Scholarships & Awards

Bix Whitcomb Study Abroad Award

This scholarship was created by Chico State alum Bix Whitcomb to recognize outstanding English or Spanish major students within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and create an opportunity for them to experience the culminating experience of foreign study. While a student, Bix was a scholar athlete, excelling in swimming as well as in academics as an honors student in English. During his tenure at Chico State he had the opportunity to live and study for one year in Spain, which he considers one of the defining experiences of his college career.

Burr Family Scholarship

This award goes to first-generation college students with academic potential. It honors of the life and work of Frank and Marie Burr who dedicated their lives to the ideals and practicalities of social justice and education. The scholarship is endowed by their children, including Professor Emerita and former English Department Chair Carol Burr. Read more and apply for the Burr Family Scholarship(opens in new window).

Carol Burr Student Research Grant

This grant was generously established by Professor Emerita Carol Burr, former professor and chair of the English Department. Grant funds can be used to support any student research-related activities, including, but not limited to, research supplies, technology needs, conference fees, and/or travel. The exact amount of funding is dependent on the student’s need (funded up to a maximum of $500.00) and the availability of resources. Read more and apply for the Carol Burr Student Research Grant (PDF).

Charles and Marie Felver Prize in English

This prize was established by the late Professor Emeritus Stan Felver, former chair of the English Department, to recognize an outstanding BA English student.

Creative Writing Awards

The Creative Writing Program selects manuscripts to be submitted to the national Associated Writing Program Awards competition. Faculty select the campus winners and award honorariums; national winners are selected in the fall. Applications are made available to students in creative writing courses.

Douglas Spencer Parker Humanities Scholarship

The gift provides the College of Humanities and Fine Arts with a permanent scholarship resource in support of students pursuing majors in the humanities. The purpose is to foster the humanities as the keystone discipline of the university (as it is currently structured), and acknowledge the college, its faculty, and its students as indispensable elements and resources for society. Read more and apply for the Douglas Spencer Parker Humanities Scholarship(opens in new window).

Dr. Charles Genthe Scholarship

The family of Dr. Charles “Chuck” Genthe, emeritus faculty in English/American Literature, and technical writing for 33 years, wish to honor his memory by providing for a student military veteran. Read more and apply for the Dr. Charles Genthe Scholarship(opens in new window).

Ellen Walker Prize for Excellence in Editing

Faculty Emerita Ellen Walker developed the Literary Editing program, which publishes Watershed, nearly 30 years ago. This prize, for a student demonstrating excellence in the program, is sponsored in her honor by former students and colleagues. This award is determined by English faculty.

Fannie Mae McDaniel Scholarship

This scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to full-time English majors who have demonstrated financial need and scholarship achievement.

Fannie Mae McDaniel graduated from Barnard College and attended law school at Columbia University. After working in a law firm in New York for six years, she and a friend decided to travel the world where she met her husband, George McDaniel. They settled in San Francisco in the 1960s and later moved to Chico, CA. Fannie Mae McDaniel took classes at Chico State until she was eighty years old. A professor noticed her absence in his class in 1995 and was found a week later in the woods, dead from disorientation from diabetes. Read more and apply for the Fannie Mae McDaniel Scholarship(opens in new window).

Jean Nedrow Kutz Scholarship

Selection is based on faculty recommendation of the student’s significant work in literary studies.
This scholarship was bequeathed by Ms. Kutz to support students in the Department of English who demonstrate merit, academic performance, and academic promise. Read more and apply for the Jean Nedrow Kutz Foundation Scholarship(opens in new window).

John C. Conway Memorial Scholarship

English Major John C. Conway was born September 29, 1968, in Oakland, CA. He was a 1986 graduate of Acalanes High School in Lafayette and enjoyed working with computers. John was a Chico State sophomore majoring in education at the time of his death in a train accident. Read more and apply for the John C. Conway Scholarship(opens in new window).

Richard and Marilyn Rees Memorial Scholarship

“Rick” Rees was a beloved person at Chico State and his wife, Marilyn, established this scholarship to keep his memory alive and to share their passion for supporting students who have chosen to earn their teaching credential at Chico State. Rich was a founding member of CAVE and later became Director of Student Activities as well as a member of the CUSD board. He dedicated his 35+ year career to Chico State students who were involved in leadership. Marilyn taught music and English in the Corning High School District and later became a school administrator. Their commitment to education included a focus on building a collaborative culture and a focus on results. Read more and apply for the Richard and Marilyn Rees Memorial Scholarship(opens in new window).

The Department of English Diversity Award

This award recognizes English majors and minors with a GPA of 2.5 or better, who demonstrate a commitment to diversity as a means of inclusive excellence through coursework, extracurricular activities, community service, volunteerism, and/or work experience. Read more and apply for the Department of English Diversity Award (JPG).