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Scholarships & Awards

CAS Awards
Department Award Name Eligibility Description
All CAS Vollmer Foundation Scholarship Returning MA/MS/MFA or PhD The Vollmer Foundation Scholarship was established by Ana Luisa Estrada Vollmer de Wallis and the Vollmer Foundation. This scholarship provides support to graduate students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, with preference given to citizens of Venezuela who intend to pursue, or are currently pursuing, full-time graduate studies. The award is for new and returning students, for all degree levels. Selection is made by CAS; no applications process.
Anthropology Harvey C. and Sarah M. Moore Fellowship New and Returning MA The Harvey C. and Sarah M. Moore Fellowship was established through the generosity of the late Harvey and Sarah Moore. Dr. Harvey Moore served as professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology at American University. This fellowship provides support in the form of tuition remission to graduate students studying anthropology. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New and returning MA students are eligible.
Art History Broude and Garrard Prize in Feminist Art History Returning MA An annual prize for an outstanding project by a graduate student in Art History that builds on the legacy of feminist scholarship initiated by Norma Broude and Mary D. Garrard in their groundbreaking anthologies and other work. Eligible papers should address gendered biases and assumptions embedded in existing art-historical discourse, and might focus on artists, movements, and works of art and architecture; cultural institutions and critical discourses; practices of collecting, patronage, and display; the gendering of objects, spaces, and media; the reception of images; or issues of power, agency, gender, and sexuality within visual cultures. An application process exists in the Spring semester. Open to first and second year masters (returning) students. Contact program director for information.
Art History Professional Development Fund Returning MA Limited funding may be available to offset the cost of professional development activities, including conference registration fees, graduate school application fees, incidental costs related to studying abroad or conference attendance, or other research-related activities. An application process exists, on a rolling basis. Open to first and second year masters (returning) students. Contact program director for information.
Art History Carol Ravenal Travel Award Returning MA The Carol Bird Ravenal Art Award was established in 2007 by Dr. Carol Bird Ravenal, professor emerita and former chair of the Department of Art, who taught both art history and studio art at American University. The award may be given to either undergraduate or graduate students. The award is competitive and students must apply with proposals for suitable projects using the funds for summer travel for educational or research purposes. The student must return to AU for either the remainder of the summer or the following semester or year and must file a report on the project with the Department of Art. An application process exists in the Spring semester. Open to first and second year masters (returning) students. Contact program director for information.
Art, Studio Carol Ravenal Travel Award Returning MFA The Carol Bird Ravenal Art Award was established in 2007 by Dr. Carol Bird Ravenal, professor emerita and former chair of the Department of Art, who taught both art history and studio art at American University. The award may be given to either undergraduate or graduate students. The award is competitive and students must apply with proposals for suitable projects using the funds for summer travel for educational or research purposes. The student must return to AU for either the remainder of the summer or the following semester or year and must file a report on the project with the Department of Art. An application process exists in the Spring semester. Open to first and second year masters (returning) students. Contact program director for information.
Art, Studio Catharina Beart Biddle Art Award ReturningMFA The Catharine Baart Biddle Art Award was established by Catharina Baart Biddle (MFA/CAS/1981), a well-known Washington painter and philanthropist to the art community. Awarded annually, this scholarship is intended to provide financial support for undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in the studio art program in the College of Arts and Sciences. Eligible students will demonstrate artistic talent (as determined by the chair of the Art Department) and be recommended by the faculty of the studio art program. The Award is to be used for the purchase of art supplies or other purposes supporting the student's artistic ability while the student is enrolled at the university. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning MFA students are eligible.
Art, Studio Ruth Meixner-Bird Scholarship New MFA The Ruth Meixner-Bird Scholarship was created in 2016 by Ruth Meixner-Bird to support deserving graduate student(s) enrolled in the Studio Art program in CAS's Dept. of Art. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New MFA students are eligible.
Art, Studio JoAnn Crisp-Ellert Graduate Purchase Prize Returning MFA The JoAnn Crisp-Ellert Graduate Purchase Prize was established by the late JoAnn Crisp-Ellert, CAS/MA '62, CAS/PhD '70, a well-known Washington artist and former owner of Gallery 10. This prize is awarded to a graduate painting, printmaking, or sculpture student based on the body of work in his or her master's thesis exhibition. In turn, the prize recipient will donate one work of art from his or her master's thesis exhibition to American University. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning MFA students are eligible.
