ATTENTION: Phi Delts wishing to apply for a Phi Delta Theta Foundation scholarship or fellowship should visit the scholarship section of myPhiDelt to view opportunities available to them. Non-members wishing to apply for the LiveLikeLou Legacy Scholarship or Francis D. Lyons Graduate Fellowship, please visit the application links in the respective descriptions below. Questions regarding scholarships and fellowships can be directed to foundation@phideltatheta.org.

A Look at This Year’s Scholarship and Fellowship Recipients

Thanks to the generous support of many donors, Phi Delta Theta awards over $220,000 in scholarships and graduate fellowships annually to more than 200 recipients with an average award size of $1,000. With both the cost of student debt and higher education increasing, and on behalf of our donors, we are proud to be able to offer these awards to our members. Congratulations to the recipients!

Many scholarships and fellowships are named in honor of brothers who have made a lasting impact on the Fraternity through their generosity of time, talent and/or treasure. Additional local scholarships will add to this total through the end of the current academic year.

View the most recent recipients

Named Scholarships and Fellowships

ARTHUR R. PRIEST SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Arthur R. Priest, DePauw 1891, was the Fraternity’s first Executive Secretary serving in that position from 1923 to 1937. The Arthur R. Priest Award has been given each year since 1954 to an outstanding undergraduate member within the Fraternity.

ARIZONA GAMMA SCHOLARSHIPS

The Arizona Gamma Fund was established in 2001 to recognize top academic achievement of members from the Northern Arizona University chapter. Each semester, the four Arizona Gamma members who have the highest GPA receive an Arizona Gamma Award. The fund was established by George E. Grady, Arizona ’52, and has since received generous support from the Valley of the Sun Alumni Club (Phoenix Area), Arizona Gamma alumni, and many alumni from other Phi chapters.

JAMES R. BALLARD SCHOLARSHIP

The Ballard Scholarship benefits students from the Colorado Gamma Chapter at Colorado State. The award is named and funded by Jim Ballard, Colorado State ’52. Jim served his chapter as house corporation president and chapter adviser during his decades of service.

THOMAS BEAHAM SCHOLARSHIPS

Established in 2006 in honor of Thomas G. Beaham, Arizona ’61, the Beaham Scholarships recognize the outstanding leadership and academic performances of undergraduates from the Arizona Alpha Chapter. Brother Beaham served Arizona Alpha for decades as a volunteer and was a tireless supporter of Phi Delta Theta in the city of Tucson. Brother Beaham entered the Chapter Grand in September, 2007. Gaeel Beaham, Tom’s wife, participates in the presentation of the Beaham Scholarships each year at the Tucson Founders Day. This scholarship is facilitated by a chapter alumni scholarship committee and a local scholarship application should be requested by interested students.

CHAPTER LEADERSHIP FUNDS

Some chapters benefit from Chapter Leadership Funds that assist with the expenses of delegates attending the Kleberg Emerging Leadership Institute held in Oxford each summer. Currently the list of chapters include:

California Delta
Florida Delta
Georgia Beta (John Frank Thomas Fund)
Georgia Gamma
Illinois Beta
Indiana Gamma
Indiana Lambda
Iowa Gamma
Maryland Alpha (Fitzpatrick Fund)
Missouri Zeta
Nevada Alpha
New Mexico Alpha
Ohio Mu
Oklahoma Alpha
Oregon Gamma
Pennsylvania Mu
Texas Gamma
Texas Epsilon (Kleberg Fund)
Texas Mu

Members do NOT need to apply for these funds – grants are provided to Kleberg attendees upon their arrival at the educational conference or used to cover the costs of additional conference delegates.

Phi Delta Theta Colorado Alpha Scholarship

Applicants must be members of the Colorado Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta and/or must be a qualifying legacy of a Colorado Alpha Phi Delta Theta member. All children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are eligible to apply. Annually, applicants are evaluated on the basis of merit (academic achievement), leadership (student government, sports, or other sponsored school activity), and financial need.

