Chemistry

The John R. and Laurie S. Townsend Chemistry Scholarship is to be awarded to a junior or senior major in BS Chemistry, BS Biochemistry, BS Chemistry-Biology, or BS Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry with a GPA of 3.25 or above. The applicants must include an essay of no more than 200 words to address the financial need. The Department of Chemistry Scholarship Committee will select the recipient based on academic performance, extracurricular activities and financial need.

Dr. Joel M. Ressner was a chemistry professor at West Chester University since 1984 until he retired in 2016. During his tenure, he taught organic chemistry lectures and organic chemistry labs. The scholarship is to be awarded to a student who is in his or her junior or senior year at the time of application. The student must be majoring in one of the degree programs (other than Chemistry-Biology and PPD majors) offered by the Department of Chemistry. The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 with a record of service to the Chemistry Department (Alchemist Club, tutoring, etc.), and demonstrate financial need.

Learn more about the Joel M. Ressner Scholarship in Chemistry

Dr. Joel M. Ressner was a chemistry professor at West Chester University since 1984 until he retired in 2016. During his tenure, he taught organic chemistry lectures and organic chemistry labs. The scholarship is to be awarded to a student who belongs to a minority group and majors in one of the degree programs (other than Chemistry-Biology and PPD majors) offered by the Department of Chemistry. The student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 with a record of service to the chemistry department (Alchemist Club, tutoring, etc.), and demonstrate financial need.

Learn more about the Joel M. Ressner Scholarship for Minority Students in Chemistry

The WCU Chemistry Leadership Award is to be awarded to a chemistry major with a minimum 3.33 GPA in chemistry courses and 3.50 GPA overall. The student must demonstrate motivation and leadership qualities through his or her involvement in the Department of Chemistry. The scholarship can be awarded on a renewable basis to a student who continues to meet the academic standard. The recipient will be asked to write a thank-you note to the donor.

Dr. Justo Bravo was a professor in the Chemistry Department at West Chester University from 1968 until he retired in 1982. During his tenure, he served as the first Chairman of WCU's Department of Chemistry, and was given emeritus status upon retirement. He died at the age of 85 on March 31, 2003.

The Justo Bravo Scholarship is to be awarded to an incoming freshman; the student must be registered in one of the five Chemistry Department degree programs. The award will be based on high school performance and admissions tests (SAT, ACT). The Department of Chemistry Scholarship Committee, comprised of three current faculty members, will select an applicant who, in their judgment, has the best potential to develop into a strong Chemistry major.

Herbert James Challen attended West Chester University from 1938-1941, where he was on the soccer team for three years, was a member of the Varsity Club, served as Treasurer of his junior class, was on the Men's Dormitory Council two years, and active in Little Theatre for three years. He received his B.S. in Education from West Chester in 1946. The scholarship is to be awarded to a student who is in his or her junior or senior year at the time of application. The student must be majoring in secondary education chemistry. This scholarship is to be granted on the basis of financial need.

Learn more about the Herbert A. Challen '42 Scholarship in Chemistry

Virgil (Gene) Magnuson taught inorganic chemistry at WCU. He was one of the faculty members who participated in the chemistry education program. He performed site visits among other duties within this program. He was an active APSCUF member (faculty union), and served on the Meet and Discuss Team. He also served as a WCU representative to the State Legislative Assembly. The Virgil Magnuson Chemistry Scholarship is to be given to an incoming freshman majoring in Chemistry Education.

Francis J. Reynolds, better known as Frank, was a native of Pottsville, PA and taught organic chemistry at WCU. He had an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, but chose to complete his doctorate in organic chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. He began teaching chemistry at West Chester State College while he completed his thesis. He enjoyed teaching so much that he then applied for a permanent position. Meanwhile he began singing tenor roles in Gilbert and Sullivan productions as well as more current dinner theatre musicals. One year when the Candlelight Theater in Arden, Delaware was performing "1776", he came to school dressed as Benjamin Franklin and gave his lectures "in character". His other favorite pastime was a portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in events around the Delaware Valley.

Frank was known for his adherence to excellent performance standards both in the classroom and on stage, and was well liked by students for his sense of humor and his singing of Tom Lehrer's "Chemical Elements."

This scholarship is designated for students going into their sophomore, junior or senior year, who are registered in one of the five Department of Chemistry degree programs. The applicant must have completed at least 30 credits at WCU to be eligible. Applicants are judged by the Department of Chemistry Scholarship committee on their college performance, extracurricular activities and a personal essay.

This scholarship for pre-medical students was established in memory of Eric S. Dellecker by his parents. Recipients are chosen by the University Pre-Medical Committee based on academic achievement and the completion of one academic year in the pre-medical program.

A $1,500 annual environmental award is presented to a sophomore or junior who is a Pennsylvania resident and has fulfilled a number of chemistry courses including the chemistry of the environment course. Recipients must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.2 GPA in the sciences as well as write an essay judged by a company representative.

Dr. Stanley Yarosewick served WCU for 25 years as a physics faculty member and in several administrative roles. His wife, Mary-Lou, was a teacher in the Downingtown Area School District who took classes at WCU. A stepson, S. Kenneth Wager ’88, and son, Michael J. Yarosewick ’91, graduated with degrees in computer science and physical education, respectively. This endowed scholarship fund was created in recognition of the important contribution WCU has made to the Yarosewick family. This scholarship will support a fourth-year science major who has a minimum 3.2 GPA.