First-Year Students
Automatic Academic Scholarships
Automatic Academic Scholarships are awarded to first-year students (who have never attended another post-secondary institution) based on high school class rank and other Admission's Office criteria. Students without a high school class rank, including home-schooled students, are considered for these scholarships on an individual basis. No application is required.
- Chancellor's Scholarship: Students graduating in the top 5% (95-99) of their high school class receive up to $14,000 with this automatic $3,500 ($1,750 per enrolled semester) scholarship.
- Dean's Scholarship: Students graduating in the top 10% (90-94) of their high school class receive up to $10,000 with this automatic $2,500 ($1,250 per enrolled semester) scholarship.
- Associate's Scholarship: Students graduating in the top 20% (80-89) of their high school class receive up to $4,000 with this automatic $1,000 ($500 per enrolled semester) scholarship.
These scholarships are renewable for four-years on a per semester (fall/spring) basis by maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
Students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits.
Note: Automatic Academic Scholarships may not be combined with the Prairie Scholars Award or the Morris Scholars Award.
Clyde Johnson Music Scholarship
The application for the 2010-2011 academic year will be available on December 1st, 2010.
Clyde E. Johnson Music Scholarships honor Clyde Johnson, professor emeritus of music, who served UMM from 1961 until 1999. The scholarships are awarded to talented University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) music majors to cover one free year of private lessons in the student's major performance area.
Competitive Scholarships
Students must submit a completed Application for Admission and the Supplement for the Competitive Scholarship Application by the December 15th deadline date (after December 15th the Supplement for the Competitive Scholarship Application will no longer be available on-line).
Prairie Scholars Award
Prairie Scholars are selected during a competitive interview process. This award is based on a scholarship essay and an outstanding academic and leadership record. The Prairie Scholars Award is a full-tuition scholarship, renewable for four-years on a per semester (fall/spring) basis by maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
Students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits.
Morris Scholars Award
Morris Scholars are selected during a competitive interview process. This award is based on a scholarship essay and an outstanding academic and leadership record. A Morris Scholar receives up to $20,000 with this automatic $5,000 ($2,500 per enrolled semester) award, renewable for four-years on a per semester (fall/spring) basis by maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5, plus a one-time $2,500 scholarly stipend. The stipend may be used during the second, third or fourth year at UMM to engage in an eligible scholarly experience (e.g., to study abroad, to participate in a research or artistic project or for travel to academic conferences).
Students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits.
Institutional Scholarships
Josephine L. Merriam Scholarship
Students must be admitted to the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) as first-year student to be considered for this scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to first-year male students who demonstrate financial need as determined by UMM Financial Aid Office criteria. No application is required.
Students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits.
William W. Stout Scholarship
Students must be admitted to the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) as first-year student to be considered for this scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to first-year female students who demonstrate financial need as determined by UMM Financial Aid Office criteria. No application is required.
Students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits.
National Merit Scholarships
National Merit Scholar Finalists
National Merit Scholarship Winners who choose the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) as their first-college choice will receive the full-tuition National Merit Scholarship.
This scholarship is renewable based on National Merit guidelines.
Students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits.
Note: National Merit Scholarship finalists are not eligible to receive the Prairie Scholars Award, Morris Scholar Awards/stipend, or Automatic Academic Scholarships
National Merit Recognition Scholars (Semi-Finalists or Commended)
National Merit Recognition Scholars receive up to $4,000 with this automatic $1,000 ($500 per enrolled semester) scholarship. Students must provide the Admissions Office with documentation of their Semi-Finalist or Commended status to receive this scholarship.
These scholarships are renewable for up to four-years on a per semester (fall/spring) basis. Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
Students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits.
Note: National Merit Recognition Scholars (Semi-Finalists or Commended) who have been awarded the Prairie Scholars Award or Morris Scholars Award will have their Automatic Academic Scholarship and National Merit Semi-Finalist or Commended Scholars Award replaced by the Prairie Scholars Award or Morris Scholars Award.
