Chemistry and Biochemistry Scholarships

This scholarship will be awarded to an incoming student who has a declared major in Chemistry ACS Certified; Chemistry, Liberal Arts; or Chemistry with Business. Students must demonstrate high academic potential (which does not necessarily mean high GPA or test scores) and provide evidence of overcoming challenging experiences or circumstances. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need.

All Chemistry and Biochemistry Opportunity Scholars are expected to maintain enrollment in one of the majors listed above or an interdisciplinary chemistry major (Biochemistry/Molecular Biology or Chemistry Teaching), make satisfactory progress toward completion of that degree each year, and maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0. Provided those requirements are met, the $2,500 award is renewable for up to three additional years.

Donor Background: This scholarship is funded by UW-Eau Claire alumni and friends to provide a helping hand to a deserving, high-potential student who has overcome challenging experiences or circumstances.

This scholarship will be awarded to an incoming first-year student who has a declared major in Chemistry ACS Certified; Chemistry, Liberal Arts; or Chemistry with Business. Candidates must rank in the top 25% of their graduating class or a have a GPA of 3.2 or greater. Preference will be given to candidates who show a strong academic record, involvement in extracurricular activities, and outstanding leadership potential.

Financial need is not a factor. Up to four scholarships of $2,500 are available.

Donor Background: This scholarship is funded by UW-Eau Claire alumni and friends to help educate the next generation of Blugold chemists and biochemists who will create solutions to global challenges.

This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to an incoming student who has a declared major in Chemistry or Biochemistry (including Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Chemistry with Business Emphasis). Preference will be given to students from Wisconsin. Financial need may be considered, but is not required.

Open to a chemistry education or physical science teaching major. The applicant must be making progress towards meeting the requirements for the education degree. Preference will be given to applicants with financial need. One scholarship of $2,000 is available.

Donor Background: Anna Thurston was a long-time chemistry professor at UW-Eau Claire. The late Charlotte Grinsel specified that a portion of her estate be added to the Anna M. Thurston Scholarship Fund established on the retirement of Ms. Thurston from the University.

This $600 award is open to junior or senior Chemistry or Chemical Education majors who are either low-income or first-generation college students, or individuals majoring in Chemistry or Chemical Education who are underrepresented in those fields. Applicants should show good character and integrity. Award is based on GPA, leadership ability, and service to others. If a student receives these funds for their junior year, they are still eligible to apply for the scholarship for their senior year as well. Financial need is considered.

Donor Background: This scholarship is sponsored by Joyce Breitweiser Hall '79 and her husband Tim. It is a tribute to the many professors who encouraged Joyce to consider an undergraduate chemistry major and then pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry. She would like to thank them, especially Dr. Richard Duerst, Dr. Philip Chenier, and Dr. Ralph Marking, for mentoring and encouraging her. Her life would not be the same without them.

Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate student who shows exceptional promise and has excelled in a collaborative research project with a chemistry department faculty member. All applicants must submit a one-page summary that details the type of research in which they are engaged and how they will use their research experiences to further their careers. Financial need is not a factor. One scholarship of $4,500 is available.

This scholarship is available to junior or senior Chemistry or Chemistry-Business Majors showing outstanding academic achievement. Five scholarships of $500 are available. Financial need is not a factor.

Donor Background: Floyd Krause was initially teaching Chemistry, Math and Geology at what was then the Eau Claire Teacher's College starting in 1942; he gradually focused on his area of expertise - Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis. Marie was engaged with connecting with the faculty families and creating the network that held together so many of the College's activities, encouraging recruitment and retention of talent at the developing University. In their honor, we members of Floyd and Marie's family are pleased that Floyd and Marie's friends and colleagues have joined us in our donations to assist many young people to advance their education in the scientific realm. Our world has great need for scientists with solid skills and human interests.

This $2500 scholarship is awarded to a full-time Chemistry, Chemistry with Business Emphasis, or Biochemistry/Molecular Biology major who is a rising junior (third year) or rising senior (fourth year). Recipients must have an overall GPA of 3.2 and a GPA of 3.4 in their chosen major.

Recipients must maintain one of the following:

• A summer job or internship where they commit to at least 20 hours of work per week;
• At least 20 hours per week of university-based research during the summer;
• A veteran or current active-duty military service member;
• A member of the National Guard/Reserve.

Highest preference will be given to a student who is either the child or grandchild of an immigrant to the United States. Preference will also be given to a student with documented financial need. The scholarship is renewable for an additional year provided the recipient remains a full-time student with a Chemistry, Chemistry with Business Emphasis, or Biochemistry/Molecular Biology major, maintains an overall GPA of 3.2 and a GPA of 3.4 in their chosen major, and continues to make satisfactory progress toward their degree.

Donor Background: This scholarship was established by Dr. George Arndt and Dr. Joseph Arndt in memory of their parents, Harold and Otilia.  As a condition of receiving the scholarship, the scholarship recipient will provide Drs. George Arndt and Joseph Arndt with a letter thanking them for the scholarship support. This letter will be given to the UWEC Foundation and forwarded to the donors.  In addition, the donors will be invited to the annual spring Chemistry and Biochemistry awards banquet to meet their scholarship recipient.

Two scholarships of $5,000 are available.

This scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior. Recipient must be a full-time student with a declared ChemBus major and demonstrate an interest in a chemistry industry career. Recipient must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and demonstrate a strong work ethic, as shown by holding employment (which might include chemistry research) during the summer months and preferably during the school year. Acceptable employment includes active military/National Guard reserve duty. Financial need is not a factor.

