Political Science at Aquinas College

The Aquinas College Political Science Department has academic scholarships available to students majoring in political science. 

Richard Blake Memorial Scholarship

Former Political Science Professor Richard Blake will be remembered forever at Aquinas College as his family endowed a scholarship in the Political Science Department in his name. The Richard Blake Memorial Scholarship commemorates the life of Professor Blake who taught at AQ for 25 years. He often taught classes at his home in Grand Haven where he also enjoyed boating on Lake Michigan. Professor Blake served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Dick Blake died in 1992 leaving his wife, Phyllis, and children Laura, Ann and Max. 

The purpose of the scholarship is to offer financial assistance to full-time Aquinas College students who demonstrate a strong work ethic and who are pursuing studies in political science and international relations. An annual award of $1,500 will be made to an Aquinas College undergraduate student who is pursuing and possess a 3.5 GPA in political science and international relations. “This is a wonderful legacy the Blake family is leaving. This scholarship will make a significant difference in the lives of many students,” said Professor Durham.

Purpose:
To offer financial assistance to full-time Aquinas College students who demonstrate a strong work ethic and who are pursuing studies in political science and international relations.

Description:
This scholarship commemorates the life of Professor Richard Blake an esteemed member of the Aquinas faculty and political science department for 25 years. He often taught classes at his home in Grand Haven where he also enjoyed boating on Lake Michigan. Professor Blake served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Professor Blake died in 1992 leaving his wife, Phyllis, and children Laura, Ann and Max.

Funding:
Funding will be derived from gifts from friends and family members and eventually through a retirement fund distribution.

Award Amount:
Qualified recipients will receive a minimum of $1,500.

Application Process:
Applicants should obtain information from the Political Science Department and secure application forms through the Office of Financial Aid.

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible, applicants must be undergraduate students who are pursuing studies in and possess a 3.5 GPA in political science and international relations. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and is renewable.

Selection Process:
Award selection is made by the Director of Financial Aid in consultation with the Political Science Department.

Date of Initial Award:
August 2004

The James and Hazel Short Political Science Scholarship 

Description:
The James and Hazel Short Political Science Scholarship has been established by Mr. Daniel Hearn, a graduate of Aquinas College who received law degrees from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Wayne State University. He returned to Aquinas College for a master's degree in teaching and a minor in political science. Mr. Hearn has committed his career to learning and helping other students pursue their goals through education.

Purpose:
Financial assistance will be offered to undergraduate Aquinas College students who have declared a major in political science.

Funding:
Funding for the awards will be provided through an annual gift made by Mr. Hearn and his family.

Award Amount:
Qualified recipients will receive a minimum of $1,000.

Application Process:
Applicants should obtain information from the Political Science Department and secure application forms through the Office of Financial Aid.

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible, applicants must be undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.

Selection Process:
Award selection is made by the Director of Financial Aid and Chair of the Political Science Department. A political science instructor will serve as a mentor to the scholarship recipient.

The Jackman Palmatier Scholarship Fund

Purpose:
To offer financial assistance to full-time Aquinas College students majoring in political science and provide funding for guest speakers and other special projects in the political science department.

Funding:
Funding will be delivered through annual gifts by Helen Palmatier.

Award Amount:
Qualified recipients will receive a minimum of $1,000 per year.

Application Process:
Applicants should obtain information from the political science department and secure application forms through the Office of Financial Aid.

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible, applicants must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum high school GPA of 2.5. 

Selection Process:
Award selection is made by the Director of Financial Aid and Chair of the Political Science Department. A political science instructor will serve as a mentor to the scholarship recipient.

Date of Initial Award:
September 2000

The Frank and Julia Ferugheli Memorial Scholarship

Description
Frank and Julia Ferugheli were the parents of Patricia Zifferblatt, co-founder and Director of the Better Life Institute, located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. They emigrated from Italy in 1914 and became naturalized citizens of the United States. Each of their three children was encouraged to study, learn and give back to their community. Frank and Julia believed that the path to success is paved with hard work and caring every day for those who are in need. They would be proud to know that a scholarship in their name has been established at Aquinas College. Never stop learning.

Purpose
This scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing studies in Political Science with a preference to pre-law students.

Funding
Funding for the scholarship will be made through an endowment established by Patricia Zifferblatt.

Award Amount
Qualified recipients will receive a minimum of $500 and the scholarship is renewable.

Application Process
Applicants should obtain information from the Aquinas College Political Science Department.

Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must be undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA. Financial need will be considered. Preference will be given to students who plan to enter law school and participate in the Model United Nations program.

Selection Process
The faculty and department chair of the Political Science Department will nominate students for this award.