Undergraduate Awards & Scholarships

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife's undergraduate awards and scholarships are highly competitive and typically go to students who are academically strong, active in the department, and engaged within the profession.

Current Student Scholarships

Students who have been on the MSU campus for at least one semester are eligible to apply.

NOTE: To be considered for a scholarship, students must apply annually. A call for scholarship applications will be e-mailed to students in the Fall semester, and applications will be made available at the Academic Advising Center (Room 14).

Recipients will be announced during the Spring semester and are expected to attend the annual Fisheries and Wildlife Awards Banquet in April.

Rebecca Humphries Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize and facilitate students to become future leaders in conservation. This award is named in honor of Rebecca Humphries, who became the first female director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNR) in 2004. Becky graduated from Michigan State University, with an undergraduate degree in Fisheries and Wildlife and has received the Distinguished Service to CANR Award (2001), the CANR Outstanding Alumnus Award (2007), and Michigan State University's Distinguished Alumnus Award (2007). She has been a strong and tireless proponent for providing experiential learning opportunities for students and is an outstanding leader and role model for all biologists; most notably women pursuing natural resources related careers.

Michigan Charter Boat Association Denny Grinold Scholarship (2 @ $2,000)

This scholarship is intended to encourage students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress. It is awarded to students interested in fishing issues, especially dealing with Great Lakes and sports fishing.

International Wildlife Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

The purpose of this award is to recognize a student who has demonstrated a commitment and passion to global issues in wildlife conservation. Michigan State University and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife are strongly committed to supporting our students as global citizens. This award will recognize a student who has shown a dedication to issues of global importance in wildlife conservation. Students who have participated in a Study Abroad or other international experiences will be given preference for this award.

Jeffery D. Rupert Leadership Excellence Award ($1,000)

This scholarship was established to recognize a Fisheries and Wildlife major who has exhibited extraordinary leadership abilities both in and outside the department; been involved in professional societies as a member of the MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club and/or a member of the American Fisheries Society or The Wildlife Society; and illustrated scholastic excellence and demonstrates a high potential for success in the fisheries and wildlife field.

Peter I. Tack Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

This scholarship was established to provide support and encouragement to undergraduate students in the fisheries and wildlife major who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.

Niles R. Kevern Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

This scholarship is awarded to a student with a Fisheries and Wildlife major who has demonstrated strong academic achievement, dedication to the mission of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the potential to be successful in their profession.

Merrill "Pete" Petoskey Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

This scholarship is awarded to a student with a Fisheries and Wildlife major who has demonstrated financial need, minimum 30 credits earned at MSU, 3.0 minimum grade point average, dedication to the mission of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and evidence of leadership abilities.

Anglers of the Au Sable Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

This scholarship was established to provide support and encouragement to undergraduate students in the fisheries and wildlife major who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress. This award will recognize a full time senior enrolled in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Preference will be given to residents of the State of Michigan with demonstrated interest in freshwater fish biology, which best adheres to the principals of the Anglers of the Au Sable (preserve, protect and enhance the Au Sable River System for future generations of fly fishers).

Current Student Awards

Fisheries and Wildlife Faculty Outstanding Senior ($2,000)

This award goes to the senior in Fisheries and Wildlife who has demonstrated high scholastic achievement and has contributed to the goals of the University, the Department, and to the fisheries and wildlife profession.
Students considered for this award are nominated and voted on by the Fisheries and Wildlife faculty.