Dr. Eric Stephen Ball Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Purpose:
Dr. Eric Stephen Ball embodied excellence in teaching and exemplified the way that a professor can impact, inspire and guide students—which he did with tremendous success.
Dr. Ball believed that, as a professor, he was responsible for supporting his students indefinitely. Once a student crossed the classroom threshold, they were his student for life. It is our hope that, by creating a scholarship, we will be able to continue to support students in their academic pursuits of chemistry, the STEM fields and undergraduate research for many years to come, as Dr. Ball did during time with us. The Department of Chemistry and Dr. Ball’s family wish for his vision and passion for education to endure through the establishment of an endowed scholarship. An endowed scholarship lasts into perpetuity, allowing contributions to help permanently honor his legacy and continue to affect positive change for students, both present and future.

Criteria:
• Have a declared major in Chemistry or Biochemistry
• Have completed the core chemistry courses
• Have demonstrated improvement in their overall understanding of core chemistry concepts from chemistry courses, via grades and GPA
• Upload a one-page essay of no more than 500 words that summarizes how the student is improved and deserving of the scholarship. Essay points should include: Why have you stuck with the major despite the initial difficulty with the coursework? What tactics and tools have you used to improve your performance in chemistry courses? What was the difference in your attitude between the time that you first became a chemistry major and now? How has this experience helped you grow as an individual, as well as a scientist? What are your future plans after graduation with your degree?
• Upload a recommendation letter from a Chemistry professor who is not a member of the Chemistry Department Scholarship Selection Committee • Upload a copy of your transcript that shows courses taken and grades.

There is a preference for Juniors, but Seniors may apply.