This scholarship is renewable for a second year if the recipient meets the above-mentioned criteria and has secured (or successfully completed) an internship with Hydrite. The recipient is eligible for award renewal for a third year if the student meets the above-mentioned criteria and has successfully completed an internship with Hydrite.

Donor Background: Hydrite is a family-owned, privately held, chemical company comprised of 1,000 employees across 30+ states. They offer diversified expertise in chemical manufacturing and distribution throughout multiple markets, such as, food and dairy sanitation, food ingredients, organic processing, agriculture fertilizers, industrial applications, water treatment and foam control chemistries. People are Hydrite’s greatest asset, and the cornerstone of the organization. Their employee-centric culture was built upon their building blocks - People, Integrity, Responsible Growth, Innovation and Safety & Quality. With manufacturing facilities in 6 states, Hydrite remains committed to providing sustainable ideas and solutions that ensure Customer, Employee and Partner success.

One scholarship of $900 is available. All applicants must meet the following criteria: junior standing in Chemistry Liberal Arts or Chemistry-ACS major with one year remaining at UWEC; academic potential; professional commitment; and career goals. Financial need is not a factor.

Donor Background: Dr. Leo Ochrymowycz

Two scholarships of $500 are available. Recipient must be a junior or senior majoring in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology with a GPA of at least 3.0 in both the major, and in chemistry and biology courses. Students' career goals, activities, and service to the Chemistry and/or Biology departments are taken into consideration. Financial need is not a factor.

Donor Background: Tim Gleiter

One scholarship of $3,000 is available. This scholarship is awarded to a junior chem/business major. The award is renewable for an additional year provided the student maintains good academic standing. Recipient must demonstrate financial need as required by UW-Eau Claire Foundation's scholarship award standards.

Donor Background: Patrick and Dana Quinlan

This $1,000 scholarship is available to junior or senior chemistry majors showing academic achievement, with a preference for education majors planning to teach chemistry in the public schools and who have demonstrated an ability to communicate with young people. Students should indicate career goals on the application for the scholarship, as well as demonstrate community service activity experience. Financial need is not a factor.

Donor Background: In honor of Perry and Helen Luchsinger.

One scholarship of $600 is available. Open to junior or senior Chemistry-Business majors who demonstrate academic achievement and potential. In the application, students should indicate career goals, and outline student activities and service to the Department of Chemistry.

In the event no Chemistry-Business majors apply for the award, the scholarship may be presented to a Chemistry major. Financial need is not a factor.

Donor Background: In honor of Dr. Philip J. Chenier

One scholarship of $2,500 is available. The applicant is preferred to be a rising junior or senior or an outstanding rising sophomore and must be pursuing a major in Chemistry-Business. The awardee must demonstrate the ability to work with other people and have a desire to work in industry as demonstrated through an essay or past, present, or future internships in chemistry business or the chemical industry.

Donor Background: The Sherwin Williams Performance Coatings Group has been a consistent employer of UW-Eau Claire graduates of the chemistry with business emphasis program and supports the scholars of upcoming students in this program.

One scholarship of $3,300 is available. The highly preferred type of student to receive this scholarship is not necessarily the one with the best academic standing or GPA. An ideal candidate would be a chemistry major who is a good academic student, but one who "needs a boost"; a "marginal" person with real potential. A person with "a fire in their belly" to succeed in chemistry and one who illustrates tenacity and desire. Applicants must be continuing students and have completed at least one semester of study at UWEC, with at least 45 credits earned toward a chemistry liberal arts or chemistry-ACS major. Applicants must have a realistic aspiration to pursue graduate study.

The scholarship should provide to the recipient the opportunity to participate in a collaborative scholarly endeavor with a faculty mentor, rather than seek additional external subsistence employment.

Donor Background: Mark Purgett in honor of Dr. Leo Ochrymowycz

One scholarship of $1,000 is available. Awarded to a junior chemistry major who is enrolled full-time and is in good academic standing. Recipients should demonstrate a keen interest and proficiency in research and willingness to collaborate with others in the field. Financial need is not required.

Donor Background: This scholarship is established and funded by his family to honor the memory and work of Theran P. Riedel. Theran completed his undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, graduating with a degree in chemistry in 2007, earned his PhD in atmospheric chemistry from the University of Washington and completed post-doctoral work at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Upon completion of his education, Theran was employed in the research division of the Environmental Protection Agency. Theran lived his life with quiet focus, good humor, and a positive attitude for learning and embracing new experiences. He had a curiosity that made science a natural fit for him.

One scholarship of $1,000 is available. The applicant must be a junior pursuing a major in Chemistry-Business, have had at least a one year residency at UW-Eau Claire, and have an interest in, and potential for, a career in the chemical industry. Financial need is not a factor.

Donor Background: Univar Solutions is a leading global distributor of industrial and specialty chemicals, with an extensive network of over 260 distribution facilities in North America, Europe, Asia- Pacific, and Latin America, and additional sales offices in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. They serve over 115,000 customers in more than 115 countries, representing nearly every major industry and a highly diverse set of end markets. As a world leader in chemical distribution, Univar Solutions is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen with a global focus on safety, health, the environment, and sustainability.

One award is available for an outstanding student in organic chemistry and one award is available for an outstanding student in inorganic chemistry.

Donor Background: These awards are made available by an anonymous donor.

This scholarship is available at the discretion of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to recognize exemplary students.