Donor Supported Scholarships

Alumni Association Scholarship

Eligibility:

• GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Rising Junior or Senior Undergraduate Student
• Candidates must demonstrate leadership on campus
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

John V. Hopkins Alumni Scholarship

Dr. John V. Hopkins served as the third president of Point Park College from 1973-1986. He was a graduate of Loyola University and earned his doctorate from St. Louis University. Dr. Hopkins came to Point Park College in 1967 as a philosophy professor, became the Chairman of the Philosophy and Fine Arts Department, assumed the position of Dean of the College in 1972, and President in 1973. This scholarship was established in his honor.

Eligibility:

• Fulltime rising junior or rising senior
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Not restricted to any major
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Roy F. Bates Sr. Enhancement Fund

Roy Bates Sr. began his social service career in Pittsburgh with the Health and Welfare Association in the early 1960s. He served as a Deputy Director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority and was the first director of the Model Cities Program. Upon his death in 1999, his children Roy Jr., Brian and Stephen arranged for the memorial contributions to establish this enhancement fund in memory of their father and his passion for encouraging students, particularly minorities, to pursue higher education.

Eligibility:

• Full- or part-time student who demonstrates an underrepresented population
• Demonstrated financial need

Bocchi Family Student Emergency Fund

The Bocchi Family Student Emergency Fund is a celebration of the memory and legacy of Ronald A. Bocchi, Class of 1984. Established by his extended family, this fund supports emergency needs - from tuition, to fees, to living and life expenses - of students enrolled at Point Park University. A first-generation college student, Ron studied journalism and mass communication while serving as resident assistant to help pay for school.

Eligibility:

• Full-time undergraduate student
• Demonstrated emergency financial need

Jon A. and Donna L. Boscia Scholarship

Eligibility:

• Full or part time student
• Demonstrated financial need
• At least C+ average

Tatyana Dumova Scholarship

Tatyana Dumova, Ph.D., professor in the School of Communication, accomplished many 'firsts' in teaching, scholarship and service, opening opportunities for the advancement of other women. In recognition of her achievements, she was honored with the 2022 Harvey Kelly Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2024 Donald Ecroyd Research and Scholarship Award presented by the Pennsylvania Communiction Association. She established this endowed scholarship in 2020 to encourage a growth mindset and resilience to adversity while pursuing one's education.

The purpose of the Fund is to provide a deserving rising sophomore, junior, or senior at Point Park University with an academic year scholarship.

Eligibility:

• Full-time student
• Any department or major
• Awarded for achieving academic success while facing adversity
• GPA of 2.7 or higher
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Anthony J. Dyda Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Anthony J. Dyda, Jr. graduated from Point Park College in 1979 with a degree in Psychology.  In 2000, he established the Anthony J. Dyda, Sr. Memorial Scholarship to honor his father.

Eligibility:

• Rising junior or rising senior
• Declared major in Psychology
• Resident of Allegheny County and preference shall be given in the following order: (1) North Hills area, (2) Southside area, (3) Allegheny County.
• Applicants must show evidence of academic ability such as GPA, national test scores and any other criteria deemed appropriate by the committee

Eberly Family Scholarship

Orville Eberly had a strong belief in the value of education, and the Eberly family (through Robert Sr. and the family foundation and trusts) is credited with over $70.0 million in giving to universities in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Oklahoma, and economic development initiatives in Fayette County. In 1994, the Eberly Charitable Trust established the Eberly Family scholarship to assist needy students from Fayette and surrounding counties.

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates superior academic achievement and good moral character
• Demonstrated financial need
• First preference is to students from Fayette County, followed by students from Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties

Thomas W. Golonski Family Undergraduate Scholarship

Thomas W. Golonski has a history of "making a difference" and has enjoyed considerable success in the private sector in a leadership role in the banking industry. He is a graduate of Point Park University and served for many years as a significant and contributing member of the University's Board of Trustees.  He established this endowed fund in 2004 to provide scholarships to non-traditional students at Point Park.

