Scholarships

Thanks to our generous donors and friends, we’re able to offer a wide array of scholarship opportunities for incoming and current students in our department. These scholarships and information about the application process are listed below.

To apply for the incoming freshman and undergraduate scholarships, complete the online scholarship application before the deadlines listed.

Scholarship for Incoming Freshmen

Leland & Margaret Harvin Wilson Scholarship

Awarded to a chemistry or biochemistry major with strong affinity for the major. Financial need is considered as part of the criteria for the award. Award is renewable annually if scholar maintains satisfactory progress toward a chemistry or biochemistry degree.

James W. Kercheval Scholarship

Awarded to highly qualified entering freshmen with a serious interest in pursuing a major and career in chemistry or biochemistry.

Scholarships for Upperclassmen

McGrew Faculty Scholarship

Awarded to qualified undergraduate students by the department faculty

Wanda & Carl Wehner Chemistry Teaching Scholars

Annual award to sophomore, junior, or senior major in chemistry-teaching who shows outstanding promise as a prospective teacher. Overall and department GPA = 3.0 or above and must have completed one semester of a chemistry organic course appropriate for their degree at the time of application. Preference to students who intend to teach in Iowa for two years following graduation. Financial need is a consideration as well.

Robert W. Getchell Memorial Scholarship

Given to undergraduate majors in chemistry or biochemistry. Scholar should be research active and provide contributions to the department such as serving as a lab assistant and being active in the student chapter of the ACS. Preference to juniors and seniors with a new person receiving the award each year.

Alan and Barbara Hubbard Math, Chemistry and Physics Education Scholarship

This scholarship provides support for sophomore, junior or senior students majoring in math education, physics education or chemistry education with a minimum GPA of 3.2, and students in the Masters of Math Education program. Preference shall be given to a student from the Tracy Area High School in Tracy, Minnesota. The scholarship may be renewed provided the students maintains the criteria mentioned.

John W. Gurney Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors John Gurney, an alum who had a successful career in pharmaceutical sales. It is awarded to a junior or senior chemistry or biochemistry major who plans to go into the pharmaceutical industry. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and be from the State of Iowa.

Dr. John J. Talley Chemistry Scholarship

The Talley Scholarship provides funding for 2-3 students per year. Students are sophomore level or above with at least a 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to B.S. chemistry or biochemistry majors, particularly if they are involved in research.

Dr. Dale and Janet Hawley Endowed Chemistry Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior student with a GPA of 3.0; with no grades below a "B" in all math and science classes.

Dr. James and Jane Patten Chemistry Premed Scholarship

The Patten Scholarship is given to a student who has personal attributes needed to pursue a MD or DO degree and has a record of academic success consistent with that goal. Must be active in the department outside of academic classes, such as but not limited to, participation in the ACS Club. It is awarded to a junior, senior or exceptional sophomore student.

Louis Begeman Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is shared with the Department of Physics. It is given to two outstanding students of junior standing for use in their senior year. Preference is given to students intending to go on for graduate study.

Alfred E. & Miriam J. Heilmann Endowed Chemistry Scholarship

This scholarship is given to a junior or senior student earning a B.S. degree in chemistry or biochemistry and showing an aptitude and motivation for a career in chemistry or biochemistry. It is renewable provided the recipient meets all award criteria.

Virginia Weimar Endowed Chemistry and Biochemistry Scholarship

This scholarship is given to an outstanding student earning a B.S. degree in chemistry or biochemistry who is in the second or third year of their program. Minimum GPA of 3.2 is required.

Dr. Paul and Carole Rider Endowed Scholarship

Supports a junior or senior student pursuing a BS in Chemistry or Biochemistry with a minimum of a 3.3 GPA and preference for those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry.

Horizons Endowed Scholarship

Created by Doug and Susan Pearson, recognizes students who incorporate into their academic program an experience that will take them a bit out of their comfort zone and advance their personal horizons.

Other Awards Given by the Department

ACS Award in Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry Scholarship and Service Award
ICUC Award for Excellence to a student in General Chemistry
Hypercube Scholar
Outstanding Biochemistry Student
Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Student
Outstanding Inorganic Chemistry Student
Outstanding Physical Chemistry Student
Russell Wiley Award for Outstanding Freshman Major

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