See Application

TONY DANBY SCHOLARSHIP

Dr. J.M. Anthony Danby is not your typical Phi. Born in London in 1929, and educated at Oxford and at Manchester University in the United Kingdom, Brother Danby didn’t become a Phi until 1993. However, he had been involved with Phi Delta Theta for many years before his initiation because he had served as North Carolina Delta’s Faculty Advisor. Dr. Danby made a gift to the Foundation in 1999 to endow scholarships for members of North Carolina Delta Chapter. The first Danby Scholarships were given during the 2001-2002 academic-year.

JACK H. DEACON, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Jack H. Deacon, Jr. became a member of Maryland Alpha Chapter at the University of Maryland in 1984. He was a very active and involved member who served as chapter president. After his 1987 graduation, he served Phi Delta Theta as an adviser for the colony at Washington College, which became Maryland Gamma Chapter in 1992. Brother Deacon died in an accident in 1993. In 1995 his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Deacon, Sr., established the scholarship in his memory. It is offered to a student from Maryland Alpha Chapter.

DONALD E. DEMKEE SCHOLARSHIP

Brother Donald E. Demkee, Akron ’60, established this scholarship in his name in 1982. Dr. Demkee served as Province President for Sigma South Province in northern Ohio from 1982 to 1983. Brother Demkee was a Wooster, Ohio dentist whose practice was limited to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Priority consideration for the Demkee Scholarship is given to members from the Ohio Epsilon Chapter.

JAMES P. DEVERE SCHOLARSHIP

Brother James P. Devere, UCLA ’41, established this scholarship in 1988. Devere is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the UCLA Foundation and is a member of the UCLA Baseball Hall of Fame. The scholarship is restricted to members of California chapters with first preference going to members of California Gamma Chapter at his alma mater.

FESLER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

The Fesler Family Scholarship was established in 1996 by David R. Fesler, Minnesota ’50, and his wife, Elizabeth P. Fesler. The award was established to honor the Phi Delta Theta members of David’s family. Those honored are three sets of brothers from three generations of the family:

James William Fesler, Franklin College and Indiana University 1887. He was David’s great uncle.
Bert Fesler, Indiana University 1889, David’s grandfather.
John King Fesler, Minnesota 1923, David’s father.
James William Fesler, Minnesota 1932, David’s uncle.
John Lampert Fesler, Minnesota 1949, David’s brother.
David Richard Fesler, Minnesota 1950.

Preference for this scholarship is given to older “non-traditional” students.

ALBERT J. GAVLAK SCHOLARSHIP

In 1984 Mrs. Albert J. Gavlak, with the help of friends, established the Albert J. Gavlak Scholarship in memory of her husband who had passed away in 1982. Brother Gavlak was a member of the Ohio Eta Chapter and a 1922 graduate of the Case School of Applied Science (later named Case Western Reserve University). The scholarship is designated for a member of Ohio Eta Chapter at Case. Brother Gavlak had served as an adviser to Ohio Eta Chapter.

GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS

In the fall of 1997, the Trustees of the Foundation voted to offer four $2,500 fellowships annually to Phi graduate students. Selection is based upon academic excellence, Phi Delta Theta involvement, and campus and community activities. The first fellowships were awarded for the 1998-1999 academic year.

GEORGE E. GRADY FELLOWSHIP

George E. Grady, Arizona ’52 , endowed the Foundation’s first named fellowship. Brother Grady, a retired investment adviser, served as the Omega Province President from 1989 to 2004. He directed that priority consideration for the fellowship be given to alumni from chapters in Omega Province. The first Grady Fellowship was presented during the 1999-2000 academic year.

CLIFFORD E. & LAVONNE GRAESE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Up to five scholarship awards will be available to the undergraduate members of the South Dakota Alpha Chapter between 2016 and 2017. Award amounts may vary depending on the number of applicants (total amount of $5,000 will be awarded). Members in good standing and with one full year of undergraduate study remaining are eligible to apply. Successful applicants will be asked to visit the University of South Dakota campus museum and peruse the collections in The Graese Gallery.

