Schurch Thomson Graduate Research Excellence Award

The Schurch Thomson Graduate Research Excellence Award Fund was established in October 2001 by a gift from Velma Reich Schurch. This is a prestigious award, providing one scholarship in the amount of $3,500 to an advanced graduate student working on their final MFA project or writing their dissertation. This award honors the life work of Velma Reich Schurch and Joan Schurch Thomson, mother-daughter graduates of the School. The family’s vision for the Schurch Thomson Award is that it will provide recognition of graduate scholarship, focusing on any research area within the School of Human Ecology. The award is based on merit rather than need: the donors wish to recognize outstanding graduate research excellence and creative innovation.

Eligibility

• MFA or PhD graduate student in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress
• Students may also apply for the Dissertation, MS Thesis, MFA Project Awards but are not eligible to receive both

Required Application Materials
1. Description of the final project/dissertation (minimum 2 pages) outlining the purpose, methods, significance, and any preliminary findings.
2. Timeline for completing the project/dissertation
3. Curriculum vitae—one page maximum, including cumulative GPA
4. A confidential letter from the faculty advisor* addressing the significance of the student’s research, academic scholarship and overall progress toward the project/dissertation.

*Advisors submitting recommendations for more than one student should make clear distinctions between students regarding the merits of each individual’s work. Confidential letters must be delivered/emailed to gradprog@sohe.wisc.edu.

Note: This is a competitive award based on the merit of the scholarship. The Graduate Program Committee is not obligated to make an award unless an application meets the standards set forth by the donor.