Walter Enz Memorial Award
The Walter Enz Memorial Award is given each year in the memory of Dr. Walter F. Enz, a graduate of the BFA program at Western Michigan University. Walter Enz felt that to be not learning was to be not living. He received a Bachelor’s of Science (1927) in pharmacy from Purdue University, a Master’s of Science (1929) from University of Florida, and his Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin (1931). After a lifelong endeavor of studying, applying, and teaching pharmaceutical science Dr. Enz retired from his 38-year career at Upjohn co. in 1970. Upon retirement he began his pursuit of a BFA at 65 years old.
Dr. Enz never let his own education or experiences interfere with learning, even from someone who possibly knew less than he. He presented an active sort of humility so that he could learn as much as possible from faculty, peers, and from himself. “I can sit and paint for six or eight hours at a time. It’s fun to discover something you didn’t know you liked, and then find you can’t stop doing it. It’s been a ball for me”. He was always willing to give what knowledge and wisdom he had when asked, but never interfered or gave advice.
This hunger for learning and quiet humility made Dr. Enz a star pupil at Gwen Frostic School of Art. He received his BFA in 1974, at the age of 69. His senior exhibition consisted of figure studies and landscape paintings. The exhibit was held in downtown Kalamazoo at King’s Studio Gallery.
Dr. Enz passed away in September of 1976 at the age of 71. He was a resident of Kalamazoo for 44 years of his life and also served in WW2 as a colonel in the Army Chemical Corps. Dr. Walter Enz lived a life full of learning and experience. There was never a wrong time to learn something new.
Dr. Walter Enz expressed in an interview with the Kalamazoo Gazette, “I’ve got so many degrees I don’t know what to do with them. Maybe now I can get a job!”
The family of Walter F. Enz established this annual grant to honor the outstanding students in the School of Art. A committee of art faculty, and one member of the Enz family select the recipients each year.
Nomination Deadline
- Second Friday in February
Award Amount
- Amount varies from year to year
- Multiple awards
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate Major in the Frostic School of Art
- Enrolled full-time
- Graduating seniors are eligible for this award
- Must be nominated by faculty (one per area) and selected by the scholarship committee, director of the Frostic School of Art and/or Enz family members