UMM's Donor-Funded Scholarship Application
This application will be available on January 1, 2010 for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Douglas and Marion Payne Rural Students Scholarship
Douglas Payne, a 1954 graduate of the University of Minnesota West Central School of Agriculture, and Marion Payne, a 1954 graduate of Benson High School, established this scholarship in 2004 in honor of the 50th anniversaries of their high school graduations. The scholarship supports new and transferring students from throughout greater Minnesota and the upper Midwest regardless of financial need. Preference is given to students who wish to live and work in rural communities throughout the state, and to Minnesota students from agricultural and/or rural backgrounds. The scholarship may be renewed provided the recipient remains in good academic standing.
UMM’s Donor-Funded Scholarships (Admissions Application)
The following scholarships are available by submitting the Admissions Application. To be considered for the following scholarships the Admissions Application must be received by December 15th. Only the recipients are notified directly by the Financial Aid Office by May 1st. The students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits to receive these scholarships.
Annette Seppanen and Curt Nelson Scholarship
The Annette Seppanen '82 and Curt Nelson '83 Scholarship is awarded to outstanding entering first-year students on the basis of academic merit.
Bank of the West Scholarship
The Morris branch of Bank of the West gives this scholarship to a first-year student with academic merit from the bank's service area.
Bridgford Orvis Scholarship
Established by Betty Bridgford Orvis and husband Robert Orvis, Sr. in memory of Betty's parents, Roy and May Bridgford. Roy was an instructor in agronomy and soils at the University of Minnesota West Central School of Agriculture from 1918 to 1956. This scholarship is awarded based on academic merit.
Carol Pederson Meyer Scholarship in Honor of Hans and Alyce Pederson
Established in 2004 by Carol Pederson Meyer (WCSA '60) in honor of her parents, Hans and Alyce Pederson, this scholarship provides financial assistance to full-time students who are descendants of UMM or WCSA alumni or students who are from rural locations of Minnesota. If recipients' academic standings remain satisfactory, the scholarship may be renewable for up to four years. Meyer credits her parents, Hans and Alyce Pederson, with the vision to insure their children received a high quality education and created this scholarship to honor their memories and to honor the educational future of her own grandchildren.
Curtis H. Larson Memorial Scholarship
Curtis Larson '64, who graduated with high distinction in economics, served as student speaker at UMM's first commencement. Originally from Wendell, Curtis died in an accident while serving with the Peace Corps in Ecuador. The scholarship is given based on academic merit.
D. F. Bud Rentz Memorial Scholarship
Bud Rentz was a philanthropist, lobbyist, community leader and a great supporter of the University of Minnesota, Morris. As a member of the West Central Educational Development Association, the citizens lobby group instrumental in founding the UMM campus in 1959, he worked hard to bring UMM to the Morris community and to keep it here. Bud, Colleen, and all seven of their children have been Presidents Club members since 1984. He was a firm believer in UMM and its high educational standards, having graduated from UMM himself in 1993 with a degree in small business and economics. Many of his children and grandchildren also attended, and graduated, from UMM. Altogether the Rentz family spans three generations of alumni at UMM. In 1996, during the University-wide capital campaign known as Campaign Minnesota, Bud volunteered to co-chair the committee assigned to cover the west central region of Minnesota. Bud served proudly and faithfully in his role as co-chair up until the time of his death in 2002.
Edward J. and Helen Jane Morrison Scholarship
This scholarship is given by Edward and Helen Jane Morrison, longtime residents of Morris, who were instrumental in the establishment of UMM. The scholarship is awarded to first-year students with preference given to students from small towns or rural areas in Minnesota, and North and South Dakota. The scholarship is renewable if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Elmer and Viola Nelson Scholarship
The Elmer and Viola Nelson Scholarship was established by Glenn Nelson and his wife, Margaret Dewar, in honor of Glenn's mother, Viola, and in memory of his father, Elmer. Elmer graduated in 1928 from the University of Minnesota West Central School of Agriculture, a boarding high school that made its home on the Morris campus until 1963. The scholarship is awarded to students from west central Minnesota.
