Mary Claire Phipps Scholarship

The Mary Claire Phipps Scholarship provides funding to an undergraduate who is majoring in Economics. There is a preference for residents of Wisconsin. There is a possibility for the award to be renewed for a second year at the discretion of the Department of Economics if academic achievement continues.

Scholarships with a financial need component require a completed FAFSA form on file with UW-Madison.

Mary Claire Aschenbrener Phipps (1929-2009) had a strong connection with the UW-Madison her entire life. Her father, Willard Aschenbrener, was the first in his family and city to attend university. His success as a banker led him to participate in founding what is now the Wisconsin School of Business in addition to serving as the president of the Alumni Association and establishing scholarships. Mary Claire grew up seeing her father’s generosity and pride. She graduated cum laude with a major in Economics before working for Northern Trust in Chicago and beginning an MBA program at Northwestern University. Mary Claire stayed connected to UW-Madison, serving as a member of the College of Letters & Science Board of Visitors and establishing a scholarship for Economics students with her husband, Charles. Though Mary Claire has passed away, Charles and their children return to campus every year to meet with the Aschenbrener and Phipps Scholars, again following a tradition established by Mary Claire’s father.

Student financial aid packages can be impacted by scholarship awards. It is recommended that students contact UW’s Office of Student Financial Aid to learn about impact on current aid packages.

For more general information about Department of Economics scholarships visit the Economics Scholarships website.