J. FRED GREEN SCHOLARSHIP

The J. Fred Green Award was first awarded in 1996 by the Canadian Phi Delta Theta Scholarship Foundation in honor of J. Fred Green, Toronto 1930, a long-standing Director of the Canadian Foundation who was instrumental in the Foundation’s establishment in 1974. Brother Green was also a long-standing Province President and devoted countless hours of service over many years to the fraternity he loved. He also played a key role in developing Phi Delta Theta in Canada over his several decades of committed service. The award is given annually to the most outstanding individual to be awarded a Canadian Foundation scholarship. The winner is recognized as a scholar and a leader in his chapter, on campus and in his community.

JORDAN L. HAINES AWARDS

After his entrance into the Chapter Grand, friends and family members of Jordan L. Haines, Kansas ’49, raised money to establish both scholarships and fellowships in Brother Haines’ name for members of his beloved Kansas Alpha Chapter at the University of Kansas. The first recipients were named in 2007.

JOHN G. HAZLETT SCHOLARSHIP

The Hazlett Scholarship shall benefit an undergraduate member of the Ohio Alpha Chapter. The recipient shall have a 3.5 grade point average, will have also demonstrated a daily pattern of moral living which is at a level higher than that of an average student, and shall have performed commendable service in social or citizenship areas. This award was provided for in the provisions of Mr. Hazlett’s estate. He was a member of the Ohio Alpha Chapter (Bond# 972) and graduated from Miami University with the Class of 1949.

HIRAM PERRY HOLMES SCHOLARSHIP

H. Perry Holmes was the longtime financial advisor to Michigan Alpha Chapter at the University of Michigan. Brother Holmes died in 1977. His widow established the Hiram Perry Holmes Scholarship in his memory with a gift to the Foundation in 1985. Priority is given to members of three chapters: Michigan Alpha at the University of Michigan, Arizona Alpha at the University of Arizona, and North Carolina Beta at the University of North Carolina. Michigan Alpha is Brother Holmes’ chapter, Arizona Alpha is the transfer chapter of Brother Holmes’ son, James C. Holmes, and North Carolina Beta is the chapter of his grandson, Stephen W. Holmes.

HOYT-JOLLEY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

In 1997, the Foundation received a generous gift from the Ruth R. Hoyt – Anne H. Jolley Foundation, Inc. The gift was earmarked to establish a scholarship for undergraduate members of Phi Delta Theta attending school in one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas or Virginia. William H. Jolley, Georgia Tech ’78 and Fleming L. Jolley, Jr., Vanderbilt ’74, served as trustees of the Hoyt – Jolley Foundation. The scholarship was awarded for the first time during the 1998-1999 academic year.

JOHN B. JACKSON, JR. SCHOLARSHIP

In 1992 Phi friends of John B. Jackson, Jr., Georgia Tech ’45, began raising money for a scholarship to honor Brother Jackson who was retiring after many years as the executive vice president of the Atlanta Alumni Club. When Jackson died in February of 1993, alumni in Atlanta accelerated their fund raising efforts to complete the fund in his memory. Phi and non-Phi friends throughout the country supported the fund raising efforts, and the scholarship was established in 1994.

JACK S. KITCHEN SCHOLARSHIP

Jack S. Kitchen established this scholarship in 1982 for members of his beloved Missouri Alpha Chapter at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Brother Kitchen was associated with El Paso’s First Savings and Loan Association from its founding in 1958 until he retired in 1980 as Chairman of the Board. His wife, Hulda Rhodes Kitchen, followed Jack’s lead by making generous gifts to increase the corpus of the Kitchen Scholarship Fund. Brother Kitchen passed away on January 3, 1996.

HERBERT C. LOVEJOY SCHOLARSHIP

A will bequest made by Brother Lovejoy provided the funds to establish the Herbert C. Lovejoy Scholarship. Brother Lovejoy, a member of Washington Alpha Chapter, graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1914. His will provided that the scholarship be restricted to members of his chapter. The scholarship was established in 1982.

