Fischer Scholarship at 25: 500 scholars, $1 million in gifts
Released: November 9, 2004
More than 50 people gathered this month in the Fern Young Terrace at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Fischer Scholarship. The banquet was attended by current Fischer scholars, faculty from the department of geography and geology, Fischer family members and guest speakers.
The Fischer Scholarship is the largest ongoing scholarship on campus. To date, a total of nearly $1.1 million has been awarded to approximately 500 students. The average amount awarded to students has gradually increased over the years and currently stands at about $1,500 per semester. Presently, 50 students per semester are awarded the scholarship.
“We wanted to celebrate the memory of Warren Fischer and make sure our current Fischer scholars appreciate how big his impact on campus truly is, as well as how much he had to sacrifice to allow them to receive the generous scholarships that are regularly awarded today,” said David Travis, professor and chair of the department of geography and geology.
Edwin Scherzer, a junior majoring in broad field secondary education with a double minor in geography, is a Fischer scholar. Scherzer says he has always enjoyed geography and one day hopes to share his passion with middle school and high school students.
“I believe Warren Fischer was truly passionate about his field and kept his students excited about the subject matter,” said Scherzer. “It is appropriate we celebrate his life and work since he has given much to us financially and is an inspiration to aspiring teachers.”
Warren Fischer taught geology and geography at UW-Whitewater from 1922 to 1958. During his time at the university Fischer introduced field study to the state university system, was twice named the favorite instructor of his era, had a campus building named after him and had two yearbooks dedicated in his name. He also named several buildings on campus, including Esker and Drumlin dining halls, Kame and Kettle rooms and Moraine Book Store.
For more information, contact Travis at (262) 472-5125 or travisd@uww.edu.
- Alenia Heisz,heiszam21@uww.edu
