The Walter D. McCollum, Sr. Memorial Scholarship was established in 2000 by Dr. Walter R. McCollum (grandson of named scholarship) to be presented to outstanding students who have demonstrated academic excellence, potential for future achievement, and leadership both in school and community activities. In 2002, Dr. McCollum incorporated the Walter McCollum Scholarship Foundation to provide scholarships to graduate students seeking a degree in any of the social sciences. The scholarship is presented each year in memory of Walter David McCollum, Sr., his kindred spirit of giving and love for all mankind. (Read about the McCollum Scholarship Recipients.)
Walter D. McCollum, Sr., (1925-2000) was a native of Spartanburg County, Pacolet, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Andrew McCollum and Marie Humphries McCollum. Walter was an active member of the New Salem Zion Baptist Church, Pacolet, SC, for over 40 years where he was the "first" Honorary Deacon and served in various ministries to include the Trustee Board, Usher Board, Male Choir, and Transportation. He retired from the Draper Corporation after more than 41 years of service.
Walter was known for humbleness, his commitment, his patience, his tolerance, his spirit of giving, his joy, his sense of peace, his modesty, his charisma, his devotion, his dedication, his loyalty, his accountability, his leadership from behind the scenes, his integrity and honesty, his obedience, his unconditional love, his strength, his service, his faith, his sense of humor, and most importantly his love for God.
The "gift of giving" is the legacy that will be carried on by Dr. McCollum to promote education and afford opportunities to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership.
Read about the McCollum Scholarship Recipients
Purpose of Scholarship
The Walter D. McCollum, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Foundation was founded to provide financial assistance to deserving students for their pursuit of graduate studies in any of the social sciences. The Foundation and its financial assistance shall be administered and provided without regard to race, religion, age, creed, or ancestry. Neither the Foundation nor any member of the Board of Directors, nor their respective spouses, lineal descendants, or spouses of lineal descendants, shall be eligible to receive financial assistance.
Financial assistance provided by the Foundation will be provided on the basis of outright scholarship grants that need not be repaid.
Recipients of financial assistance from the Foundation shall be encouraged to recognize their responsibility as citizens and encouraged to perform services of a civic and humanitarian nature. However, in providing financial assistance, the Foundation shall give preference in consideration and selection to those worthy persons who, or whose families, have insufficient finances or resources to pay the costs of higher education.
The Foundation desires to provide financial assistance for promising persons who lack the resources to pursue higher education.
Criteria for Candidate Status
Candidate status for the Walter McCollum Scholarship is awarded to graduate students who satisfy the application requirements. Scholarships will be awarded to students based on demonstrated need and evidence of academic performance. Students must:
- Be a graduate student pursuing graduate studies in any of the social sciences
- Be attending an accredited post secondary institution or university - this includes four-year degree granting institutions
- Complete the required application form, (3) letters of recommendation, essay, 5x7 black and white photo, and provide the necessary supporting materials to be considered for financial assistance
- Submit forms and materials by 30 April 2006 to be considered for scholarship Award on 22 May 2006.
- Have enrolled full time (minimum of 6 semester hours/3 quarter hours)
- Have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA)
- Have demonstrated leadership in community activities and/or professional organizations
Note: The number of scholarships awarded each year will be based on the funds available and the number of eligible candidates. Funds are raised through fundraising, sponsorships, and contributions. All candidates must submit the original and (2) copies of the complete package not later than 30 April 2006. Submit the package to:
Walter D. McCollum, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Foundation
10909 Gunpowder Drive
Fort Washington, Maryland 20744
Verification of Application Material: The Board of Directors reserves the right to verify information submitted in support of an application for financial assistance and to request additional information when needed.
Selection of Recipients: The Board of Directors will make the final selections and approve all recipients for scholarships.
Administration of Scholarship: Funds awarded to a student will be issued in the name of the institution the recipient indicates he/she will attend. If a recipient of financial assistance determines that he/she cannot enroll as intended, he/she must provide a written notice to the Scholarship Foundation no later than (10) calendar days after the semester or quarter begins.
Scholarship Forms (downloads require Adobe PDF)