Erma Erickson Memorial Scholarship
The Erma Erickson Memorial Scholarship was established by George Erickson in memory of his wife, Erma, who passed away in 1999. George graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in 1953. After serving three years in the Marine Corps, he and Erma were married in 1957 and moved to the Twin Cities. There they raised four children. In 1968, they moved to Northfield, Minnesota, where George currently lives. For 25 years George was employed as a pilot for a private corporation. He then practiced farming and retired from that in 2000. George and Erma enjoyed spending time at their home on Pomme de Terre Lake near Elbow Lake, Minnesota. The scholarship is given to new students, including transfer students, who show academic promise, demonstrate financial need, and are enrolled full-time as undergraduate students at UMM. It may be renewed for three additional years pending satisfactory academic progress.
Honorable Carol M. and Dr. Peter E. Person Scholarship
Peter and Carol are both members of UMM's Class of '73. Carol graduated with majors in English and History. Peter obtained a degree in Biology. In 1978, Carol graduated from William Mitchell College of Law and Peter graduated from the U of M medical school. Peter obtained his M.B.A. in Health Care Administration from St. Thomas University. Carol practiced law in Duluth for 14 years and then served as a judge of district court for ten years. Peter practiced medicine at the Duluth Clinic and served as President from 1995-97. In 1997, Peter became CEO of SMDC, a partnership between St. Mary's Medical Center of Duluth and the Duluth Clinic, and CEO of Essentia when it was formed in 2004. Essentia is a heath system headquartered in Duluth which includes St. Mary's Medical Center, the Duluth Clinic and more than 50 facilities in eight states. Peter and Carol wanted to make scholarship monies available to students showing academic promise but in need of financial support. Peter is grateful that his college education was financed by his Great Aunt, Meta Petersen, RN. Carol would never have been able to afford college had it not been for scholarships, grants, and work study programs she received from UMM and the State of Minnesota. It's with a sense of gratitude that Peter and Carol established this scholarship.
Frank W. Veden Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Frank Veden. Frank graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1936 with a doctor of dental surgery degree and established a dental practice in Fergus Falls . Following his death in 1996, a trust created during his lifetime began giving assets from his estate to organizations Dr. Veden supported during his lifetime. The scholarship provides support to students from Otter Tail County with first preference given to those from Fergus Falls. Selection is based on scholastic achievement.
James and Bertha Togeas Chemistry Scholarship
The James and Bertha Togeas Chemistry Scholarship support full-time students who show academic promise. Preference is given to exemplary chemistry students who demonstrate one or more of these characteristics: success in the classroom, an outstanding record of research or scholarly work, an outstanding record of service, an outstanding work ethic, or have succeeded against the odds.
Keskinen Family Scholarship
The Keskinen Family Scholarship was created by Kay, John, Susan, and Kathleen Keskinen, who attended UMM in the 1960's and 1970's, in honor of their parents, Lila and Ervin Keskinen. It provides support for full-time students at UMM. Preference is given to students from the New York Mills area, Otter Tail County, or the Wadena area. It may be renewed assuming satisfactory academic standing.
Khan Achievement Scholarship
The Khan Achievement Scholarship, established by Arnie and Melanie Khan in memory of Arnie's father, Iftikhar Khan, professor emeritus of English, supports UMM's mission to attract and retain students of high quality and unlimited potential. It is awarded to first-year students who are in the top five percent of their high school class and place in the top 20 percent nationally on college entrance exams. It may be renewed for an additional three years provided the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Loren W. Carr Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of her father by Stephanie Carr '94 and husband David Valdovinos, and members of the Morris community, this scholarship honors the late Loren Carr, longtime Morris area and west central Minnesota business and community leader. The scholarship provides financial assistance to civic-minded students who have demonstrated solid leadership skills and are committed to using and enhancing those skills at UMM and in the surrounding community. It is awarded to first-year students who show academic promise based on academic merit and demonstrated leadership and community service. It may be renewed for an additional three years provided the recipient maintains a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and continues to serve as a leader and volunteer at UMM and in the community.