Eligibility Preferences:

• Non-traditional undergraduate
• GPA of 3.5 or higher (A grade point average of 3.3 or above must be maintained throughout award period)
• Must have completed at least 12 credit hours at Point Park
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Dolores Haberle Scholarship

Edward A Haberle graduated from Point Park University in 1979 and served as a member of the Point Park University Board of Trustees. A former outstanding first baseman for the Point Park Pioneers championship baseball team, Ed is also a member of the University's Athletic Hall of Fame. Ed and his family established a scholarship fund in 2012 to honor his mother, Dolores Haberle and support student athlete/scholars at Point Park University.

Purpose: to provide a deserving student athlete with an academic year scholarship annually in the amount of $1,000.

Eligibility:

• Full-time undergraduate
• Participating in intercollegiate athletics
• Must demonstrate integrity and leadership skills
• Must be inspirational to their teammates, exhibit a winning attitude, and act as a good ambassador for Point Park on and off the field.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher

William Randolph Hearst Foundation Scholarship for Low-Income Students

The William Randolph Hearst Foundation established this endowed scholarship to support students with financial need.

Eligibility:

• Full-time or part-time student
• Intends to reside permanently in the United States after graduation
• Demonstrated financial need
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Norma Miller Scholarship

Purpose: To provide a deserving student with an annual scholarship of $2,500 a year

Eligibility:

• Full or part-time undergraduate or graduate student
• Demonstrated financial need 
• Working parent (preference for single parent)

Sam Miller Scholarship

Eligibility Preferences:

• Full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate
• Demonstrated financial need
• Student athlete

Richard P. Simmons Family Foundation Scholarship

Richard P. Simmons was a successful metallurgist and business leader in the steel industry.  He served as chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Allegheny Technologies until his retirement in 2000 and was a director of Joy Manufacturing, US Airways Inc., PNC Bank Corp. and Consolidated Natural Gas Co.

Eligibility:

• Full or part time student
• Demonstrated financial need
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Preference shall be given to students residing in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Northern Virginia
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Nancy and Milton Washington Scholarship

Dr. Nancy Washington, a former Point Park University trustee, and Mr. Milton Washington are community leaders who believe in the value of education and want to provide an outstanding student with the opportunity to continue his or her formal education. 

Eligibility:

• Full-time undergraduate student
• Preference for underrepresented student
• Demonstrated financial need
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

An essay and letters of recommendation will be required during Round Two of the application process

Alfred Brooks Scholarship

Eligibility:

• Open to all COPA majors

Chester Brown Scholarship

Eligibility:

• COPA student from the Louisville, Kentucky, area

Dr. Paul S. and Gertrude F. Caplan COPA Scholarship

Gertrude F. Caplan and Dr. Paul S. Caplan were community leaders who believed in the value of education and were strong supporters of the arts in the Pittsburgh region.  They established this endowed scholarship to support an outstanding Conservatory of Performing Arts student with an outstanding academic record and financial need.

Eligibility:

• Full-time rising sophomore, junior or senior in theatre, musical theatre or dance
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• An essay and portfolio submission will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Don Craig Performing Arts Scholarship

Eligibility:

• Rising junior or senior COPA majors
• Demonstrated financial need

Loti G. Falk Dance Scholarship

• To be awarded to a dance student focusing on ballet 

Karen L. Haberle Endowed Scholarship

Edward A Haberle graduated from Point Park University in 1979 and served as a member of the Point Park University Board of Trustees. A former outstanding first baseman for the Point Park Pioneers championship baseball team, Ed is also a member of the University's Athletic Hall of Fame. Ed and his family established this scholarship fund in 2018 in memory, honor, and celebration of his late wife, Karen who had a love for the theatre. She always had a smile on her face and was a person who would always help others.

Eligibility:

• Full-time undergraduate in COPA
• Have attained sophomore, junior, or senior year status
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Preference shall be given to high-achieving students in the performing arts.
• Candidates should demonstrate intangible attributes of perseverance, integrity, leadership and service to others as demonstrated by success in the classroom, a commitment to others, volunteering, and leadership within COPA, a team, or a student organization, or in the classroom.

