Student Life Scholarship Awards

A collaboration between Student Life and the Undergraduate Student Government Association, the Student Life Scholarship Awards recognize Drexel Dragons who go above and beyond in the classroom and make significant contributions to our University community.

Nominations are now closed.

Awards

Note: Monetary award amounts are contingent on student financial need, as determined by Drexel University's Office of Financial Aid.

Alana Maddox Endowed Student Friendship Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $1,000)

This award is dedicated to the memory of Alana Maddox (1993–2017), a committed and active Drexel student who was a friend to all. It is presented to a Drexel undergraduate student who exemplifies the true meaning of being a "good friend" by lifting spirits, providing optimism, and inspiring people around them. To be considered for this award, applicants and nominees must have been a member of at least one student organization, where their core responsibilities include encouraging other students to participate in student life. This recognition includes a monetary scholarship award of up to $1,000.

Alexander Van Rensselaer Service Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $15,000)

This award is presented to a student of worthy character who demonstrates service to the student body of Drexel. This award may require the nominated students to submit additional letters of recommendation, references, and/or participate in an interview process.

Alexander-Williamson Memorial Scholarship (Scholarship award: amount up to $2,000)

The Alexander-Williamson Memorial Scholarship was established with gifts from friends and loved ones to honor the memory of Alpha Chi Rho Brothers Ian Alexander and John Williamson. The award is presented to an undergraduate student who captures the spirit of the award's namesakes. To be considered for this award, applicants must demonstrate involvement in the community and a potential for leadership on campus.

Anthony and Antoinette T. Caneris Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $15,000)

This award is presented to junior or senior students enrolled in any Drexel college or school, with preference and consideration for those who demonstrate a high commitment to academics while being actively involved with on-campus activities at the University. Eligible students must also demonstrate financial need as necessary to complete their studies at Drexel. (Undergraduate only)

The Carl Buchholz Award for Civic Engagement (Scholarship award: amount up to $1,500)

In memory of Carl Buchholz and on behalf of the Buchholz Family, the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement will select a full-time graduating senior enrolled in any college or school at Drexel University who has exemplified Carl Buchholz's spirit of civic engagement. Each fall, the Lindy Center will invite student nominations for the award, which will be presented during Drexel's Scholarship Awards banquet. Selection criteria will include an application letter detailing the nominee's civic involvement, co-op placements, leadership experiences, and other qualifications, as well as an essay or other statement from the nominee outlining their career aspirations.

Charles E. Etting Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $3,000)

This award is presented to students of worthy character and capacity who have excelled extensively in student activities.

Dean J. Peterson Ryder Award for Senior Men (Scholarship award: amount up to $3,000)

Presented to a man in engineering in his senior year who is proficient in studies undertaken and who has participated in extracurricular activities. (Undergraduate only)

Dean J. Peterson Ryder Award for Senior Women (Scholarship award: amount up to $3,000)

This award is presented to a woman in her senior year who is proficient in studies undertaken and who has participated in extracurricular activities. (Undergraduate only)

Drexel University Black Alumni Council (DUBAC) Scholarship (Scholarship award: amount up to $1,500)

The DUBAC Scholarship has been established to provide academic financial support for a Drexel undergraduate student leader demonstrating involvement in campus activities focused on supporting Black communities, including but not limited to the Drexel Black Student Union and Drexel Black Action Committee, as well as excellence in academic performance. The student leader must also demonstrate a strong personal commitment to diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism within the University community. To be considered for this award, applicants must be an undergraduate student and have a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA.

Josiah P. Ryder General Scholarship (Scholarship award: amount up to $5,000)

This award is presented to an engineering student who is proficient in studies undertaken and who has participated in extracurricular activities. (Undergraduate only)

Marilyn A. Burshtin Memorial Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $2,500)

This award is presented to a woman in the College of Engineering or the College of Arts and Sciences who has demonstrated academic success and who has participated extensively in student activities. It is expected that the recipient demonstrate academic success with a GPA of 3.0 or above, but exceptions may be made if an individual has made exceptional contributions to student activities and/or campus life. Nominations are accepted for this award, but each nominee must also submit a self-nomination/application to be considered.

Marina Sigmund Pearl Award for Hope and Confidence (Scholarship award: amount up to $1,200)

This award is dedicated to the memory of Marina Sigmund (1996-2016), a Drexel nursing student with a vibrant personality and sense of loyalty. As the pearl symbolizes wisdom acquired through experience and its energies known to help create new beginnings and fresh starts, this award is presented to a full-time undergraduate student who has encountered personal hardship and faced adversity with courage and determination. Preference will be given to a student studying in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. This recognition includes a monetary scholarship award of up to $1,200.

Stephanie L. Ross Memorial Scholarship Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $1,000)

This award is presented to an undergraduate student who possesses the generous spirit of the award's namesake. To be considered for this award, applicants must have been a member of a Drexel fraternity or sorority for at least one academic year. The recipient must be in good academic standing as demonstrated by a minimum 3.0 grade point average. (Undergraduate only)

Steven Irby Scholarship Fund (Scholarship award: amount up to $5,000)

This award is presented to an undergraduate student who is active in the University and/or local community. The recipient(s) must be involved in one or more of the following student organizations: a) Black Student Union; b) National Society of Black Engineers; or c) Drexel Black Action Committee, and preference is given to those students residing in Philadelphia or the five surrounding counties. Preference is also given to students studying engineering or information technology that are in good academic standing demonstrated by a minimum 2.75 grade point average and have a financial need.

2023 Award Recipients

• Amber Medeiros – Alana Maddox Endowed Student Friendship Award
• Prastuti Updahyay – Alden D. Hoke Endowed Memorial Scholarship
• Khizar Kashif and Amina Ibrahim – Alexander Van Rensselaer Service Award
• Nicole Casariego – Alexander-Williamson Memorial Scholarship
• Zedan Edwards – Anthony and Antoinette T. Caneris Award
• Sangheon Park – The Carl Buchholz Award for Civic Engagement
• Pratik Chapagain – Charles E. Etting Award
• Abdulganeey Olawin – Dean J. Peterson Ryder Award for Senior Men
• Damaris Mathenge – Dean J. Peterson Ryder Award for Senior Women
• TJ Bridwell and Ryan Lewis – Drexel University Black Alumni Council (DUBAC) Scholarship
• Munazzah Al Hashim – Josiah P. Ryder General Scholarship
• Grace Knauss – Marilyn A. Burshtin Memorial Award
• Kimberly Williams – Marina Sigmund Pearl Award for Hope and Confidence
• Sarah Sokolowski – Stephanie L. Ross Memorial Scholarship Award
• TJ Bridwell and Veronica Obute – Steve Irby Scholarship Fund

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