FRANCIS D. LYON GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP

Francis D. “Pete” Lyon, UCLA ’28, was a distinguished director, producer and editor of motion pictures and television. He won 1947’s Academy Award for Best Film Editing for Body and Soul. Brother Lyon’s graduate fellowship is awarded to students of film making. Recipients must be graduate students. They may be Phis or non-Phis, men or women. They must, however, share his passion for making films, and they must show evidence of talent. In 1995, Brother Lyon received Phi Delta Theta’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. He passed away in October of 1996 just a few weeks after he had established the scholarship.

View application criteria

J. CLYDE MARKEL FELLOWSHIPS

The J. Clyde Markel Fund was established in 1967 with a bequest from the will of Caroline Markel, Brother Markel’s widow. Dr. J. Clyde Markel, Gettysburg ’00, was a Pittsburgh physician who received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1904. Legend has it that Dr. Markel had a perfect attendance record extending over a period of 20 or 30 years at the Pittsburgh Alumni Club’s weekly luncheons. Originally awarded as undergraduate scholarships, the Markel Fund now provides funding for multiple graduate fellowships each year.

J. WILLARD MARRIOTT SCHOLARSHIP

J. Willard Marriott, Utah ’25, was well known first for his chain of restaurants and later through the Marriott Hotel enterprise. He passed away in August of 1985. The Marriott Family Trust matched funds raised by alumni of Utah Alpha Chapter at the University of Utah to establish the scholarship fund in his memory. The scholarship was first awarded in 1988. Recipients are members of the Utah Alpha Chapter. This scholarship is facilitated by a chapter alumni scholarship committee and a local scholarship application should be requested by interested students.

MARYLAND ALPHA/ FITZPATRICK SCHOLARSHIP

In honor of the 80th Anniversary, Maryland Alpha and the Phi Delta Theta Foundation are seeking to raise $800,000 for the Maryland Alpha/Fitzpatrick Scholarship Fund program. Founded at the 75th anniversary by the late Marv Perry, Maryland ’52, the Fund seeks to provide significant scholarships to undergraduate brothers as recognition for their achievements so they may extend their leadership within the chapter and on campus. The fund will ensure our future on campus, even when times change within the Greek community.

CHARLES D. McATEE SCHOLARSHIP

The McAtee Scholarship is named in memory of Charles D. McAtee, Washburn ’50, a long-time champion of Phi Delta Theta and mentor to many Washburn Phis. First awarded in 2009, the McAtee Scholarship recognizes the Kansas Beta student(s) who excels in the classroom and exhibits outstanding leadership qualities. This scholarship is facilitated by a chapter alumni scholarship committee and a local scholarship application should be requested by interested students.

MICHAEL S. McCONNEL SCHOLARSHIP

Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. McConnel, Jr. established the Michael S. McConnel Scholarship Fund in 1987 with a generous gift in memory of their son. Brother McConnel died on October 9, 1985, while he was an undergraduate at Dickinson College. The McConnel Scholarship is restricted to members of Michael’s chapter, Pennsylvania Epsilon.

H. LAIRD McGREGOR SCHOLARSHIP

The H. Laird McGregor Scholarship was established in 1994 shortly after Brother McGregor’s death. Laird McGregor, Denison ’51, served as a trustee of the Foundation from 1981 to1989 and as a member of the Fraternity’s General Council from 1986 to1988. He received the Fraternity’s prestigious Legion of Merit Award at the 1988 General Convention. Gifts from Brother McGregor, from his son-in-law and daughter, Terrence and Laurie McGregor Connor, and from many Phi and non -Phi friends at the time of his death funded the scholarship.

ROBERT J. MILLER LEADERSHIP AWARDS

The Robert J. Miller Leadership Award was established in 1990 in honor of Brother Miller, New Mexico ’50, who would retire the next year from his position as Executive Vice President of Phi Delta Theta. Gifts to establish this scholarship were received from Brother Miller’s many friends. Each year the undergraduate brother judged to have demonstrated the most outstanding leadership in his chapter and on his campus is awarded the Robert J. Miller Leadership Award.

