ANNOUNCING

The Oreen Ruedi Scholarship
For BSW Students

The School of Social Work announces the Oreen Ruedi Scholarship to be awarded for the Fall 2009 semester. There will be one scholarship awarded during the 2009-2010 academic year in the amount of $1000.00.  Oreen Ruedi was the first faculty member in the original Sociology Department to teach social work courses and is, therefore, at least partially responsible for having the BSW degree at Missouri State University.

Eligibility Criteria: All applicants must meet all the following criteria:

1. Must be a junior or senior level social work student who has been fully admitted (Advanced Progression) admitted to the BSW Program.
2. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.25.
3. Must demonstrate a commitment to the social work profession and its primary mission of serving disadvantaged and oppressed persons by one or more of the following:
   1. Regularly participates in or takes a leadership role in the BSW Social Work Club.
   2. Regularly participates in professional organizations, e.g., NASW, MASW, SMASS or other groups serving disadvantaged and oppressed persons.
   3. Have a sustained and current record of community/volunteer service to disadvantaged populations.
4. Must demonstrate a financial need for the scholarship.

Application Packet: Each applicant must submit all the following materials:

1. A copy of your current transcript from the Missouri State "My Information" to confirm your GPA
2. Two letters of reference
   1. From a Missouri State University School of Social Work faculty member who addresses the applicant's
      (a) academic abilities and performance in the classroom;
      (b) critical thinking abilities; and
      (c) commitment to the social work profession and social justice.
   2. From a supervisor or colleague in a volunteer, professional or employment (social service employment) setting that addresses the applicant's
      (a) commitment to disadvantaged persons and to social justice;
      (b) skills and work habits that demonstrate empathy for disadvantaged persons; and
      (c) other skills, abilities and qualities that demonstrate the applicant’s potential for effective service and leadership in the social work profession.
   Applicants must have their references give the letters of reference to the applicants in sealed envelopes with the references' names written across the seal of the envelope.
3. An essay that does not exceed 1,000 words in length (typed, double-spaced, with reasonable margins) that addresses the following items:
   1. In your own words, define social justice and describe an incident in your life where you have addressed an issue of social justice.
   2. What are your personal and professional goals and how do they address social justice issues?
   3. What major contribution do you hope/plan to make in the field of social work?
4. Two paragraphs in which you describe your need for the Oreen Ruedi Scholarship.  Please type and double-space these two paragraphs.

Due Date: Monday, June 15, 2009, by 5:00 p.m. in the School of Social Work Office (PROF200).  All materials must be submitted by the applicant in one package.

If you have any questions, please address them to Dr. Jane Allgood at JaneAllgood@MissouriState.edu.