Undergraduate Scholarships

Established by Timothy B. and Terri A. Hollenkamp, a speech-language pathology alumna and owner of REHAB on the Run and Rehab Resources, as well as Scott and Tina Whalen with matching funds from the University of Cincinnati Health.  Recipient(s) must be enrolled in the College of Allied Health Sciences, and have a diverse background, based upon factors including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming adversity.  Recipient(s) must have and maintain at least a 3.2 GPA.  Preference shall be given to a first-generation student. Scholarship is awarded based on program director nomination of eligible students.

Established in 2012 by an anonymous donor.  This scholarship has two categories: 1) scholarships for master’s level nutrition students and 2) scholarships for students, graduates or undergraduates from across all the disciplines offered at the college, who have completed, or will take before graduation, a course in nutrition at the college.  Available funds dependent on annual contributions. 

Established in 2016 by UC Health.  Recipient(s) must be enrolled in the College of Allied Health Sciences, entering their professional program. Eligible programs are: Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) (seniors), Dietetics Coordinated Program (juniors), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Advanced Medical Imaging Technology (AMIT) (juniors), Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Audiology, Master of Social Work (MSW).  Recipient(s) must have a diverse background, hold a 3.2 GPA or better and must have desire to practice in a hospital setting.  Available funds dependent on annual contributions. Scholarship is awarded based on program director nomination of eligible students. 

Established in 2018 by the Kelchner family to find and support future leaders in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) with matching funds from UC Health.  This fund reflects their value of strong, principled leadership regardless of the organization.  Lisa Kelchner, PhD, has served as a CSD faculty member as well as interim department chair.  Recipient(s) must be enrolled in a CSD graduate program focusing on clinical speech-language pathology (e.g. medical or educational focus) within the college.  Recipient(s) must have a diverse background, based upon factors, including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming adversity.  As part of the application process, applicants shall provide a short description of their unique background contributed to that vision.  If there are no eligible candidates in the programs, disbursement may be deferred for one year.  Scheduled for the first award in 2020.  Application details will be sent to eligible students in the spring semester. 

Established in June 2008 by various donors in honor of Dr. Earnest Weiler, a professor emeritus, upon his death. Provides tuition assistance awards to students in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders.  Available funds dependent on annual contributions. Students who have applied to and been accepted to graduate programs in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship.  

Established to provide scholarships for students in Speech. Awarded to a University of Cincinnati undergraduate who matriculates into the Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders (speech-language pathology) program.  Students who have applied and been accepted into this program will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship.  

Established in 2008 by Katie’s family and friends in her memory after a tragic car accident.  Katie was an alumna who earned a Bachelor of Science & Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders (speech-language pathology).  She was a single mom who exemplified determination and resilience in her pursuit of an education.  This award continues her spirit in support of others.  Provides tuition assistance to students in the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders. It is the donor’s preference that the scholarship be awarded each year to a single parent. If there are no single parent candidates then the department may choose a worthy candidate.  Available funds dependent on annual contributions. Students who have applied and been accepted into this program will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship.  

Established in 1990 by the Bloom Family in memory of Sheri An Bloom, a senior in speech-language pathology who was tragically killed in an automobile accident with her father.  Her pursuit to further her education was to continue to graduate school following graduation.  This award creates a legacy to support others in that dream.  Provides an annual award to a student with junior standing who is majoring in the Communication Sciences & Disorders program. The student should have GPA of at least 3.0, be involved in a variety of campus activities and have intentions of pursuing a graduate education in the speech and learning field.  Available funds dependent on annual contributions.  Department faculty nominate and select the junior recipient of this scholarship. 

Established in 1973 by the former Southwestern Ohio Speech and Hearing Association. Provides scholarships to University of Cincinnati Communication Sciences & Disorders undergraduate students that matriculate into the Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders (speech-language pathology) program and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.7. Eligible students who have applied and been accepted into the Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders program will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship.   

Established in 2009 by department faculty, available funds provide tuition assistance for nutritional science students through three types of awards.  The number of scholarships available varies by year depending on available funding.  

(1) Outstanding Nutrition Undergraduate Student Scholarship Award: Recognizes exemplary undergraduate students entering their senior year for their (a) academic achievement, (b) critical thinking skills, (c) initiative and motivation, (d) professionalism, and (e) potential for leadership/success in the field of food and nutrition. Requirements: Undergraduate student cumulative GPA ≥3.5 and no grade lower than a C in any course.  

(2) Nutritional Sciences Outstanding Service Scholarship: Recognizes outstanding undergraduate students in their junior or senior year who have provided exemplary volunteer service in any setting. Requirements: Junior or senior in nutritional sciences, GPA ≥3.3, and ≥60h of unpaid voluntary volunteer experience. Written reflection required.

(3) Outstanding Nutrition Graduate Student Scholarship Award: Recognizes exemplary second year graduate students for their (a) academic achievement, (b) critical thinking skills, (c) initiative and motivation, (d) professionalism, and (e) potential for leadership/success in the field of food and nutrition. Requirements: GPA ≥3.75, and no grade lower than a B in any course.