Mark C. Sticha Endowed Scholarship
Established by Mark Sticha '75 in honor of his parents, longtime Clarissa area farmers Milo and LaVerne Sticha, this scholarship is awarded to students from Todd County, who are enrolled full time, with preference to first-year students from a working farm.
Morris Scholarship Endowment—Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship
The Morris Scholarship Endowment—Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship supports full-time students who demonstrate talent, motivation, academic success, and promise.
Otter Tail Power Company Scholarship
The Otter Tail Power Company Scholarship is awarded to first-year students whose families are served by Otter Tail Power Company based on academic merit. Otter Tail Power Company has been an important part of the Morris community for many years and a longtime supporter of UMM.
Patrick McGinnis Family Scholarship
Patrick McGinnis was a UMM English professor from 1961 until the time of his death in 1966. He left behind a wife, Barbara, and their five children, Catherine, Clare, Mara, Colin and Timothy. Thanks to a scholarship, Barbara went on to earn a master of library science degree in 1969. She then worked as a reference librarian at UMM until her retirement in 1995. Barbara and the McGinnis children established the Patrick McGinnis Family Scholarship as a reflection of their deep belief in making educational opportunities available to students. The scholarship provides support for full-time students at UMM. Preference is given to students who intend to major in one of the sciences. A plus factor is given to female students. It may be renewed assuming satisfactory academic standing.
Randall J. Kopitzke Scholarship
Randall J. Kopitzke '72, a history and speech communication major, was a member of the Phi Mu Delta fraternity's Gamma Epsilon Chapter, which was active on campus from 1964 until 1973. Many Phi Mu Delta alumni, including Kopitzke, continue to be energetic, active supporters of UMM. This scholarship supports first-year students from rural areas who intend to graduate from UMM.
Robert (Bob) A. Menzhuber Scholarship
This scholarship was created by Mike and Barb Menzhuber to honor the memory of Bob Menzhuber '76, Mike's brother, a high school art teacher who dedicated his life to inspiring others to explore and engage in art. It provides financial assistance to full-time UMM students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and who aspire to study studio art.
Robert DeWall Scholarship
Originally from Appleton, Minnesota, Robert "Bob" DeWall was a long time Morris resident and business
man, who along with his wife, Marian, avidly supported UMM. Bob was one of the original founding
members of the West Central Educational Development Association, who, in the 1950s, convinced the
Regents of the University of Minnesota to establish a campus in Morris. The DeWall's were close friends
with several early leaders of UMM including Bob Gay, Allen Edson, and Dr. Fred W. Behmler. Many of the
DeWall's five children attended UMM as students. In addition to attending countless sporting events at
UMM, Bob's hobbies included gardening and collecting civil war journals and papers. This scholarship,
established by Bob & Marion's son, Craig, provides support for history majors at UMM.
Robert James Riley Memorial Scholarship
Robert James Riley was a 1955 graduate of the University of Minnesota West Central School of Agriculture. He worked on many UMM campus construction projects, including contributing his time and securing the donation of construction equipment to provide landscaping for the WCSA Alumni Garden. The scholarship was established by his wife, Judy, with a generous contribution from two of his brothers, Joe Riley and John Riley. The scholarship provides financial support to new full-time UMM students who show academic promise. Preference is given to students interested in the sciences and the social sciences who graduate from high schools located in the five counties surrounding Morris. It may be renewed for up to four years if recipients maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0, and are enrolled full-time.
Romilly Jean Cassida Memorial Scholarship
Romilly Jean (Wilson) Cassida graduated from Hancock High School in 1962 as salutatorian of her class. She was awarded several scholarships and continued her education at UMM, graduating with distinction in 1966 with majors in studio art and psychology. She had a long successful career with Prudential, moving all over the country and working her way up to vice president. Upon retirement in 1998, she built her dream home on Whidbey Island in Washington State, where she resided until her passing in December, 2006. An artist and sculptor, Rom was widely read and enjoyed lively discussions, landscaping, gardening, interesting travels and working on her home. The scholarship is given to new students, including transfer students, who show academic promise and are enrolled full-time at UMM. It may be used to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and academic books. It may be renewed for three additional years pending satisfactory academic progress.