Gracie Miller Scholarship

Eligibility Preferences:

• Full-time or part-time Musical Theatre major
• Undergraduate or Graduate student
• Demonstrated financial need

Richard Rauh Theatre Award

Richard E. Rauh served Point Park University through his teaching at the Conservatory of Performing Arts and as a member of the Board of Trustees.  An avid supporter of the arts, Richard established this permanent scholarship fund 2001 to support and honor deserving COPA students.

Eligibility:

• Rising junior or senior
• Majoring in theatre, musical theatre or technical theatre
• GPA of 2.5 or higher
• A student that demonstrates outstanding professional promise in the field of theatre

Simmons Scholarship Fund

Trisha Simmons is a graduate of the Conservatory of Performing Arts with a degree in Theatre Arts who seeks to support motivated students in the Conservatory of Performing Arts through this scholarship.

Eligibility:

• Full-Time undergraduate student in COPA
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Demonstrated financial need

Starmakers: Rising Star Award

Purpose: to provide three deserving seniors in each COPA department who demonstrate need and professional potential with a one-time award

Eligibility:

• One award to a rising senior in Theatre, Dance and Cinema Arts
• Demonstrated financial need
• Demonstrates professional potential 
• A essay and portfolio submission will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Ron Tassone Scholarship

Ron Tassone, Professor at Point Park University since 1974, with the support of his brother and executor, Eugene Tassone, asked for a scholarship to be established with the funds from his estate. Ron had a long history of helping students in need over the years and had a profound influence on his students and colleagues. This scholarship has been established to honor his wishes and to remember his legacy at Point Park and his influence in the dance community at large.

Eligibility:

• Full-time rising junior or senior
• Majoring in jazz dance or musical theatre with a dance minor
• Demonstrated financial need
• GPA of 3.0 or higher 

Tomayko Scholarship in Dance

John (Jack) Tomayko serves on Point Park University’s Board of Trustees. While earning his PhD in Health Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, Jack worked at Point Park University as a graduate assistant and ran its health, fitness, recreation, and health services programs, staying on for a year as assistant dean of student development. Jack is a dedicated supporter of the arts and that is reflected in his establishing the Tomayko Scholarships & Awards Fund at Point Park University.

Eligibility:

• Full-Time current Junior (rising senior)
• Dance department
• GPA of 3.5 or greater
• Demonstrated financial need
• Other Criteria: Performance in a COPA dance, theatre, or cinema production. Performance criteria requires participation in at least one COPA production by time of application.
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Tomayko Scholarship in Theatre

John (Jack) Tomayko serves on Point Park University’s Board of Trustees. While earning his PhD in Health Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, Jack worked at Point Park University as a graduate assistant and ran its health, fitness, recreation, and health services programs, staying on for a year as assistant dean of student development. Jack is a dedicated supporter of the arts and that is reflected in his establishing the Tomayko Scholarships & Awards Fund at Point Park University.

Eligibility:

• Full-Time current Junior (rising senior)
• Department: Theatre
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Demonstrated financial need
• Other Criteria: Performance in a COPA dance, theatre, or cinema production. Performance criteria requires participation in at least one COPA production by time of application.
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Tomayko Scholarship in Cinema

John (Jack) Tomayko serves on Point Park University’s Board of Trustees. While earning his PhD in Health Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, Jack worked at Point Park University as a graduate assistant and ran its health, fitness, recreation, and health services programs, staying on for a year as assistant dean of student development. Jack is a dedicated supporter of the arts and that is reflected in his establishing the Tomayko Scholarships & Awards Fund at Point Park University.

Eligibility:

• Full-Time current Junior (rising senior)
• Department: Cinema
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Demonstrated financial need
• Other Criteria: Creation of an original piece of cinema or animation for a Point Park cinema class.
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Robert F. Gonda Engineering Student Need-Based Fund

Robert F. Gonda was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduating high school. After leaving the Air Force, Mr. Gonda married his beloved wife Ellen Mesarchik, moved to Scott Township, and began taking night classes at Point Park, working towards his dream of becoming an engineer. Over the next decade he earned both his AA (1970) and BA (1975) in Mechanical Engineering Technology, all while working full time. Through his dedication, hard work, and education at Point Park, Mr. Gonda achieved his dream of becoming an engineer. He spoke quite frequently about Point Park and was most proud of his accomplishments here.  The University was a named beneficiary of his estate and the scholarship was established in his honor in 2018.