Art, Studio Van Swearingen Graduate Scholarship New MFA The Van Swearingen Graduate Scholarship was established in 1974 by the estate of Earl Kendall Van Swearingen to support female graduate students pursuing a master's degree in the School of Communication or the College of Arts and Sciences. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New MFA students are eligible.
Chemistry Horace S. Isbell Fellowship New MS Established by the estates of Horace S. and May Davidson Isbell, this scholarship supports graduate students in the Department of Chemistry. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New masters students are eligible.
Chemistry Nina M. Roscher Travel Fund for Women in the Chemical Sciences New MS The Nina M. Roscher Travel Fund for Women in the Chemical Sciences was established in 1996 by Dr. Nina M. Roscher and American University, with monies awarded to Dr. Roscher as recipient of the American Chemical Society's Award for Encouraging Women in the Chemical Sciences. The fund provides support to students interested in the chemical sciences profession, with preference given to female students. New masters students are eligible.
Chemistry Leo Schubert Award New MS The Leo Schubert Award was established through generous contributions of former students and friends of Leo Schubert to be used to support chemistry education. The award is given to the best graduate teaching assistant in chemistry. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New masters students are eligible.
Chemistry Rachel Isbell Shaw Graduate Fellowship New MS Established by the late Horace S. Isbell, the fellowship is awarded to graduate chemistry fellows. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New masters students are eligible.
Economics Barbara Bergmann Graduate Fellowship for Gender Economics Returning PhD The Barbara Bergmann Graduate Fellowship for Gender Economics was established by friends, family, and members of the American University Community in honor of Barbara Bergmann, AU faculty emerita, in the Department of Economics. Barbara R. Bergmann writes on economic and social policy, with recent works on Social Security, child care, poverty, women's place in the economy and the family, and the labor market problems of women and African Americans. The fellowship supports graduate students in the Gender Economics Program. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning doctoral students are eligible.
Economics Professor Jose D. and Ursula Epstein Award Returning MA For a student in the Master of Arts program with the best performance measured by cumulative GPA at the end of the student’s last semester, or similar criteria. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning master's students are eligible.
Economics Simon Naidel Dissertation Fellowship Returning PhD The Simon Naidel Dissertation Fellowship was established by the estate of Simon Naidel, CAS/PhD '51. The fellowship provides support to graduate students majoring in ec onomics who demonstrate financial need (show FASFA). Selection is made by Department; no applications process.
Economics Frank M. Tamagna Educational Fund Returning PhD Established in memory of Frank M. Tamagna, a former professor in the Department of Economics, by his wife, Irene Tamagna, MD, and friends, the Frank M. Tamagna Educational Fund supports both an award and a lecture series. The award supports an outstanding graduate or post-doctoral student who has excelled in the field of International Finance. The lecture series is usually held in the spring semester. Returning doctoral students are eligible.
Economics James H. Weaver Prize for Teaching Excellence Returning PhD Awarded to an outstanding PhD student who is teaching a course or serving as a Teaching Assistant for a course in the Dept. of Economics. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning doctoral students are eligible.
History The Richard and Carol Breitman Endowed Scholarship Returning PhD The Richard and Carol Breitman Endowed Scholarship, in the amount of $5,000, is designed to provide financial support to a graduate student enrolled full-time in the Department of History, who is pursuing his or her doctorate. Preference is to be given to students who have focused on European History. The fellowship may be renewed so long as the student remains in good standing and is enrolled full-time. Students are nominated by their faculty advisor. This prize was made possible through the generosity of Margaret Anthon. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning doctoral students are eligible.
History The Roger Brown Dissertation Fellowship Returning PhD The Roger Brown Dissertation Fellowship, in the amount of $10,000, is to assist advanced doctoral students in completing their dissertations. Students are nominated by their faculty advisor. This prize is made possible through the continuing generosity of Roger Brown. Returning doctoral students are eligible.
