Chemistry Department Scholarships

     There are several scholarships available to chemistry majors that attend West Chester University.  These scholarships are in addition to other larger scholarships that are offered university wide.  The department scholarships that have been offered so far have ranged in value up to $1000.  Some of these scholarships are for students that have already made some progress towards their degree, and others are specifically for incoming freshmen.  Incoming students apply for these scholarships through the admissions scholarship application process.  Click here for more information.

The Justo Bravo Scholarship (since 1981)

Dr. Justo Bravo was 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 Chemistry Department, 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 (as evidence by a transcript), extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and a personal essay.  The Chemistry Department 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 A. Challen ’42 Memorial Scholarship for Chemistry Education (since 1999)

Herbert James Challen was born June 28, 1915 in Philadelphia, PA to George and Nettie (Jergenson) Challen.  He graduated from Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, PA in 1934 where he was a member of the state champion high school basketball team.  He attended Drexel University while working as a production expediter at the General Electric Philadelphia plant from 1935-1938.  He attended West Chester University form 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 was called to active duty by the Navy in the fall of his senior year.

The scholarship is to be awarded to a student who is in hi 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.

Virgil Magnuson Chemistry Scholarship

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.

The Francis J. Reynolds Chemistry Scholarship (since 1995)

 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 Arden Theater in Delaware was doing “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 years who are registered in one of the five Chemistry Department degree programs.  The applicant must have completed at least 30 credits at WCU to be eligible.  Applicants are judged by the Chemistry Department Scholarship committee on their college performance, extracurricular activities and a personal essay.