Stacy Polzin McIntyre Memorial Scholarship
Parents Deborah and Arland Polzin and husband Scott McIntyre established an endowed scholarship in Stacy Polzin McIntyre's memory. A three-year Cougar volleyball starter, Stacy graduated in 1994 with majors in psychology and liberal arts for human services. She received a graduate degree in social services management from Western Maryland College in Westminster and worked at the Kennedy Krieger Center at Johns Hopkins University working with children and adolescents with brain disorders. She died in 2001. The scholarship is awarded to first-year students, preferably women, with a minimum high school GPA of 3.0, who have been active in community, school, and church activities. It is renewable for an additional three years if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Ted Uehling Endowed Scholarship
Former students, friends, and family of the late Ted Uehling, professor of philosophy, established this scholarship to honor Ted's extensive contributions to UMM and the impact he made on many students' lives. The scholarship is awarded to full-time students, chosen on merit, with preference to entering or enrolled African American students majoring or intending to major in philosophy.
Thomas McRoberts Scholarship
The Thomas McRoberts Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students based on academic merit. Thomas McRoberts '68 serves as UMM's director of Continuing Education, Regional Programs, and Summer Session and director of study abroad.
UMM Alumni Association First-Year Academic Scholarship
Many UMM alumni make contributions to the Scholarship Fund through Alumni Annual Giving. Through their collective efforts, they have made it possible for first-year students to receive scholarships based on academic merit.
UMM Alumni Association Herb Croom Endowed Scholarship
Herb Croom was an assistant professor and principal at the University of Minnesota West Central School of Agriculture from 1943 to 1960. With the establishment of the collegiate program on the Morris campus, he became director of student services at UMM and then director of placement and coordinator of alumni relations. The scholarship was initially established by friends and family members at the time of his death in 1973. In 1995 the UMM Alumni Association provided funds to fully endow the scholarship. Eligible students are direct descendants of UMM or WCSA alumni.
There are no applications required or available for the following scholarships.
Recipients are notified directly by the Financial Aid Office by May 1st. The students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits to receive these scholarships.
Beta Sigma Psi/Chi Phi Scholarship
The Beta Sigma Psi/Chi Phi Scholarship was established by alumni from two former UMM fraternities. The Beta Sigma Psi fraternity was on campus from 1968 to 1985, the Chi Phi fraternity from 1985 to 1990. Both groups were Christian-based and members were involved in a number of community and campus volunteer activities. Based on academic merit, the scholarship is awarded to first-year men.
Clayton A. and Eleanor P. Gay Scholarship
This scholarship honoring Clayton A. Gay and Eleanor P. Gay was established by the Gay family, including their sons, James C. Gay, Woodbury, and Robert F. Gay '68, Lexington , South Carolina . Clayton and Eleanor were members of the West Central Educational Development Association which lobbied the Minnesota State Legislature for the establishment of a University of Minnesota campus in Morris in the late 1950s. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students from Stevens County and adjacent counties.
Emilie Gieske Scholarship for Students of Grant or Stevens County
The Emilie Gieske Scholarship for Students of Grant or Stevens County was established in honor of Emilie Gieske's many years of residence in Herman, where she was born and raised, and in Morris, where she made her home with late husband Millard Gieske, a UMM political science professor. The scholarship is awarded to first-year students from Grant County or Stevens County with preference given to students from Grant County.
Helen and Carl Iverson Memorial Scholarship
Carl Iverson, a Minnesota State Senator and Representative, was instrumental in the establishment of the State College System, UMM and the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota . He and wife Helen believed that rural youth should have access to quality educational programs. They established a charitable trust directing that a portion of their estate be used to provide scholarships for students from Ottertail County and Grant County. Co-trustees are Brian Wing, Lorraine Rylander, and Lon Rylander of Ashby.
Joseph P. Gandrud Endowed Scholarship
Bob Gandrud '65 and wife Nancy established this scholarship in honor of Bob's father, the late Joseph Gandrud, a longtime Glenwood area farmer. Recipients are Minnewaska Area High School graduates.