Current students will be sent information on how they can apply for the scholarship, information can also be found on the blackboard home pages for undergraduate and graduate students. 

Established in 2016 by an anonymous donor and the Gerber Foundation with matching funds from UC Health.  Provides tuition assistance for recipient(s) enrolled in the Bachelor of Sciences in Dietetics or the Master of Sciences in Nutrition programs. Recipient(s) must have a diverse background, based upon factors, including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming diversity.  Recipient(s) must have and maintain at least a 3.2 GPA. Students eligible for this award must be engaged in clinical work or research with UC Health. Students who have applied and been accepted into these programs will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship.  

This scholarship recognizes one outstanding undergraduate nutrition student who has provided exemplary volunteer service in any setting. Dependent on available funds and applications, one award per year (maximum of $2000) will be awarded to one undergraduate student in his/her junior or senior year. Students must be enrolled in the program during the fall Semester to qualify for this award. The scholarship funds will be deposited into the student's account. If they do not have a balance on the account, then the student will receive a check at the end of the semester.

• Enrolled in the dietetics major at UC
• Academic standing (per transcript)
• Junior or senior
• Overall grade point average, minimum of 3.2
• Volunteer Experience
• Collegiate service - 60 hours prior to application
• Unpaid
• Voluntary, i.e., not required for a class
• Excellent reflection (evaluated with a rubric)
• Clarity regarding a description of the experience(s)
• Relevance to achievement of a career goal
• Analysis of how the experience contributed to student growth and community benefit
• Interconnections between the service experience and previous other personal, work, and/or academic learnings
• Self-reflection of how the experience changed the student's thinking

This award recognizes one exemplary undergraduate dietetics student for their (a) academic achievement, (b) critical thinking skills, (c) initiative and motivation, (d) professionalism, and (e) potential for leadership/success in the field of food and nutrition. Dependent on available funds and applications, one award per year (maximum of $2000) will be awarded to one undergraduate student in his/her junior or senior year. Students must be enrolled in the program during the fall semester to qualify for this award. The scholarship funds will be deposited into the student's account. If they do not have a balance on the account, then the student will receive a check at the end of the semester.

• Academic achievement
• Undergraduate student cumulative GPA 3.5 and no grade lower than a B in any course
• Excellence in:
  • Written communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills (analytical skills/problem solving; conceptual skills)
  • Initiative and motivation
  • Professionalism
  • Potential for leadership/success in the field of food and nutrition

Established in 2015 by Harold M. Thomas in honor of Beth Bextermueller, retired clinical coordinator.  Provides assistance for scholarships, stipend, and/or clinical experience support (including travel for professional or clinical experience) for candidates of the Doctoral Physical Therapy program, and/or students in the undergraduate health sciences program in the College of Allied Health Sciences. Students who have applied and been accepted into these programs will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship.  

Established July 2017 by Cathy A. Guenthner, owner of Guenthner Physical Therapy.  Provides tuition assistance for a student(s) enrolled or accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.  Recipient(s) must have a diverse background, based upon factors including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming adversity.  If there are no eligible students, the scholarship would be open to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.  Scheduled for the first award in 2019-20. Students who have applied and been accepted into these programs will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship.  

Established February 2018 by Rose L. Smith, DPT and Donald R. Smith who spent their careers in higher education and social services.  Provides tuition assistance awards to students enrolled as incoming third-year students in the health sciences undergraduate program. The fund will support students who have a diverse background, based upon factors, including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming adversity.  Recipients must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher upon the time of application.  Preference shall be given to current student-athletes in the program.  The award is renewable up to 2 consecutive years provided fund availability and student eligibility.  Scheduled for the first award in 2022-23.  

Established in November 2008 by Scott D. and Tina F. Whalen and supported by many alumni.  Provides tuition assistance for a student(s) enrolled in the undergraduate health sciences program or the Doctor of Physical Therapy program (must also be a graduate of the University of Cincinnati undergraduate health sciences program).  Available funds dependent on annual contributions. Department faculty nominate and vote for the recipient of this scholarship.  

Established in 2017 by Linda J. Graeter, PhD, a retired faculty member in medical laboratory science with matching funds from UC Health.  Provides tuition assistance to online-learning student(s) with demonstrated financial need; enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Science program.  Recipient(s) must have a diverse background, based upon factors, including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming adversity.  Eligible student(s) must possess a strong desire to work in the medical laboratory science field upon graduation.  Applicants will be required to write a brief essay addressing this topic for consideration of the scholarship.  Scheduled for the first award in 2020. Applications for the scholarship will be sent to eligible current students in the Medical Laboratory Science program.

Established in 2012 by the Macpherson Family.  Provides scholarship assistance to qualified students majoring in medical laboratory science currently attending the University of Cincinnati. Recipient(s) must have with a GPA of 2.8 or higher.  Among the qualities to be considered are evidence of strong communication and leadership skills and evidence of community service. Preference will be given to students who are juniors or seniors. Applications for the scholarship are posted and sent to eligible students in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program in September of each year.