Scholarships
Scholarships and Endowments acknowledge outstanding Department of Chemistry students and provide financial assistance toward their studies. These scholarships augment awards made to students supported by Western Michigan University. Scholarships are open to declared chemistry majors and are awarded on the basis of criteria listed for each specific scholarship.
Deadline
Chemistry scholarship applications for fall 2026/spring 2027 open Monday, December 15, 2025 and close February 28, 2026. All applications are to be submitted through ScholarshipUniverse.
ScholarshipUniverse Instructions
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
Frederick W. Stanley Memorial Chemistry Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1996 by the family of Frederick Stanley. Stanley received his B.S. and M.S. degrees at WMU in chemistry.
Eligibility requirements:
- junior or senior
- 2.5 to 3.5 GPA
Mohammad Hossein Yassaman Endowment for Chemistry
This scholarship was established in 2016 by Dr. Hashem and Suzanne Akhavan-Tafti, in honor of Dr. Hashem's dear friend, Mohammad Hossein Yassaman. Mohammad helped Dr. Hashem greatly during his school years in the U.S.
Eligibility requirements:
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- interested in development of renewable energy technologies
Marc W. Perkovic Memorial Scholarship
This annual scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Marc Perkovic, a valued faculty member who passed away in 2006.
Eligibility requirements:
- conducting research in some field of chemistry
Marc W. Perkovic Endowed Scholarship
This annual scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Marc Perkovic, a valued faculty member who passed away in 2006.
Eligibility requirements:
- conducting research in some field of chemistry
- considering pursuit of advanced graduate training
Lester Boyce Maile Endowed Scholarship
Eligibility requirements:
- 2.5 minimum GPA
- financial need
Colonel Charles E. Bayliss Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Colonel Charles E. Bayliss.
Eligibility requirements:
- outstanding academic performance
Craig B. Peot Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Eligibility requirements:
- junior or senior
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- documented service and volunteerism
- financial need
Edward Sweet Chemistry Scholarship Endowment
Edward Sweet, born in 1932, was the first in his family to attend college. After serving four years in the United States Air Force, he pursued higher education at Western Michigan University with the support of the GI Bill, graduating in 1960 with a degree in Chemistry. This academic foundation launched a long and successful career. In 1954, he married Janet Scripture, and together they shared a deep belief in the power of education—a value they instilled in their three children. To honor their legacy and lifelong commitment to learning, the Edward Sweet Chemistry Scholarship has been established to support and inspire deserving students in their academic journeys.
Eligibility requirements:
- outstanding achievement
- financial need
GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
Frederick W. Stanley Memorial Chemistry Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1996 by the family of Frederick Stanley. Stanley received his B.S. and M.S. degrees at WMU in chemistry.
Eligibility requirements:
- 2.5 to 3.5 GPA
Mohammad Hossein Yassaman Endowment for Chemistry
This scholarship was established in 2016 by Dr. Hashem and SuzAnne Akhavan-Tafti, in honor of Dr. Hashem's dear friend, Mohammad Hossein Yassaman. Mohammad helped Dr. Hashem greatly during his school years in the U.S.
Eligibility requirements:
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- interested in development of renewable energy technologies
Dr. Hashem and SuzAnne Akhavan-Tafti Chemistry Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2014 by Dr. Hashem and Mrs. SuzAnne Akhavan-Tafti.
Eligibility requirements:
- historically underrepresented population
Dr. Don Berndt Endowment for Chemistry
This scholarship was established in 2013 by Dr. Hashem and Mrs. Suzanne Akhavan-Tafti, in honor of Professor Emeritus Don Berndt.
Eligibility requirements:
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- serving the department as an effective teaching assistant in general or organic chemistry
Dr. Nagler Endowment for Chemistry
This scholarship was established in 2012 by Dr. Hashem and SuzAnne Akhavan-Tafti, in honor of Professor Emeritus Robert Nagler.
Eligibility requirements:
- 3.5 minimum GPA
- historically underrepresented population
Past recipients
Questions?
Contact Dr. Kristen Burns