Scholarships

Many scholarships are available for geography majors. Some of these scholarships are from organizations outside of BGSU, such as the Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society, and some are made possible through generous donations to BGSU, such as those described below. If you're interested in any of these or other scholarships, contact Chris Buckingham (cabuck@bgsu.edu) in the Department of Geography Office (305 Hanna Hall).

The Joseph C. and Zola R. Buford Geography Scholarship Description and Application Procedure

This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of the late Dr. Joseph Buford and Mrs. Zola Buford in recognition of Dr. and Mrs. Buford’s dedication to teaching and maintaining academic standards. Dr. Buford taught in the Department of Geography at Bowling Green State University from 1948 until he retired in 1987.  He then did supplemental teaching during Fall Semesters until 1990.  He also served as Chair of the Department for 16 years.  Teaching was Dr. Buford’s passion for which he was remembered and loved by his students.  His classes were always popular and in great demand.  Mrs. Zola Buford taught geography in the Department before moving to the Registrar’s Office where she retired as the Associate Registrar and Director of records.

• The size of the scholarship depends upon the interest earned on the endowment, but averages approximately $1000 for one year and is renewable.
• Recipient must be an undergraduate geography student in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  
• Recipient must indicate financial need.
• Recipient must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above based on a 4.0 grading scale.
  
• Recipient's involvement in extracurricular activities will be considered, but not required.
• Recipient must show initiative in academic and professional endeavors and must show an interest, fascination and understanding in the world in which we live.
• A committee of geography faculty will select the recipient.

Application Procedure:

Interested students should provide the committee with a written statement indicating his/her grade point average, financial need, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and academic and professional endeavors (those that are in addition to regular classroom works). The applicant should also discuss his/her career interest and how a geographic education can contribute. Submit materials to Chris Buckingham in the Department of Geography Office (305 Hanna Hall), and e-mail her at cabuck@bgsu.edu if you have any questions.

The Helen Bebout Fletcher Geography Scholarship Description and Application Procedure

• The size of the scholarship depends upon the interest earned on the endowment, but averages approximately $500 for one year and is renewable.
• The Scholarship is to be awarded to a Geography major of junior or senior status.
• The Scholarship is to be awarded to a student who is a resident of Ohio.
• In addition to the above qualifications, the Scholarship is to be awarded according to the award guidelines established by the College of Arts & Sciences. In particular, the student’s academic achievement must place him/her in the top 20 percent of his/her class. The recipient therefore must have a qualifying GPA at the junior or senior level calculated each year by the College of Arts & Sciences.
• If in a given year no geography major of junior or senior status qualifies for the scholarship, no award will be presented.
• A committee of geography faculty will select the recipient.

Application Procedure:

Interested students should provide the committee with a written statement indicating his/her grade point average, financial need, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and academic and professional endeavors (those that are in addition to regular classroom works). The applicant should also discuss his/her career interest and how a geographic education can contribute. Submit materials to Chris Buckingham in the Department of Geography Office (305 Hanna Hall), and e-mail her at cabuck@bgsu.edu if you have any questions.

The Buford-Shappell Scholarship Description and Application Procedure:

• Purpose: To provide scholarship assistance to a student majoring in geography.
• Award amount: Variable based on spendable income.
• Eligibility and Selection Criteria:
• Preference given to student majoring in geography.
• Must demonstrate strong moral character.
• Participate in service learning and student activities.
• Preference given to student showing potential as leaders in geographic education, geographic research and/or private industry.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Maintain minimum 3.25 GPA in major field coursework.
• High school applicants must have an ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1200 and GPA of 3.5.
• Renewable as long as current or past recipients submit another request and continue to meet all criteria.

Application Procedure:

Interested students should provide the committee with a written statement indicating his/her grade point average, financial need, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and academic and professional endeavors (those that are in addition to regular classroom works). The applicant should also discuss his/her career interest and how a geographic education can contribute. Submit materials to Chris Buckingham in the Department of Geography Office (305 Hanna Hall), and e-mail her at cabuck@bgsu.edu if you have any questions.