History The Patrick Clendenen Dissertation Fellowship in Women's and Gender History Returning PhD The Patrick Clendenen Dissertation Fellowship in Women's and Gender History, in the amount of $15,000 and 2 tuition credits, is awarded every spring to one graduate student for support during the upcoming final dissertation writing year. This fellowship was established generously by Mary E. Graydon, in honor of Patrick A. Clendenen. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning doctoral students are eligible.
History Dorothy and Victor Gondos, Jr. Graduate Research Fellowship Returning Undergrad/MA/PhD This Fellowship provides $3,500 to support research using the collections at the US National Archives. Candidates should submit an application consisting of a 3-page, single-spaced research proposal explaining the research question, describing briefly where the project fits into existing scholarship, and demonstrating the relevance of specific collections at NARA. A one-page letter of support from the student’s faculty advisor is required. Both should be sent as attachments to history@american.edu with the subject line “Gondos Summer Fellowship application.” The winner must submit a one-page summary of research findings at the end of the summer and make a presentation at the CAS Research Conference. Deadline: March 15. This fellowship is made possible through the generosity of Dorothy and Victor Gondos, Jr. An application process exists. Apply in the second year of the program. Returning doctoral and masters students are eligible.
History Robert Griffith Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award Returning MA/PhD Established in 2013, the Robert Griffith Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award recognizes excellence in graduate student teaching and contributions to the academic mission of the Department of History. Faculty may nominate their graduate teaching assistants. The Department's Graduate Committee selects the recipient. The award carries a prize of $1,000. The award is named in memory of AU History Professor and former Department Chair Robert Griffith. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning doctoral and masters students are eligible.
History Carl G. Anthon Scholarship Returning MA The Carl G. Anthon Scholarship was established by Margaret D. Anthon in memory of her late husband and American University friend, Carl G. Anthon. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship support to deserving undergraduate or graduate students pursuing study in the fields of history and/or the performing arts. This award is for MA returning students. Selection is made by CAS; no applications process.
Literature Gisela B. Trechsel Scholarship in Literature Returning MA/MFA The Gisela B. Trechsel Scholarship in Literature was established by the estate of Dr. Gisela B. Trechsel, in honor of her husband, Heinz Trechsel. This scholarship carries an award of $2,000 and is available to both graduate and undergraduate students, with preference given to graduate students. Eligible graduate students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPS and have completed a minimum of 6 graduate credits toward the current graduate degree. Eligible undergraduate applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and must have completed at least 30 credits of study in the last year. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning masters students are eligible.
Literature Jean M. Sartwell Fund in the College of Arts and Sciences Returning MFA Income from the Fund will be awarded annually in accord with the University's financial aid policies to provide need-based scholarships to degree-seeking students at the University. In reviewing the pool of qualified applicants, whenever feasible, the Fund will be awarded with preference for female students enrolled in the Master in Fine Arts, Creative Writing Program. If, in a particular year, there are no qualified applicants, the University may choose to award the Scholarship in a manner that best meets the University's priorities. Scholarships awarded by the Fund will be applied to the cost of attending the University. New Scholarship recipients will be chosen as the eligibility of prior recipients expires and income from the Fund permits. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning masters students are eligible.
Literature Sara Presciutti Memorial Scholarship Returning MA/MFA Awarded, annually, as funds permit, to aid students who have an active interest in Italian studies. May be awarded to a student studying in the Department of Language and Foreign Studies or the Department of Literature. Scholarship is awarded to a student currently enrolled at American University. However, preference is to be given to a student who plans to travel and study in Italy, or a student from an Italian university who is studying at American University. In general, the purpose of the Presciutti Scholarship will be to aid students with an active interest in Italian studies. Scholarship funds will support either a student currently enrolled at the American University who has plans to travel to and study in Italy, or a student from an Italian university who has plans to travel to the United States to study at the American University. Awarded in alternate years by LIT and WLC. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning masters students are eligible.
Literature Rudolph von Abele Memorial Scholarship Returning MA/MFA Recipient will be a graduate or undergraduate student majoring in Literature. Must have financial need and demonstrated academic achievement. $500 awarded per year. Renee Weitzner, a dear friend of Mr. von Abele, established this account. Selection is made by Department; no applications process.
