Undergraduate Scholarships
Undergraduate students in the Department of Mathematics at Western Michigan University may be eligible for financial assistance as noted below.
Work Opportunities
Undergraduates interested in teaching may find the opportunity to work in the algebra tutorial lab particularly beneficial. The department also hires tutors for students in mathematics.
Upper-level undergraduates with high grade-point averages may apply for positions as paper graders. These positions involve correcting homework papers for four to eight hours per week. Pay is by the hour.
Additional opportunities may also be available, including internships. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, contact the department for more information.
Scholarships
The Department of Mathematics, in its commitment to excellent scholarship, strives to recognize outstanding scholastic performance by undergraduate students involved in the study of mathematics. Each year deserving students receive recognition, as chosen by the department faculty and the awards committee. Awards are presented at an annual awards day ceremony, normally held toward the end of the spring term. The department awards day ceremony combines a gathering of students, parents and friends with faculty, a guest speaker and the presentation of awards.
- Applications are due February 15
Questions regarding the awards or scholarships should be directed to the chair of the Department of Mathematics.
The following is a list of undergraduate awards:
Grover C. Bartoo Mathematics Award
Presented annually to a mathematics major in recognition of outstanding achievement in the study of mathematics. Professor Bartoo was a member of the Department of Mathematics from 1911 to 1946.
Colonel Charles E. Bayliss Scholarship
This scholarship is presented to a mathematics major in recognition of an outstanding high school record (preference given to Michigan high school graduates) and the potential for an excellent university career in mathematics. Colonel Bayliss graduated from WMU in 1950.
Fred A. Beeler Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to outstanding freshmen and sophomore students majoring in mathematics or mathematics education who have documented financial need. Funds for this scholarship were generously donated to the department by Isabel Beeler in 1994, in memory of her husband, Fred A. Beeler, who was a member of the mathematics faculty from 1946 to 1968.
Herbert Hannon Endowed Scholarship
Presented annually to one full-time or part-time undergraduate student in mathematics education for high academic achievement, with preference given to those in elementary education. Hannon joined the WMU faculty in 1947. Although he taught many different undergraduate courses, Hannon's primary focus was elementary mathematics education. He retired in 1976.
Linda Lesniak International Study Scholarship in Mathematics or Mathematics Education
Presented to students who wish to be a part of the Budapest Semester in Mathematics/Mathematics Education program, BSM. Students will receive an award of up to $1,000 and the award will be matched by the Department of Mathematics. For more information on the BSM please visit Study Abroad, Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
Robert Meagher Memorial Scholarship
Presented to a junior or senior mathematics major in recognition of high academic achievement. This award was established in 1993 by the Kalamazoo University High School Class of 1965 in honor of their classmate, Robert Meagher.
Erik A. Schreiner Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Mathematics
This award is presented to two juniors or seniors in the department who have shown outstanding achievement and potential for future contributions in mathematics. Professor Schreiner was a faculty member of the Department of Mathematics from 1963 to 1991.
Donald and Glenna Southwell Scholarship
This scholarship is presented to a student who has done exemplary work in actuarial science. Funds for this scholarship were graciously donated by Donald and Glenna Southwell. Mr. Southwell graduated with honors from WMU in 1973 with his B.A. in mathematics. He is president and CEO of Unitrin Services Group, a life and health insurance company.