Departmental Awards for Current Students

Departmental Scholarships are awarded by various academic and administrative units throughout the University. Recipient selection will be made at the discretion of the awarding unit and in accordance with guidelines that may have been specified by the donor of the specific fund. Please contact the specific school/department with any questions.

Cummings School of Architecture

Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. Architecture Student Scholarship:  Established in 2008, this scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time, fourth-year architecture major with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who exhibits a passion for learning, and ability to think in three dimension, skilled in intuitive and analytical problem-solving, compassion for the human condition, and pride in their professional achievements. For more information, please contact the Assistant to the Dean School of Architecture.

Paul L. Arris Memorial Scholarship: Established in December 1990 in memory of Paul L. Arris, third-year student in the Cummings School of Architecture, this scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in architecture based on merit and financial need.  For more information, please contact the Assistant to the Dean of the School of Architecture.

Raj Saksena Memorial Scholarship:  The Scholarship has been established in honor of the late Raj Saksena, FAIA, founding dean of the School of Architecture, professor, and practicing architect, who passed away in India on October 4, 2003.  The Scholarship is awarded to an upper-class or graduate student majoring in architecture, demonstrating leadership and special interest in sustainable architecture or affordable housing.  For more information, please contact the Assistant to the Dean School of Architecture.

The Evan Lautz First-Year Design Award: Established in memory of Evan Alexander Lautz, a visually brilliant creator whose passion and imagination would shine through in everything he touched, the Evan Lautz Memorial Fund will provide a prize award to a first-year Cummings School of Architecture student. A committee made up of Cummings School of Architecture Faculty will select a winner who has demonstrated design excellence in Fall and Spring semester project assignments.  

Zachary Shapiro Study Abroad Scholarship: This fund, established in memory of Zachary Shapiro, Class of 2005, is awarded annually to a full-time student(s) majoring in Architecture in the Cummings School of Architecture, who qualifies by virtue of academic standing to participate in the Study Abroad Program. The awarded recipient(s) will be selected by the Dean of the Cummings School of Architecture based on academic achievement and financial need.  For more information, please contact the Assistant to the Dean of the Cummings School of Architecture.

Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts & Education

Dianne E. Crowell Scholarship:  Established to honor a long-time teacher of Musical Theatre at Roger Williams University.  Awarded to a student majoring in Theatre who demonstrates excellence in musical theatre performance.  The award is based upon merit, then upon financial need.  For more information, please contact Robin Stone, Professor of Theatre.

Ethel Barrymore Colt Miglietta Memorial Scholarship: Established to honor Broadway performer Ethel Barrymore by Colt Miglietta, a resident of Bristol and daughter of actress, Ethel Barrymore, this scholarship is awarded annually to a University student who has demonstrated talent in theatre.  For more information, please contact Robin Stone, Professor of Theatre.

Idalia Whitcomb Scholarship:  Established by the Idalia Whitcomb Charitable Trust, the purpose is to provide scholarship assistance for students with demonstrated financial need in all grades who are studying pre-veterinary medicine or the fine and/or performing arts.  For more information, please contact Robin Stone, Professor of Theatre.

James Tackach English Department Award for Distinguished Scholarship and Service to the University: Established in 2008 through a generous gift from Professor Mel Topf, this scholarship is awarded to a junior English Literature major who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and significant service to Roger Williams University.

Judge Thomas J. Paolino Theatre/Arts Scholarship: Established in 1987 in memory of Thomas J. Paolino, former chairman of the Board of Trustees, this scholarship is awarded annually to a continuing Roger Williams University student for excellence in the visual or performing arts.  For more information, please contact Robin Stone, Professor of Theatre.

Matthew Wolfe Memorial Scholarship in Creative Writing:  Established in 1989 in memory of Matthew Wolfe, a prolific writer, this annual scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in creative writing. Student must be a sophomore or above, must maintain a 3.0 G.P.A. in Creative Writing courses taken at Roger Williams University and be able to show evidence of above-average writing ability in fiction or poetry. In the event there is no eligible student with sophomore standing or above, a second semester freshman will be considered, contingent upon final grades for the freshman year.

Mary J. Staab Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of Mary J. Staab, trusted and loyal member of the Roger Williams University community and secretary for the Department of Performing Arts for eighteen years. The Mary J. Staab Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a Roger Williams University student in good academic standing, enrolled full-time and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a student pursuing a degree through the Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences, either majoring in or with a strong interest in the area of Theater and/or Dance.  For more information, please contact Robin Stone, Professor of Theatre.

Professor Geoffrey Clark and Professor Bob McRoberts Endowed Senior Award in Creative Writing: Established to honor the teaching and mentoring careers of Professor Geoffrey Clark and Professor Bob McRoberts, this award will be given to a graduating Senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, who has demonstrated superior academic ability. Students must demonstrate a passion for creativity, inventiveness, and an ability to break new ground as displayed through their creative writing in the categories of poetry and/or fiction. The student(s) should express interest in pursuing a career in the field of creative writing or related fields.

Professor Geoffrey Clark and Professor Bob McRoberts Endowed Underclassmen Award in Creative Writing: Established to honor the teaching and mentoring careers of Professor Geoffrey Clark and Professor Bob McRoberts, this award will be given to underclassmen (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior) studying Creative Writing. Students must demonstrate a passion for creativity, inventiveness, and an ability to break new ground as displayed through their creative writing in the categories of poetry and/or fiction. The student(s) should express interest in pursuing a career in the field of creative writing or related fields.