ARTHUR C. MUSSELMAN SCHOLARSHIP

During 1992, Brother Arthur C. Musselman, Gettysburg ’28, established a scholarship fund for members of his beloved chapter, Pennsylvania Beta at Gettysburg College. Pennsylvania Beta was, indeed, a Musselman “family affair.” His father, John C. Musselman, graduated from Gettysburg in 1883. His three brothers, John, Amos and Luther, were all Gettysburg alumni graduating in 1910, 1912 and 1915. All were members of Phi Delta Theta. A retired mathematics teacher, Brother Musselman passed away on March 26, 1993.

MUSTER/WARD/GOSS SCHOLARSHIP

The Muster/Ward/Goss fund was established in 1993 to honor three former employees of Ohio Theta Chapter at the University of Cincinnati. The fund was named for two housemothers, Mom Muster and Mom Ward, and for McKinley Goss, the chapter’s houseman. Gifts to establish the scholarship fund were sent by alumni members of Ohio Theta Chapter with an especially generous gift from Ronald F. Walker, Cincinnati ’61, who was a Foundation trustee at the time. The scholarship is restricted to members of Ohio Theta Chapter.

JEFFREY R. NIEMAN SCHOLARSHIPS

The Jeffrey R. Nieman Scholarships were established in 1988 by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nieman. Brother Nieman died on April 8, 1987, while he was an undergraduate at Southwest Missouri State University where he was a member of Missouri Epsilon Chapter. Two scholarships are available annually. First preference goes to members of Missouri Epsilon Chapter, then to Missouri Gamma Chapter at Washington University, and then to Phis attending school in the state of Missouri.

NEVADA BETA SCHOLARSHIPS

The Nevada Beta Fund was created in 2000 by David Lynch, Washington (St Louis) ’62, to recognize outstanding academic performances by members and Phikeia from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas chapter. Since its founding, scores of Nevada Beta alumni have contributed to the growth and success of the fund. Each semester, the member with the highest GPA, the member with the most improved academic performance and the Phikeia with the highest GPA receive a Nevada Beta Scholarship.

NEW YORK ZETA SCHOLARSHIPS

The New York Zeta Fund was created in 2006 by alumni of the Colgate chapter. On an annual basis, the Fund’s directors facilitate support for undergraduate scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, merit and financial need. Students are recognized annually with the Winnie MacKay Awards, Freeman H. Allen Award, Sigma Alpha Award, Knights of Pallas Awards and Sound Learning Awards. The New York Zeta Fund also supports an annual career event in New York City for undergraduates and alumni of the chapter. These scholarships are facilitated by a chapter alumni scholarship committee.

JAMES D. OATTS SCHOLARSHIPS

James D. Oatts, Akron ’26, provided very generously for the Phi Delta Theta Foundation in his will. Brother Oatts died in August of 1990, and the scholarships were established the following year. Several scholarships are presented annually in memory of Brother Oatts. Members of Ohio Epsilon Chapter at the University of Akron are given first preference for one of the scholarships. Brother Oatts was President of Oatts-Conry Organization, Inc.

W.H. STERG O’DELL SCHOLARSHIPS

Brother Sterg O’Dell, Iowa ’40, wrote to the Foundation in 1972 wondering what two or three scholarships a year for a trail period of five years would do for Iowa Beta Chapter at The University of Iowa. “I should think that some scholarships for Iowa Beta might give the chapter a boost in spirit.” The O’Dell Scholarships for members of Iowa Beta Chapter were established the next year.

The OHIO EPSILON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Established in 1982 by the Ohio Epsilon chapter in memory of Verlin P. Jenkins Akron, 1924, this scholarship fund supports deserving full-time undergraduates who are active Phi Delta Theta members of Ohio Epsilon. Other scholarships available when applying for this scholarship include:

The Paul E. Martin Scholarship for Ohio Epsilon
The Frederick W. Martin Scholarship for Ohio Epsilon
The Perry T. Demming Scholarship for Ohio Epsilon

To apply for these scholarships the applicant must meet the following criteria:

An active member of the Ohio Epsilon Chapter of Phi Delta Theta
A full-time enrolled undergraduate student of The University of Akron
A member of Phi Delta Theta for one semester prior to applying for a scholarship
Applicant must be in good financial standing with Phi Delta Theta

Apply here

OHIO THETA SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year, the Ohio Theta Fund and the Donald Melchiorre Cincinnati ’59 Leadership Fund (est. 2007) recognize outstanding students on the University of Cincinnati campus. Both members and first-year students (non-members) are selected to receive scholarships based upon their performances in the classroom, leadership and community service. Most awards are presented at the Ohio Theta Scholarship Banquet, held in September of each year. These scholarships are facilitated by a local alumni scholarship committee.