Eligibility:

• Preference shall be given to a full or part-time student majoring in engineering
• Demonstrated financial need.

Huth Technologies LLC Endowed Scholarship for Engineering Excellence

Zach Huth, President of Huth Technologies, LLC, a technical Recruiting Solutions company, established this scholarship for engineering students. Huth Technologies, LLC is a recruiting and staffing firm that specializes in placing engineers and other technical professionals who support the manufacturing, oil and gas, and construction industries. Founded in August 2010 in Pittsburgh, PA, their mission is to provide clients with hard-working, driven candidates.

Eligibility:

• Full- or part-time, rising junior or senior
• Majoring in engineering
• Demonstrated financial need
• Non-traditional students receive preference

Joseph N. Koenig, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Joseph N. Koenig, Jr., was an alumnus of Point Park College and a member of the class of 1986. Joseph transferred to Point Park in 1984, from Community College of Allegheny County, South Campus, and completed his degree in Engineering Technology.  While Joseph was a Point Park student he worked in the computer lab, and upon graduation was employed by the College as a Lab Associate.  He worked in that capacity until December 1995, training hundreds of students in the use of the sophisticated technology of his field. He continued working and remained committed to his students despite a debilitating illness which resulted in his death in January 1996.

• Full-time rising junior or senior
• Majoring in engineering
• Preference to a student who transferred from a two-year college

Dr. Charles R. Quillin Scholarship

Dr. Charles Quillin, a long-time faculty member and administrator at Point Park established this scholarship. On his retirement from Point Park, Dr. Quillin was named Professor Emeritus and Vice President and Dean of Students Emeritus.

Eligibility:

• Full-time undergraduate student
• Rising Junior or Senior
• GPA of 3.2 or above
• Biology major in the School of Arts and Sciences who aspires to teach science in secondary or higher education OR who aspires to medical or dental school.
• Demonstrated financial need

CAVU Leadership Award

Dr. Patrick M. Mulvihill, an assistant professor of management and chair of the Department of Management in the Rowland School of Business, established this annual scholarship. His areas of academic and professional interest are rooted within Leadership and Organizational Behavior. The term C.A.V.U. emerged from the aviation term CAVU which denotes "Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited". This term has been referenced within many notable speeches over the years. As we each embarked upon our academic and professional journey, we have encountered both success and failure. Yet, the perseverance and determined nature of our students illuminate an underlying resolve to push forward towards a future characterized by unlimited opportunity and potential.

Eligibility:

• Full-time student
• Enrolled in a program in the Department of Management within the Rowland School of Business
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Rising sophomore, junior, or senior
• The student recipient should possess an authentic interest in increasing one’s leadership capacity

Deloitte Academic Enhancement Fund

Purpose: to provide two deserving students each with an equal one-time award to offset academic expenses above and beyond tuition, room and board. 

Eligibility:

• Full- or part-time first or second-year student
• Majoring in accounting
• Demonstrated financial need
• 3.2 GPA or higher
• Recipient to receive a form of campus credit to purchase books or other supplies needed at the University Bookstore or through University purchasing.
• First-year recipients (awarded as high school seniors) are eligible to receive this award for a second consecutive year as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. 

Froehlich/Roteman Scholarship

Purpose: to assist deserving students in accounting at Point Park who have demonstrated academic excellence, personal maturity, and career motivation exemplified by Mr. Froehlich. 

Thomas J. Froehlich, a representative of Touche Ross and Company, was a member of the audit team which performed the required audits for the federal financial aid programs at Point Park College.  This scholarship has been established in recognition of Mr. Froehlich's contributions to the professional community in general and to Point Park in particular.

Eligibility:

• Accounting majors who have demonstrated academic excellence, personal maturity and career motivation
• Successfully completed two years in the accounting program
• GPA 3.25 or higher
• Demonstrated financial need

George Marin Information Technology and Business Scholarship

Purpose: to provide tuition support for one academic year to an Information Technology and/or Business undergraduate student with an outstanding academic record and with demonstrated financial need

George Marin has enjoyed considerable success in the information technology industry with the creation of software programs to facilitate the management and warehousing requirements for food distribution centers. He is a graduate of Point Park and wishes to support an outstanding Information Technology and/or Business Undergraduate student in the School of Business.

