Spring Awards Founders Fellowships
Founders Fellowships for graduate study are six (6) $4,000 awards for members who are in graduate school now or who will enter graduate school next fall. Academic standing, leadership and character are primary considerations for the awards. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.
Philip M. Cornelius Award
First awarded in 1993, a $1,500 scholarship is given to an undergraduate Phi Psi with financial need, at least a 2.75 GPA and demonstrated moral character and leadership skills.
The Philip M. Cornelius Scholarship was created by the children of Philip M. Cornelius, Indiana ’25. Brother Cornelius served as Fraternity President from 1970 to 1972 and was a member of the Order of the S.C.
Ben King Award
The Ben King Award is a $1,000 scholarship given to an undergraduate who is majoring in engineering (or a related field) and is working to support himself while in college. The award recognizes an outstanding brother in need of financial assistance who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership skills and strong character. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.
This award honors Ben King, Brooklyn Poly 1906, an engineer and former president of Chrysler Corporation-United Kingdom.
Ruddick C. Lawrence Awards
The Ruddick C. Lawrence Awards for public service are two (2) $2,500 scholarships awarded to undergraduate members who have provided meritorious service to people or organizations outside Phi Kappa Psi. While candidates must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), emphasis is placed on service to campus, college community and hometown organizations.
These awards honor Ruddick C. Lawrence, Washington ’31, a member of the Order of the S.C., who distinguished himself as a leader and philanthropist through his service to numerous organizations throughout his life.
Mary Pickford-Rogers Memorial Award
The Mary Pickford-Rogers Memorial Scholarship is intended to support the studies of a Phi Psi majoring in the performing arts, whether as an undergraduate or graduate student. The $1,500 scholarship is presented through the generosity of her husband, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Kansas ’23, who was an accomplished actor and musician.
The qualifying fields of study include theater and film (writing, directing or acting), vocal and instrumental music, opera, ballet, modern dance and other related subjects. Telecommunications and journalism students are also eligible, as are applicants in the fine arts (painting, sculpture, etc.). A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.
William R. Walker Award
The William R. Walker Award of $2,500 recognizes a graduate or undergraduate student in business, real estate, housing or land use, public policy and urban planning, or a law student with the intent to practice real estate law. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher is required.
Brother Walker, Southern Cal ’27, was a founding member of the chapter at the University of Southern California as well as a successful real estate developer and businessman.
Jerry Nelson Award
The Jerry Nelson Award recognizes an undergraduate or graduate Phi Psi who, while making significant contributions to his chapter, campus and community, has maintained high moral standards and has excelled in a particular venture. A minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply, but the applicant’s entrepreneurial spirit within Phi Psi, his personal life or a professional setting is most important.
The award is named in honor of Jerry Nelson UCLA ’48, who has lead an entrepreneur’s life and whose devotion to Phi Kappa Psi is monumental. He is well-known for establishing the Chapter Scholarship Fund Program and is also recognized as the founder of the American Leadership Academy.