The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers several scholarships made possible by the generous support of alumni and friends of the department. Complete descriptions of the scholarships, their eligibility requirements and the amounts of the awards associated with them are available below.
Jackrabbit Guarantee students receive first priority on all scholarships, administered through the Scholarship office. After eligible Jackrabbit Guarantee students are funded, any remaining scholarships will be awarded through the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Scholarships available to SDSU Mathematics Majors
Sponsored by Nancy Grinde, SDSU mathematics alumnus, in memory of Joe Beaner. Joe attended SDSU from 1995-1998. He had a deep love of agriculture, and his time at SDSU focused on his love of farming. A tragic farm accident claimed Joe's life on Dec. 2, 2006. The Joe Beaner Memorial Scholarships reflect the passions and special interests of Joe and his fiancée, Nancy Jo Grinde. The recipient must be Jackrabbit Guarantee eligible and pursing a degree in mathematics with preference given to mathematics education. First preference shall also be given to a student from Tri-Valley, Parker, Marion or Lake Preston High School. Second preference given to a student from O'Gorman High School. Preference shall also be given to a student with any agricultural background or interest. The amount of the award is $1,000. This scholarship is awarded through the admissions office.
Two scholarships at $1000 each are allocated to the Mathematics and Statistics Department. The recipients will be chosen based on the following criteria:
- Recipients must be in their sophomore, junior or senior year, enrolled in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
- Recipients must have a 3.0 minimum grade point average at the time of selection; exceptions may be made by the Director of Academic Programs.
- Preference will be given to students who demonstrate leadership experience, interest in developing leadership skills, and are pursuing experiences in diversity or global awareness
Sponsored by Lansford Trapp Sr. and his wife, Frances, and five of their children. Recipients should be junior or senior students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree and have at least a 2.75 GPA. Students accepting the Trapp Family Scholarship must be full time students. Recipients shall be citizens of the United States by birth, and be of high moral and ethical character with said requirements to be attested to with the submission by the candidate of at least two letters of recommendation verifying these attributes. One reference letter should be from either the candidates academic advisor or the head of the Mathematics Department. Preference will be given to candidates who have a demonstrated financial need, who are enrolled in the Air Force or the Army ROTC programs or who are active members of either military reserve units or the National Guard and who participate in civic community and church activities. Students accepting the Trapp Family Scholarship acknowledge that drugs, tobacco or excessive alcohol use are reasons for denial or discontinuance of the scholarship. Students participating in varsity athletics shall not be eligible for the scholarship. The amount of this award is $1,000.
Sponsored by professor of mathematics Kurt Cogswell and his wife Mary, who share a deep appreciation for the value of education both to the individual and to society. The scholarship is awarded to a Jackrabbit Guarantee eligible mathematics major of high academic potential. The amount of the award is $2,000.
This scholarship is created in loving memory of Louie and Hazel (Hanson) Matejka by their children and grandchildren. Matejka received her B.S. degree in mathematics from SDSU in 1918 and taught math in Gregory, South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã. Louie Matejka was a highly respected businessman who, along with his wife, was an enthusiastic friend and supporter of SDSU. The recipient of the scholarship must be a junior or senior student who is majoring in Mathematics with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Preference shall be given to students who are pursuing teacher certification. The amount of the award is $750.
Sponsored by the family and friends of the late Helen Engebretson, SDSU Professor Emeritus of Mathematics who taught for 35 years, and Florence Paulsrude, sister of the late Helen Engebretson, in recognition of the contributions made to the SDSU Department of Mathematics by professor Engebretson. Preference will be given to a mathematics major who has completed at least 62 credits prior to the fall semester that the scholarship becomes effective. Improvement shown by the applicant as a student of mathematics may be considered. The award is $2,000.
Sponsored by the late Irene L. Wente, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, who taught mathematics at SDSU for 42 years. These scholarships will be awarded to three mathematics majors who have completed at least 62 credits prior to the fall semester that the scholarship becomes effective The selections will be based in part upon scholastic improvement in mathematics courses over the past two semesters. Grade point averages will not be a primary consideration in at least one of the awards. Three awards are resident tuition for up to 16 credits per semester for one academic year and one award is for $1,000.
Sponsored by the family and friends of the late Mary Kay Duffey Shaw, daughter of George and the late Helen Duffey. Duffey was Professor Emeritus of Physics at SDSU. Mary was a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she majored in mathematics. The scholarship will be awarded to a mathematics major who completed the junior year during the year prior to the fall semester the award becomes effective, and who expects to be enrolled for the entire academic year. The selection will be based upon high scholastic standing and demonstrated financial need. The amount of one award is $1,000 and the 2nd award is $500.
Enke was a 1929 graduate of South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University majoring in mathematics. The selection of the recipient is based on performance and financial need. The amount of the award is $250.
Sponsored by Florence and John Walder, widow and son, respectively, of the late Orlin Walder, who taught mathematics at SDSU for 44 years. He also served SDSU as manager of the men's dormitories, director of student affairs and dean of men. The scholarship will be awarded to a mathematics major who has completed at least 62 credits prior to the fall semester that the scholarship becomes effective. The selection will be based on proven mathematical ability and demonstrable need. The amount of the award is $250.
Sponsored by William J. Clemen and Joan Pettigrew Gopelt who are 1983 graduates of SDSU with majors in mathematics. The scholarship will be awarded to a mathematics major who has completed at least 62 credits prior to the fall semester that the scholarship becomes effective. The selection will be based upon high scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership and breadth of interest in activities connected with the Mathematics and Statistics Department. The amount of the award is $500.
The recipient shall be a student majoring in mathematics with a preference to a female recipient.
Available gifts shall be divided equally between one mathematics major and mathematics education major. The recipients must be upperclassmen. The donor of this scholarship is anonymous.
Dr. Wittig was a long time statistics faculty member.
Selection is based on:
- Students in their sophomore or junior year of study majoring in mathematics and/or statistics.
- Preference is given to students who are in good academic standing, but need a little encouragement in social settings.
- This award is renewable.