Eligibility:

• Full-time undergraduate majoring in Information Technology and/or a major within the Business School
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Minimum of 30-course hours completed
• Demonstrated financial need
• A personal essay and portfolio of work will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Frank Sinatra Memorial Scholarship

Purpose: To provide a scholarship for one academic year to an outstanding undergraduate student in the Sport, Arts & Entertainment (SAEM) program in the School of Business with demonstrated financial need

A 1970 graduate of Point Park University, Frank Sinatra displayed his passion for Point Park by founding and chairing the annual Pioneer Golf Classic (now the Frank Sinatra Pioneer Golf Classic) and serving as a longtime member of the Alumni Association's Board of Directors. Frank's positive spirit, enthusiasm and dedication continue to be a source of inspiration for the entire Point Park University community. Frank Sinatra's family and friends have chosen to honor his memory by establishing and supporting this scholarship fund, to benefit students in Point Park University's Sport, Arts & Entertainment Management Program in the University's School of Business.

Eligibility:

• Full-time SAEM student
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Preference to students from western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia
• Applicant must be an active member of the SAEM Majors Club

Steven B. Stein Scholarship

A 1970 graduate of Point Park, Steven B. Stein has been a longtime supporter of the university in various capacities. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, chair of the Development Committee of the Board, and has twice volunteered to serve as the Chairman of Point Park's capital campaigns: The Campaign for the Library Center and The Campaign for Point Park College. It is his desire to assist others in the pursuit of their higher education goals.

Eligibility:

• First preference for children of current and previous Allied Security, inc. employees
• Business major
• GPA of 2.8 or higher

Richard B. Tucker Memorial Scholarship

Richard B. Tucker was a Senior Partner at Tucker Arensberg, P.C. He was counsel for Point Park College in the late 1970s and was elected a Trustee under the Presidency of John V. Hopkins. Mr. Tucker served on the Board of Trustees for nearly 20 years, and, upon retirement, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Point Park College. The family of Mr. Tucker, as well as Tucker Arensberg, P.C., established the scholarship in his memory. Endowment was completed in 2004 by the firm.

Eligibility:

• Full- or part-time student in the School of Business
• Demonstrated financial need
• GPA of 3.0 or higher

Milton A. Washington Scholarship

Dr. Nancy Washington, a former Point Park University trustee, and Mr. Milton Washington are community leaders who believe in the value of education. Nancy and Milt Washington seek to recruit students into accounting in hopes of building a diverse workforce pipeline for the accounting profession through this scholarship.

Eligibility:

• Full-time rising sophomore
• Accounting major
• Demonstrated financial need
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Preference for minority student with exceptional financial need
• Preference for a student with an interest in entrepreneurship and/or information technology

Andrew Bernhard Memorial Scholarship

Andrew Bernhard was a city editor at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  When he passed away a fund was set up in his memory.

Eligibility:

• For journalism students

Myron Cope Scholarship for Journalism and Mass Communication

Myron Cope was a pioneer, innovator, historian, and authentic reporter of the written and spoken word. His career as a sports journalist, reporter, and commentator spanned many decades and he was respected and beloved on both a local and national level until his passing in February 2008. He had an ongoing relationship with Point Park University and several members of its faculty, including a lifelong friendship with the late Vin LaBarbera, second Chair of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department. As a way to recognize Mr. Cope's lifetime of journalistic accomplishments, an annual scholarship in his name will be presented to a deserving student by the Journalism and Mass Communication Department at Point Park University.

Eligibility:

• Full-time undergraduate
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Minimum of 45 earned credits
• With an interest in sports journalism and broadcasting
• Applicants having experience in college media and/or memberships in departments professional clubs and organizations is a benefit.
• An essay and work samples will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Scholarship

Purpose: to provide an outstanding student with an academic year scholarship and an internship at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Eligibility:

• Full time rising junior or senior
• Student in the School of Communication
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Applicants must have completed the COMM311 practicum course

Vincent LaBarbera Scholarship

Established in 1992 by Journalism and Communications Department alumni and friends in honor of the former chair, Vincent LaBarbera.

