Requirements for Scholarship Application

Partial tuition scholarships awarded by the art department are from the R. Joy Stewart Scholarship Fund. The late Professor Stewart directed the art department for over 35 years until her retirement in 1980. The Stewart Fund was created in Joy’s memory by her brother, Donald Stewart. Additional scholarships are from the Dworski, Fink, or Brooke Funds. Awards range from $500 - $2500 with the understanding that the student will major (or at least minor) in Art. Keep in mind that it is possible to double major at Hillsdale College. The department will automatically renew its scholarship awards each subsequent year provided that the student maintainshigh standards of performance in art classes. The department endeavors to increase the renewal awards based on merit. An art student who performs below par in art courses may not enjoy a renewal of award in the next year.

  1. Portfolio: Ideally this should be a photo CD with digital images representing the student’s best artwork from high school years. It should consist of 12-20 works, mostly drawing. Works in other media, whether two-dimensional or three-dimensional are welcome. Art professors suggest a personal campus visit and portfolio review during which the student’s actual work is reviewed. In any case, we need to have a photographic portfolio to keep for a few weeks while scholarship decisions are made.
  2. Personal statement: Explain what art courses you have taken and what art media you like best. Who are some of your favorite artists? Describe artistic projects you have pursuedoutside of school.
  3. Letter of recommendation: Include a separate letter of recommendation from an adult who can comment on your artistic abilities and dedication. This could be a teacher, parent, artist-acquaintance, etc.

Deadline for submission: March 1 (for consideration to enter class in the following fall semester). (Late submissions, please call the department).

Submitted CDs will be kept by the Art Department. You should “archive” your work in secure digital storage at home. Decisions on awards are usually made by May 1. Those who receive scholarship offers from the department will be notified via the College Office of Financial Aid. If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Sam Knecht, art department chairman at 517-607-7341 or email:sam.knecht@hillsdale.edu.

Download the Art Department Scholarship Application