Purpose

The Anton Brenner Scholarship is a competitive, prestigious award based on the academic achievement of current graduate students. The recipient of this award must meet the eligibility guidelines identified below and continue to pursue graduate study at Eastern Michigan University with academic excellence.

Anton Brenner was a professor of educational psychology at Eastern Michigan University from 1968 until his death in 1975. He taught graduate and undergraduate courses in the psychology of adolescence and human growth and development. Born in Aalen, Germany, Dr. Brenner graduated from the University of Munich and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Tuebingen, also doing postgraduate work at the University of Maryland. He was a member of the American Psychology Association, the Michigan Psychology Association, the National Society for the Study of Education, the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters, and the American Association of University Professors. Dr. Brenner authored several books and numerous articles and chapters for books.

Scholarship Guidelines

As stipulated by the family, the Brenner Scholarship is a one-time award of $500.00 that is applied to the recipient’s tuition and fees. Only one or two fall awards are made each year, making it very competitive. In addition to the monetary benefit, recipient is recognized at the annual Graduate Research Fair Awards Ceremony.

Eligibility

1. Applicants must have completed at least one full academic semester (spring and summer combined equals one full semester) at EMU and have earned a minimum of ten graduate credit hours toward their masters degree by the completion of the fall semester prior to applying for the award.

2. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative graduate grade-point average of 3.5, by the completion of the fall semester to be considered to receive the award during the following fall semester.

3. Academic achievement and seriousness of purpose should also be demonstrated through other academic endeavors such as publications, scholarly research projects, service to the community or campus organizations, or artistic performances or exhibitions.

4. Applicants need not be full-time students, but must be enrolled in at least 4 graduate credit hours during the fall semester for which the scholarship is granted.

Application Process

1. Applicants must submit a completed Financial Assistance Application for Graduate Students Form to the Graduate School, 200 Boone Hall, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197 by February 15 to be considered for an award for the following fall. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

2. Applicants must request two faculty members prepare letters of recommendation that should be submitted with the application form due February 15. Letters should demonstrate knowledge about the applicant’s academic progress/achievement as well as address seriousness of purpose and potential for contributing to the field of study.

3. The Graduate School will notify recipients, in writing, of the final award decision. All communication regarding this award will be sent to the "local" address, unless otherwise requested. An Obligation Statement will be sent and the recipient must accept or decline the award by the date designated on the letter.