Purpose: to honor students who most exemplify the qualities Professor LaBarbera stressed during his department chairmanship, teaching career and private life.

Eligibility Preferences:

• Undergraduate students in journalism or communication
• Completed at least one semester of work at Point Park
• Minimum GPA of 3.3
• An essay, photojournalism essay, or video presentation will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Ardelle Vivienne Robinson Memorial Scholarship

Ardelle Vivienne Robinson was a talented artist, creative, and entrepreneur and was a 1986 graduate of Point Park University.  She was an award-winning photographer and photojournalist, and winner of the August Wilson Writing Competition for Poetry. She credited the strong educational experience she received at Point Park University for allowing her to successfully expand her talents beyond the classroom to opportunities around the world. Her collections of photos from the continental U.S., Hawaii, France, and Kenya have been showcased in numberous private and public collections and art shows. Her company, Designs by Vivienne, allowed her to reach clients and fans of her work all over the world. 

Eligibility:

• Full-time rising sophomore, junior or senior
• School of Communication
• Majoring in journalism or Photography
• Rising/returning student GPA: 2.5
• Incoming high school student GPA: 3.3

William Schmid Jr. Scholarship

William Schmid Jr. is a former professor at Point Park University and several members of his family are alumni.

Eligibility:

• Rising sophomore, junior or senior
• Majoring in journalism with a minor in any of the social sciences (history, political science, criminal justice, economics)
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Kathleen Bland Smith Memorial Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible through family members, friends, and colleagues of Professor Kathleen Bland Smith. Professor Smith died in 1986 following a long career in public relations and journalism, and many years in college teaching, including more than a decade at Point Park.

Eligibility:

• Graduate student in journalism or communication
• At least 18 credits completed
• Applicants will have proven scholarship in the program, professional motivation, and probable success in the communications field.
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Margy Snyder Memorial Scholarship

Margy Snyder was a news producer for KDKA-TV and a Point Park journalism major. This scholarship was developed by her friends and family to honor her memory.

Eligibility:

• Full-time rising junior or senior
• Broadcast majors concentrating in radio and/or television
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• An essay and three samples of broadcast work will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

William J. Thomas Scholarship

Eligibility:

• For rising seniors in journalism

School of Education

Dr. Rosemarie E. Cibik Scholarship

Dr. Rosemarie E Cibik worked at Point Park University for more than 14 years as Professor and Chair of the Education Department. She left in 1973 for a career in public education. She first served as principal of a state of the art open educational elementary school in the Fox Chapel Area School District. She subsequently joined Baldwin-Whitehall School District, becoming the second woman In Pennsylvania to be appointed a School Superintendent. She also served as Secretary of Education for the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and was chosen as one of the 100 Outstanding Educators in North America. Dr. Cibik is a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania. The scholarship was was established in 2013 in her honor by her daughters Lisa and Melanie Cibik.

Eligibility:

• Full- or part-time student
• Majoring in education
• Demonstrated financial need 

Cecia Ohringer Hess Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship endowment is in memory of Cecia Ohringer Hess who graduated in 1969 with a degree in Elementary Education and went on to a long career in elementary and gifted and talented education in Washington, DC.

Eligibility:

• Full-Time undergraduate student in the School of Education
• GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Rising Junior or Senior (completion of 48 credits and education major declared)
• Demonstrated financial need
• Additional Criteria: students who demonstrate the intangible attribute of perseverance from academic challenges in high school to success in college.
• An essay will be required during Round Two of the application process to be considered for this scholarship

Vernon Schnare Scholarship

James Schnare '74, who received a BA in social sciences, created this award in 1991 to support students pursuing a teaching career. The fund was established in honor of his father Vernon, who started his career in 1933 as a high school history and civics teacher, and for more than two decades prior to his retirement in 1973, used his position as a high school guidance counselor to expand the post-secondary educational opportunities of deserving students.

Eligibility:

• Full- or part-time student
• Majoring in secondary education with a concentration in citizenship
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• Demonstrated financial need