Current Endowments & Scholarships

Marjorie B. Poyner Study Abroad Endowment

The Marjorie B. Poyner Study Abroad Endowment was established by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System on July 24, 2008. Gift funds were provided by the Estate of Marjorie B. Poyner, who graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in 1950. Funds distributed from the endowment shall be used to fund study abroad opportunities for students in the Department of French and Italian, with a particular emphasis on travel to France. Recipients must have completed at least 6 hours of college level French.

Julia Scarbrough Fisher Study Abroad Endowment

The Julia Scarbrough Fisher Study Abroad Endowment was established by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System on November 9, 2007. The endowment honors Mrs. Julia Scarbrough Fisher. Gift funds were provided by her daughter Julia Emerson Fisher Walther. Funds shall be used to fund study abroad opportunities for students in the Department of French and Italian, with a particular emphasis on travel to France.

Julia Walther/Julia Scarbrough Fisher Endowed Fund

The Julia Walther/Julia Scarbrough Fisher Endowed Fund was established by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System on June 25, 2010. The endowment honors Mrs. Julia F. Walther and Mrs. Julia Scarbrough Fisher. Gift funds were provided by the Estate of Julia Emerson Fisher Walther.
Distributions from the endowment will be used to provide scholarships and fellowships to undergraduate and graduate students interested in the French studies. Awards to students may include, but are not limited to, support for travel to and attendance at conferences and workshops in the U.S. and abroad, study abroad and for summer research.

Aaron Schaffer-Giovanni Podio-Jason Sokolosky Scholarship in French and Italian Studies

The Aaron Schaffer-Giovanni Podio-Jason Sokolosky Scholarship in French and Italian Studies was established by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System on May 4, 1957. Gift funds were provided by Augusto L. Podio, Ph.D. of Austin, Texas, a 1968 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering, Mr. F. Douglas Sokolosky of Dallas, Texas, and Mrs. Valerie G. Sokolosky of Dallas, Texas. The endowment honors Mr. Giovanni B. Podio of Austin, Texas, Aaron Schaffer, Ph.D. of Austin, Texas, and Mr. Jason Douglas Sokolosky of Austin, Texas. Scholarship support for students of French and Italian in appropriate recognition of the three honorees of these funds. Scholarships will benefit undergraduate or graduate students of French literature (to honor Professor Schaffer), students of Italian (to honor Mr. Podio), and/or students of French for purposes of studying in France (to honor Mr. Sokolosky), either in a combination generally proportional to the original gifts or in alternating years. Recipients shall be selected by a committee appointed by the chairman of the Department of French and Italian, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA to qualify for selection.

Christopher Schulze Scholarship for Studies in French and Italian

The Christopher Schulze Scholarship for Studies in French and Italian was established through the Texas Exes to support outstanding upper-level undergraduate students of French.

Donald and Eleanor Sellstrom Fund for Excellence in French and Italian

The A. Donald and Eleanor Sellstrom Fund for Excellence in French and Italian was established by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System on December 5, 1991. Gift funds were provided by A. D. Sellstrom, Ph.D. of Austin, Texas, a 1949 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts and Mrs. Eleanor McC. Sellstrom of Austin, Texas. To provide financial assistance to undergraduates majoring in French or Italian at U.T. Austin or abroad in a French-or Italian-speaking country in a program approved by the Study Abroad Committee of the French and Italian Department. Additional criteria to consider for prospective recipients include a 3.0 GPA in French, a 3.0 GPA overall, and to demonstrate a compelling need for financial assistance.

Daniela Bini Excellence in Italian Annual Award

The Daniela Bini Excellence in Italian Award was established to provide assistance to outstanding undergraduate students of Italian.

Dina Sherzer Fund for Excellence

The Dina Sherzer Fund for Excellence was established by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System on March 5, 2008, to benefit The University of Texas College of Liberal Arts. Gift funds were provided by Dina M. Sherzer, Ph.D.

James Stephens Excellence Award

The James Stephens Excellence Award benefits outstanding students pursuing French or Italian studies.