glinski Walsh '64 Graduate Scholarship was established in 2010. This scholarship will benefit a Bridgewater State University student who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in the Masters level program in English at Bridgewater State University in high academic standing.
        Criteria:

  • Enrolled or accepted for enrollment in the Master's level program in English at BSU.

  • Achieved high academic standing with a GPA of 3.2 or above in previous coursework.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript (s) documenting undergraduate and graduate course work.

  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty members who have knowledge of the applicant’s academic achievement.

  • Supporting statement: (minimum 150-word statement)
        o     Summarize your educational and professional background and how it applies to your current academic program at Bridgewater State University.
        o     How have you distinguished yourself as an educator?
        o     Given your financial need, to what extent will this award finance your graduate education at Bridgewater State University?

        Application             Amount of Award: $2,100
        Recipient: Lauren Hanson Ells
 


The Paul Wright Scholarship Fund for Graduate Education was established in December of 2003 to honor and recognize Paul Wright, former associate dean of Graduate and Continuing Education. This scholarship benefits a graduate student who has been accepted into a master's degree program at Bridgewater State University.
        Criteria:

  • Minimum GPA of 3.8 in graduate course work.

  • Completion of at least six graduate credits.

  • Résumé.

  • Official sealed copies of transcript(s) documenting graduate course work.

  • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member who has knowledge of the applicant’s academic achievement.

  • Commitment to graduate studies and academic excellence.

  • Demonstrated leadership roles in the community and college life.

  • Supporting statement: (minimum 150-word statement)
        o     Describe in detail your plans for graduate study.
        o     Describe your academic program and how you have distinguished yourself from others.
        o     In what college and community activities have you been involved? Describe any leadership roles you have taken in the college and community.

        Application             Amount of Award: $800
        Recipient: Chidiebere Ogbuagu

 

 

The Guy Clifford Scholarship was established by Guy Clifford, a retired BSU Political Science professor and Bridgewater resident. This scholarship is awarded by the Political Science faculty annually to a deserving student currently enrolled or admitted to the Bridgewater State University Master of Public Administration Program. Applicants will be selected on their scholastic achievement and commitment to public service. Please contact Sharon Hines at 508 531-1387 for more information.
 


The Founders Award is a research award presented annually to a graduate student by the Women's and Gender Studies program. The research can include essays, short stories or poetry drawn from work either previously written or newly crafted. Submissions should reflect on gender in its broadest sense: roles and statuses of men and women, sexuality, and the intersections of gender, race and class. Submissions should be accompanied by an explanatory letter detailing the contribution of the submission toward understanding and reflecting on gender, and why the project merits the award. All submissions must be sent to Dr. Sarah Wiggins, coordinator of the Women's and Gender Studies program, Tillinghast Hall, room 219.
 


The Louis Carmel Stearns Scholarship Award is presented annually in memory of Louis Carmel Stearns by his daughter, Mrs. Miriam Stearns Houghton. Professor Stearns, curator of the University gardens and greenhouse beside what is now the Conant Science Building, introduced the course, Gardening I, into the Normal School curriculum around 1908. This was the first biology course on what is now the BSU campus. Graduate students may apply for this award after they have completed two 500-level courses from the biology core. The awarding of the scholarship will be based upon overall academic excellence; demonstrated interest, effort and perseverance in the field of biology; and financial need. Applications are confidential and will be seen only by the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences. Questions concerning the scholarship may be directed to the chairperson of the department. The application for this scholarship can be found here. Applications and an unofficial copy of your transcript should be sent to the Department of Biological Sciences, Conant Science building, room 226.

 


 

Please note: Post-Baccalaureate students are not eligible for the TEACH Grant at Bridgewater State University. The Teacher Education Assistance for University and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is awarded to a student who is completing, or who intends to complete, coursework that is necessary to begin a career in teaching, and who agrees to serve for at least four years as a full-time, highly qualified teacher in a high-need subject area at a low-income school area (please refer to the TEACH Fact Sheet at https://teach-ats.ed.gov/ats/index.action). Graduate TEACH Grants are for a maximum of $8,000 per student for a master's degree. If the student does not complete the required four years of teaching within eight years after completing the course of study for which the TEACH Grant was received, or otherwise does not meet the eligibility requirements of the TEACH Grant Program, the full amount of the TEACH Grant that the student received will be converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that the student must repay to the U.S. Department of Education with interest accrued from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement. For more information, or to apply for the TEACH grant, visit the TEACH grant website at https://teach-ats.ed.gov/ats/index.action.

 

 

Other Financial Opportunities:
 

Bridgewater State University also offers graduate assistantships, graduate research assistantships, and graduate writing fellowships to students accepted into a graduate program. For more information on these assistantship opportunities, visit www.bridgew.edu/cogs, call 508-531-1100, or e-mail Graduatestudies@bridgew.edu.

 

Last Modified: May 1, 2013