OREGON ALPHA GOLDEN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP

The Golden Legionnaires of Oregon Alpha Chapter have a very active organization that holds annual weekend reunions. During one of their meetings, they decided to fund a scholarship for members of Oregon Alpha Chapter at the University of Oregon. Their fund raising activities were successful, and in 1991, the Oregon Alpha Golden Legion Scholarship was established.

JOHN L. OTT SCHOLARSHIP

John L. Ott, Rollins ’35, served as President of Eta North Province (Kentucky) from 1965 to 1973. Brother Ott died in December of 1974. His widow, Mary Jane, established the John L. Ott Scholarship in 1982 in his memory “because Phi Delta Theta was very dear to Jack.” In selecting the recipients for the Ott Scholarship, preference is given to members of Florida Beta Chapter at Rollins College and to members of chapters in Kentucky, though members of all chapters are eligible.

PAUL G. and RUTH R. PALMER SCHOLARSHIPS

The Paul G. and Ruth R. Palmer Scholarships were established in 1998 when the Foundation received the proceeds of a Living Trust established by the Palmers. Dr. Palmer, a retired veterinarian, was a 1933 graduate of Colorado State University and a member of Colorado Gamma Chapter. The Palmer Scholarships were given for the first time during the 1999-2000 academic-year. Members of Colorado Gamma Chapter at Colorado State University, as well as members of chapters in Oregon, Washington and California compete for the awards.

MARVIN J. PERRY FELLOWSHIP

This fellowship was set-up thanks to an estate gift from Brother Marv Perry, Maryland ’53. An entrepreneur in the wholesale furniture business, Marv served Phi Delta Theta as a volunteer general officer and was recognized as one of the inaugural members of the Living Bond Society. He also worked as a field secretary for the Fraternity immediately after graduating from Maryland. Marv entered the Chapter Grand in September 2006.

CHUCK POORE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship honors Charles W. “Chuck” Poore, South Dakota ’61, and his two Phi sons, Christopher, Nebraska-Kearney ’93, and Gregory, Southeast Missouri State ’97. Brother Poore, Past President of the General Council, was also the longtime President of Psi Province. He established the scholarship in 1993. The Poore Scholarship is available to members of Nebraska Alpha Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Beta Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Nebraska Gamma Chapter at Creighton University, and Sound Dakota Alpha Chapter at the University of South Dakota.

J. DAVID & DOROTHY REAMS SCHOLARSHIP/GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP

This award was established for Phi Delta Theta members to help cover the expenses associated with earning a college degree. It may be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student. Preference will be given to California Gamma Phis but depending on applicants and judging scores, other chapters may also be taken into consideration.

WILLIAM R. RICHARDSON FELLOWSHIP

The William R. Richardson Fellowship is named in honor of former Foundation President William R. “Rusty” Richardson, Tampa ’80. This fellowship was one of the first fellowships to be offered by the Phi Delta Theta Foundation Board of Trustees.

ALBERT R. SCHUETTE FELLOWSHIP

Albert R. Schuette was a Phi from the Ohio Iota Chapter at Denision. He was a member of the class of 1956. Through a bequest in his will, Al has created the Schuette Fellowship that will provide an annual fellowship to a member of Phi Delta Theta. Priority consideration shall be granted to students who have evidenced an interest in, and are committed to, securing employment in the American automotive industry. Preference will be provided to applicants associated with the General Motors Corporation, and graduates of Michigan State University, Denison University or Kettering University.