Thomas E. Fitzgerald, Jr. Scholarship: Awarded annually to students majoring in visual studies, including sculpture and photography, who are currently enrolled full-time as freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Portfolio required.  

Feinstein School of Social & Natural Sciences

Idalia Whitcomb (Pre-Vet) Scholarship:  Established by the Idalia Whitcomb Charitable Trust, the purpose is to provide scholarship assistance for students with demonstrated financial need in all grades who are studying pre-veterinary medicine or the fine and/or performing arts.  For more information, please contact the Dean of the School Social & Natural Sciences. 

Mark Gould Memorial Scholarship and Research: This fund provides students with a stipend to conduct independent research in marine biology, biology, or chemistry during the summer.  Applicants must be full- time marine biology, biology, or chemistry majors in good academic standing. Students must have completed at least their freshman year. The fund was established in memory of Mark Gould, long- time Professor of Biology and Director of the Center for Economic and Environmental Development at Roger Williams University.

The Lorraine Dennis Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund: Having inspired generations of RWU students, the primary purpose of this scholarship is to remember Dr. Dennis’s lasting legacy as an educator. The scholarship will support a rising student(s) majoring in Psychology who has demonstrated financial need and is in good academic standing.

Mario J. Gabelli School of Business

Ben N. Carr II Endowed Scholarship:  This award, given in honor of Professor Ben Carr, a University faculty member, was established by alumni of Roger Williams University. The recipient of this award will be a junior (preferably no transfer students), Mario J. Gabelli School of Business student, and in good academic standing.  For more information, please contact the Assistant to the Dean Gabelli School of Business.

Brett Bergman ’11 Endowed Memorial Senior Merit Scholarship:  Established in 2012 in memory of Brett Bergman, this scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from the Gabelli School of Business who has exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit through participation in course work, clinics, internships, entrepreneurial ventures or other activities.  Recipient will be an active participant in University campus life with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.  For more information, please contact the Assistant to the Dean Gabelli School of Business.

Jeffrey William Manuck '04 Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship, established in memory of Jeffrey William Manuck, Class of 2004, is awarded annually to a full-time student(s) majoring in Business, who is in good academic standing and has demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students with co-curricular interests. For more information, please contact the Assistant to the Dean Gabelli School of Business.

Jeremy Warnick Scholarship: Established in memory of Jeremy Warnick, a well-respected and admired student at Roger Williams University who sadly passed away in his sophomore year in 2005, this scholarship is awarded annually to a student(s) who despite documented learning disabilities, has succeeded in a University setting. Students must have required formal academic interventions in primary or secondary education and be actively involved with existing academic support services for students with learning disabilities at the University. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Gabelli School of Business. For more information, please contact the Director of Student Accessibility Services.

School of Engineering, Computer & Construction Management

Construction Management Professional Advisory Board Scholarship:  Established by the Construction Management Professional Advisory Board to support students enrolled in the Construction Management program.  Awarded annually to students enrolled full time and majoring in Construction Management with a sophomore, junior, or senior class standing, good academic standing, and showing financial need.  For more information, please visit  Scholarships | Roger Williams University (rwu.edu) and/or contact Dr. Michael Emmer (memmer@rwu.edu) or Dr. Amine Ghanem (aghanem@rwu.edu).

David and Matilda Kessler Endowed Scholarship: Established by David '54 and Matilda Kessler, this scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time junior majoring in engineering with emphasis in mechanical or electrical engineering. This award is based on merit, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to a member of the student chapter of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers.  For more information, please contact the Associate Dean School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management.

Hemond Brothers Scholarship: Established by George '72 and Albert Hemond '70 to provide funds for students enrolled at the University and majoring in the: engineering, engineering technology, construction management, business or architecture fields of study. Candidates must be a: US citizen, high school graduate with a “C or B” average (or numerical equivalent), and not qualified for need based financial assistance or academic scholarships. Preference is given to first year students majoring in engineering and RI residents. For more information, please contact the Associate Dean School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management.

School of Justice Studies

Wright Family Scholarship: Established in 2010 by Thomas E. Wright. This scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate student, in their junior or senior, majoring in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or Legal Studies based upon merit, then upon financial need. Preference given to a student in Legal Studies, if one cannot be identified then the scholarship can be awarded to an undergraduate student studying abroad; or a University College student.

Office of Student Life

Dr. Harold Way Memorial Scholarship Fund: Established in memory of Dr. Harold Way, former University faculty member from 1969-74, this scholarship, based upon academic standing and the student's contribution to the University, is awarded to a deserving junior. For more information, please visit the Student Achievement Awards Committee: Student Achievement Awards | Roger Williams University (rwu.edu).

Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99 Outstanding Tutor Award:  These awards, in memory of Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99, will be presented by the Center for Academic Development to a tutor in Math, Writing and Science Curriculum, who best and most consistently demonstrate superior tutoring skills and content area knowledge, commitment to the collaborative learning process, and dedication to helping and inspiring all learners to achieve success in a positive, encouraging environment.

Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99 Spirit Award:  This award, in memory of Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99, will be presented annually to one graduating senior who best and most consistently demonstrates the embodiment of a true scholar as exemplified by striving for excellence in academics, co-curricular involvement, character through acts, words and deeds, and an indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.

Student Senate Scholarship: Awarded to a full-time student entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year, this scholarship is based on distinguished academic performance, contribution to the University, and financial need.