News

Students Receive SBS Scholarships

Congratulations to all of this year's SBS students who earned scholarships for internships, study abroad and meritorious academic achievement. Each of these scholarships is funded through private gifts.  If it were not for the generous support of alumni and friends, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences would be unable to acknowledge these remarkable students and contribute to their undergraduate educations. At the Awards Ceremony on May 8 at the Campus Center, several donors were in attendance.

The Scott J. Bacherman awards were established in 2004 in memory Scott Bacherman '76, who was program manager for WMUA from 1973 to 1975. Each year a scholarship, an internship award, and several fellowships go to students who have an interest in broadcasting and convergence media. Present at the event were Susan Ryerson, Scott’s widow; their son Sam; Scott's mother Rosalyn; and Marc Berman '80, Scott’s cousin and business partner.

Also in attendance was Dorothy Merriam ’86, MS ’00, sister of Dwight Merriam '68 (sociology). Several years ago, Dwight Merriam established the Merriam Internship Scholarship to honor the memory of his aunt, Oreana Merriam, who taught for many years in the Home Economics Department on campus, and his sisters, Deborah Merriam ’71 and Dorothy. The award supports summer or semester-long internships in public policy, law, ecological conservation, and/or real estate development. Because Mr. Merriam is willing to also share his experience and vast network of contacts, recipients gain a significant competitive advantage upon graduation.

The Lawrence and Anna Wikander Scholarship was established to support undergraduates majoring in the arts and sciences who received a GED rather than a traditional high school diploma, and who demonstrate academic merit. On hand to present the award this year was Richard Wikander '84 MA, '91 PhD (anthropology). Today Wikander isa lecturer in the Anthropology Department, but in his early years, as he tells it, he found himself on a "creative path" through school. He named the award in honor of his parents, who continued to encourage him, despite his unconventional route to higher education.

Support from the Ansin family has created a financial aid program for study abroad where none existed before. Since their initial gift ten years ago, the Ansins have enabled more than 220 undergraduates to experience living and studying overseas. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences strongly encourages its students to study abroad. One of the aims of the College is to prepare individuals to be intelligent and committed global citizens. Exposure to diverse cultural perspectives through study abroad is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop a better understanding of society and themselves. This year, 20 Ansin Fellows will be traveling to study at locations around the globe. Ron Ansin, father of SBS alumni Bob Ansin '96 (political science) and Ken Ansin '87 (political science), was present at the Scholarship Ceremony to wish them bon voyage.

Giving to scholarships makes opportunities possible for students who otherwise might not be able to take advantage of life- and career-shaping opportunities like travel abroad or internships or even continuing with their educations. Why not consider a gift today? You can give online to SBS scholarships, or if you have something more specific in mind, contact James Mallet, director of development (413.577.1700).

Click here for a listing of all student award recipients and pictures of the event.

May 14, 2010