MAURICE E. SHAFFER SCHOLARSHIPS

Maurice E. Shaffer’s generous gifts to the Foundation have been providing scholarships for members of Phi Delta Theta since 1988. A retired businessman and attorney, Brother Shaffer, Dickinson ’30, was one of the first members of the Foundation’s Founders Club. He was a former President of the Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) Alumni Club. Every summer for decades, he and Mrs. Shaffer hosted an annual summer picnic at their home for Harrisburg alumni and their guests. Brother Shaffer passed away in October of 1997.

RUSSELL D. SHELDEN SCHOLARSHIP

Dr. and Mrs. Russell D. Shelden established this scholarship in July of 1998 with a gift to the Foundation. A medical doctor from Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Shelden is a 1942 graduate of the University of Missouri and a loyal member of Missouri Alpha Chapter. Dr. and Mrs. Shelden earmarked the scholarship for members of Missouri Alpha. The first Russell D. Shelden Scholarship was given during the 1999-2000 academic year.

JAMES SIERRA SCHOLARSHIP

The Sierra Scholarship is named in honor and memory of James F. Sierra, Bond #27 from the California Zeta Chapter at Cal-State Northridge. The scholarship was established in 2004, and it offers priority consideration to California Zeta members. Brother Sierra entered the Chapter Grand in October 2005.

WATSON E. SLABAUGH SCHOLARSHIP

Watty Slabaugh, Case ’29, was a life-long supporter of his university, his Ohio Eta Chapter, and the General Fraternity. For many years he was the backbone of the Mansfield (Ohio) Area Alumni Club where he played a prominent role in influencing many young men to join Phi Delta Theta. He died in August of 1991. Brother Slabaugh’s widow, along with his two daughters and their husbands, decided to establish the Watson E. Slabaugh Fund as a lasting reminder of his dedication to the Fraternity. Many friends sent gifts in his memory. Those gifts were added to the gifts from Brother Slabaugh’s family, and together they funded the scholarship. The Slabaugh Scholarship was officially established in 1992.

TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS

A 1997 gift to the Foundation from The William A. and Madeline Welder Smith Foundation established the Foundation’s Texas Gamma Chapter Scholarship. The scholarship is restricted to members of Texas Gamma Chapter at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. The first scholarship from this fund was awarded during the 1997-1998 academic year. Since its creation, the fund has grown so that it now provides three scholarships per year. The additional awards are now given in memory of two outstanding and dedicated alumni from that chapter: John N. Score II and Howard E. Young.

JOE TONSMEIRE LEADERSHIP FUND

The Joe Tonsmeire Leadership Memorial Fund was established in 2008. Joe Tonsmeire, Auburn ‘69, long time river runner, adventurer and past president of Alabama Beta, entered the Chapter Grand on March 9, 2007, following a life filled with outdoor adventure with his wife, Frannie. The first leadership award to a qualified freshman, sophomore or junior of Alabama Beta was presented in the Fall of 2010. This Foundation award is determined by an alumni committee of Alabama Beta.

ROBERT P. UFER SCHOLARSHIP

The Robert P. Ufer Scholarship was established in memory of Brother Ufer, Michigan ’43. Brother Ufer was a prominent sportscaster in Michigan who had served as a chapter adviser to Michigan Alpha Chapter at the University of Michigan. Efforts to raise funds for a scholarship in his memory began soon after his 1981 death. Many of his friends, Phis and non-Phis, sent memorial gifts to the Foundation. The first Ufer Scholarship was awarded in 1988, although the fund was not fully funded to present an annual award until 1993. The Ufer Scholarship is restricted to members of Michigan Alpha Chapter.

LLOYD I. VOLCKENING SCHOLARSHIP

Phi Delta Theta was the recipient of a bequest from the Estate of Lloyd I. Volckening in 1985, which enabled the Foundation to establish a scholarship bearing Brother Volckening’s name. Brother Volckening was a 1918 graduate of Columbia University and a member of New York Delta Chapter. He remained loyal to Phi Delta Theta throughout his life, often participating in alumni activities. The President of the Ivers-Lee Company, he was also described as “an educator, lawyer, inventor, and community leader…”