Several scholarships, awards, and fellowships are available to undergraduates majoring in English at UF.
Lipsky Awards
Michael A. Lipsky graduated from the University of Florida in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and a Juris Doctorate degree in 1962 from the College of Law. He practiced family law until his death in 1996. Michael’s family came to Florida in the late 1800’s and as such, he held a deep appreciation for the State and Floridians. His lifelong passion, though, was literature and learning. As an avid golfer, he served as the Head of the Golf Advisory Counsel for the City of Miami Beach.
Joseph Lipsky, his son, established this endowed scholarship in memory of his father and to help those students seeking to follow his father’s path with an English degree. Joseph Lipsky, also a University of Florida alumnus, received his bachelor’s degree in 1989 from the College of Journalism and Communications.
Michael’s daughter, Kim Lipsky is also a graduate of the University of Florida, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1991 from the College of Journalism and Communications. Kim serves as a mentor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Beyond120 program.
About the Award
Each year, the English Department offers a few awards restricted to English majors. These are the Lipsky book awards – usually five awards of $200 each – the purpose of which is to defray the cost of textbooks. They will be awarded in April. Students applying for the Lipsky awards must have a GPA in upper-division (3000 and 4000 level) English courses of 3.2 or higher. Applicants must submit a personal statement (not exceeding two pages) explaining their need for this support and their own sense of qualification for it. They must also submit at least one letter of recommendation from an English Department faculty member.
Since financial need was specified as a primary criterion by the donor, applicants must also complete the Fee Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the Office for Student Financial Affairs (S107 Criser Hall). This must be on file, since that office will determine for us which applicants are eligible for need-based scholarships.
The application materials should be submitted to Dr. John Murchek in 4012-E, Turlington Hall.
O. Ruth McQuown Awards
About Dr. McQuown: To those who had the privilege of knowing Dr. O. Ruth McQuown, she is remembered as:
- An outstanding student of Political Science both at the University of Kentucky from which she received her bachelor’s degree with honors in 1942 and at the University of Florida, from which she received her doctorate in 1961.
- An active professional colleague who taught convincingly, did research on urban politics and public administration, published, and often served as a consultant on government policies.
- One of the first women to become a dean at the University of Florida.
- A female faculty member who asked the question, “Why can’ t women belong to Blue Key?” and then proceeded to work on the answer; in 1978 she was awarded the Florida Blue Key Distinguished Faculty Award.
- An administrator with a rare combination of competence and humanity.
- A human being with a marvelous infectious laugh.
- A Gainesville resident whose involvement in all aspects of local government where equal opportunity and fairness were issues was recognized by the Gainesville City Commissioners proclaiming special recognition to Dr. O. Ruth McQuown on August 6, 1984.
- A special person who was always there for her many friends and associates whenever they needed her.
In memory of this friend and colleague (1920–1984), the O. Ruth McQuown Scholarship Award has been established to aid women scholars who best exemplify her values, achievements, and commitment to social issues, including gender, race, and class.
About the Award
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at the University of Florida has established the O. Ruth McQuown Scholarship Awards to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate female students. Recent awards have ranged from $500 to $3000. May be nominated by a faculty member or by herself.
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, applying for admission to the College or planning to apply.
- Major in Humanities (e.g., Classics, English, History, Philosophy, Languages), Social Sciences (e.g., Anthropology, Communication Studies, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology), Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities and the Social Sciences, or Women’s Studies.
Applications
An application, consisting of an application form, an essay paper, and two letters of recommendation from UF faculty, must be received by the February 23rd Deadline.
For Applications and Further Information
Professor Mary Watt, Associate Dean
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
2014 Turlington Hall
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida 32611
(352) 392-2330
marywatt@ufl.edu
This scholarship is made possible through the private donations of numerous friends of O. Ruth McQuown, the estate of O. Ruth McQuown and of her sister, Johanna Watts, and matching funds from the State of Florida.
University Women’s Club Scholarships
Junior and Senior Achievement Award Scholarships: The University Women’s Club presents Achievement Award Scholarships to undergraduate Juniors and Seniors each spring. The Awards are named for the wives of past University of Florida Presidents and distinguished administrators, and are given in recognition of student scholarship and leadership. Each of the Awards is for $1,000.
The requirements for consideration include full time enrollment at the University of Florida, current Junior or Senior status, a minimum 3.6 GPA, and earnest participation in community and/or campus activities.
The annual deadline for nominations for the Awards varies, but is usually at the start of the Spring semester.
Other UF Scholarships
See these pages for information regarding scholarships and fellowships offered by UF and by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS):
Scholarship-related materials are also available in printed form in the CLAS Dean’s Office, 2014 Turlington Hall.