Literature Starr Family Scholarship Fund Returning MA/MFA The Fund will support a graduate student in the Department of Literature, on the basis of merit. Scholarships awarded by the Fund will be applied to the cost of attending the University. $5,000 annually. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning masters students are eligible.
Mathematics Frank Cox Jones Scholarship for Women in Mathematics Returning MS The Frank Cox Jones Scholarship for Women in Mathematics was established by Blair Jones, SPA/MS '78, CAS/MA '95, to support women in mathematics. The scholarship is awarded, as funds permit, to undergraduate or graduate female students enrolled in the Department of Mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences, with a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average, who have completed a minimum of 30 credits, with preference given to female students of US citizenship. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning students are eligible.
Mathematics Hanna Miriam Sandler and Bella Sandler Scholarship Returning MS The Hanna Miriam Sandler and Bella Sandler Endowment was established in memory of Hanna Miriam Sandler, a former professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, by parents Samuel and the late Bella Sander, and husband Dr. Jeffrey Hakim. Dr. Hakim is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The scholarship provides support to graduate students who are earning a degree in mathematics or mathematics education, with preference given to female graduate students. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning students are eligible.
Performing Arts Carl G. Anthon Scholarship Returning MA The Carl G. Anthon Scholarship was established by Margaret D. Anthon in memory of her late husband and American University friend, Carl G. Anthon. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship support to deserving undergraduate or graduate students pursuing study in the fields of history and/or the performing arts. This award is for MA returning students. Selection is made by CAS; no applications process.
Philosophy and Religion Bordan Parker Bowne Scholarship Returning MA The Bordan Parker Bowne Scholarship was established by the estate of Ida C. Morrison. The scholarship provides support to undergraduate or graduate students who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New masters students are eligible.
Philosophy and Religion Gustavus Swift Fellowship Returning MA The Gustavus Swift Fellowship was established in 1914 by the Estate of Gustavus Swift and Ann Swift. The fellowship is awarded to graduates of the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary who continue their studies at American University. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New masters students are eligible.
Philosophy and Religion Hon. Edward C. Bou Award in Philosophy and Religion Returning MA The Hon. Edward C. Bou Award in Philosophy and Religion is a merit scholarship in support of an undergraduate or graduate student studying in the Department of Philosophy and Religion who has exemplified outstanding scholarly aptitude. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New masters students are eligible.
Philosophy and Religion Lucinda Joy Peach Scholarship Returning MA The Lucinda Joy Peach Scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of Lucinda Joy Peach, former associate professor of philosophy and religion. The scholarship provides support to students in the Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs master’s program in the Department of Philosophy and Religion. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New masters students are eligible.
Philosophy and Religion Charley D. Hardwock Scholarship fund Returning MA All majors will be considered for the scholarship—in keeping with the intent and restrictions of the individual scholarship funds that make up the Hardwick Scholarship Fund, the main selection criterion is the future plan of the student to enter the ministry or church vocation. Apply for the scholarship with the application to the program. New masters students are eligible. Contact program director for questions.
Philosophy and Religion Edward B. Lewis Endowed Scholarship Returning MA Dr. Edward B. Lewis was the former pastor of the historic Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Dr. Lewis graduated from American University with a bachelor's degree in 1946, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in 1967, and was honored with the Alumni Recognition award in 1981. The Edward B. Lewis Scholarship was established by Edward Lewis posthumously through a bequest from the Lewis Trust. The scholarship provides support to students at American University who are preparing for the ministry or a church vocation. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. New masters students are eligible.
Psychology Bernard Endowed Scholarship Returning MA and PhD The Barnard Scholarship was established by John Fiske Barnard, KSB/MBA '59, in memory of his late wife, Lovelle, who benefited greatly from the teachings of American University Professor James J. Gray. This fund provides scholarship support to deserving graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree students studying psychology who exhibit financial need, with preference for adult learners. Selection is made by Department; no applications process. Returning doctoral and masters students are eligible.
Sociology Kianda Bell Scholarship Returning MA The Kianda Bell Scholarship award was established in memory of Kianda Bell. The award provides support to master's degree candidates in the sociology program for research consistent with Bell’s commitment to social justice. Selection is made by Department, based on its own internal application process. Returning students are eligible.