William I. Heard served as a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at IUP from 1963 to 1974.
Prior to coming to IUP, Heard taught in the Elders Ridge School District for about 30 years. During those years at Elders Ridge, he spent his summers earning a master's degree in chemistry and did additional graduate work at six different universities all across the United States.
During his tenure at IUP, Heard worked tirelessly and won the respect of both the faculty and students. According to Joseph Costa, one of his former colleagues, "Mr. Heard epitomized the title of educator. He was truly devoted to teaching and his students. He went out of his way to help them, both in and out of the classroom."
Heard retired in 1974 and then passed away suddenly just three years later in 1977. At the time of his death, Heard's family and friends decided that, because of his lifelong dedication to teaching students, there would be no better way to pay tribute to him than to establish a scholarship in his name. They also felt that since Heard's life exemplified ideals, achievement, service, and integrity, these should form the basis of the award.
This award will be credited toward the student's account and can be used toward tuition and/or other expenses during the academic year. In addition to the money, the award recipient's name is engraved on a plaque that hangs in the Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Engineering Department's display cabinet.
Award Criteria
- BS Chemical Education, junior status (60-89 credits completed at the time of application)
- Service to the university, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Engineering Department, and community
- Active membership in clubs and organizations
- Awards, both academic and service oriented
- Financial need
Application Materials
The application is be due by 4:00 p.m. on October 30, 2020, in the Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Engineering Department Main Office, 143 Weyandt Hall. Students should also, where necessary, arrange for letters of recommendation to be sent as soon as possible, so that they arrive in the Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Engineering Department Office no later than November 3. For awards that require an interview, Dr. Elcesser will contact the students before Thanksgiving recess.
The award amount for 2019-20 is $1,412.
William Heard Scholarship Application
Prior Award Recipients
2014-15: Brittney L. Wiesheier
2012-13: Amanda M. Lynn
2009-10: Alex M. Daughenbaugh
2008-09: Lacie K. Buxton
2007-08: Tracey Baker
2006-07: Amy Jean Trexler
2005-06: Jerrod W. Moore
2004-05: Kevin M. Blake
2003-04: Sumaiya Islam
2002-03: James E. McCarthy
2001-02: Jessica A. Walton
2000-01: Dana M. Berkey
1999-2000: Trisha V. Wallace
1998-99: David E. Keith
1997-98: Jeffrey T. Roberts
1996-97: Eric J. Jasper
1995-96: Jennifer L. Coleman
1994-95: Laura J. Cochran
1993-94: Wendy M. Ballas
1992-93: Jonathan Licker
1991-92: Richard W. Washabaugh
1990-91: Renee L. Shortencarrier
1989-90: Michelle L. Sarver
1988-89: Joanne Dusza
1987-88: Janine M. Bodziak
1986-87: Michele M. Belak
1985-86: Steven P. Learn
1984-85: Sandra L. Backes
1983-84: Lori A. Riggleman
1982-83: Richard J. Loncharich
1981-82: Michelle A. Kurpakus
1980-81: Linda J. Cronk
1979-80: Brian J. Zande