Alumni & FriendsFeatured Scholarships and Awards

At Ohio State, we are not afraid to take risks, to test bold hypotheses or to rethink traditional approaches to problems. We dare to ask new questions and to celebrate the synergy and solutions that result when people from seemingly unrelated disciplines join together for a common cause. With additional private support, we will be able to bring a wider spectrum of research opportunities to Ohio State — and consequently offer more solutions to those we serve locally and around the world. If you’d like to learn more about investing in today’s social work students, please contact us.

Preston V. Mcmurry, Jr. Scholar Athlete Citizenship Award

Founded in 2008 by the late Preston V. McMurry Jr., The McMurry Scholar Athlete Citizenship Award honors student-athletes with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who best exemplify the idea of “Education for Citizenship” through significant volunteer service to the community.

There are 1,050 student athletes, representing 37 varsity sports at Ohio State, eligible for nomination. A committee of graduate-level social work student leaders select the recipient.

McMurry, a 1960 social work graduate, was an important member of the Woody Hayes 1957 Championship Football team. He founded McMurry Inc., one of the largest advertising and marketing firms in the United States. McMurry received the 2002 OSU Alumni Association Citizenship Award and was selected as Arizona’s 2001 Philanthropist of the Year.

Previous McMurry Scholar Athlete Citizenship Award recipients include: Jarrod Barnes (football) in 2016; Alexa Aton (synchronized swimming) in 2015; Bryce Haynes (football) in 2014; Aaron Craft (men’s basketball) in 2013; Sarah Mignin (volleyball) in 2012; Bryant Browning (football) in 2011; Ali Ristas (field hockey) in 2010; Elon Simms (men’s track and field) in 2009; and Alice Zita Kebeumen Jamen (women’s basketball) in 2008.

The Schumacher Family Scholarship In Social Work

Chris and Tara Schumacher have been supporting a Social Work student working in human trafficking for several years. However, as they become more involved with the issues around trafficking, they have come to realize that education is a major tool in eliminating human trafficking.

In 2013, the Schumachers raised their level of support to one year of full-tuition. Through this investment they are not only helping a student, but a multitude of individuals and families that this social worker will positively impact through her career.