Department News and Information
Department Newsletters
Supporting Excellence
If you were one of many student who benefited from department scholarships, assistantships, and work-study appointments, or simply enjoyed good teaching, advising, and the fellowship of favorite teachers, you may welcome the opportunity to give something back so that future generations of students can enjoy similar benefits. Your gifts and support helps broaden the opportunities, experiences, and quality of academic life that the Department of History can offer its students.
Priority Needs
The following funds are our current funding priorities:
1. J.D. Smith Graduate Student Award in History
Gift Options
If you would like to contribute online to the Department of History or any of its subsidiary funds, please
use the CMU Office of Development and Alumni Relations' secure online giving form, located
here. If you would like to contribute by mail, you can make checks payable to "Central Michigan University,"
denote the History Department and/or the specific fund on the memo line of the check, and mail it to:
Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Carlin Alumni House
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Tel: (800) 358-6903
Fax: (989) 774-7159
For more information on how to make of gift of securities, real estate, or include the Department of History in your estate plans, please visit here or contact:
Lesa Smith
Director of Development
College of Humanities, Social, and Behavioral Sciences
115 Anspach Hall
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Tel: (989) 774-3354
Fax: (989) 774-7106
Fund Descriptions
History Department Development Fund
To assist history faculty and staff in their mission to deliver quality education to their students and to support faculty and
student scholarly and creative activities.
History Department Joint Graduate Program Development Fund
To assist history faculty and staff in their mission to deliver
quality education to their students and to support faculty and
student scholarly and creative activities.
G.M. Blackburn Endowment
The income from this endowment funds an annual lecture series in
American history (focusing on the Civil War and Reconstruction) in
honor of George Blackburn, a greatly admired teacher and scholar
during his thirty years as a member of CMU's history faculty.
Duane Mark Bouliew History Prize
Scholarship awarded to a junior or senior with at least 12 credits
in history completed at CMU. Requirements: The scholarship must be
used for undergraduate study at CMU or in one of CMU's study-abroad
programs. Applicants must have a 3.25 GPA or higher in history, 3.0
GPA overall & ranking in top 35% of class. Also must be active in
Phi Alpha Theta, the History Club or other campus or community
organizations, and must submit two letters of recommendation from
history faculty members.
William T. Bulger Endowment
This lecture series funds a lecture series in the field of American
biography in honor of William T. Bulger, a long-time former member
of the CMU history faculty.
Gabriel Chien Memorial Fund Essay Prize
This fund was created to honor the memory of Gabriel Chien, a
former CMU history professor. The scholarship ($1,000 towards
financial aid) is awarded annually to one student for a written
essay that focuses on an aspect of Chinese culture, Sino-American
relations, or a comparative study of China.
Howard Evans Study Abroad Scholarship
This fund was created in honor of Dr. Howard V. Evans for his dedication
and support in the study of European history. This endowment will support
an award for a junior or senior studying abroad with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Johnie D. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Two scholarships will be awarded to: 1) An incoming freshman who
resides in Saginaw, Midland or Mount Pleasant, is committed to the
advancement of minorities in American society, and demonstrates
great academic potential; and 2) A CMU undergraduate student, of
sophomore or greater standing, who is committed to the advancement
of minorities in American society and demonstrates an interest in
research or scholarly pursuits. Preference will be given to
applicants studying or conducting research in the fields of history
and/or African-American history.
Mae Teeters History Prize
Awarded annually to a CMU student majoring in history. Requirements:
Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, produce an outstanding
essay in a CMU history seminar, be elected to Phi Alpha Theta and
make a promise and commitment to a career of service. Applicants
must also submit a thoughtful proposal for using the award for
continued study in history. Applicants must also submit 2 letters of
reference from CMU history faculty members.
Dennis Thavenet Study Abroad History Award
This is an annual award that provides financial assistance to a junior or senior
history student studying abroad, with some preference given for
study in the Netherlands. The award is named in honor of Emeritus
Professor Dennis Thavenet, who has been very active in promoting the
benefits of study abroad experiences for students. Requirements: Applicants must have 3.0 or
higher GPA in history. Other criteria considered include:
educational benefit to student's plan of study; commitment to
serious study; and financial need. Applicants must also solicit 2
letters of recommendation from History faculty.
Dennis Thavenet Study Abroad Scholarship
This is an annual scholarship that provides financial assistance to a junior or senior
history student studying abroad, with some preference given for
study in the Netherlands. The award is named in honor of
Emeritus Professor Dennis Thavenet, who has been very active in
promoting the benefits of study abroad experiences for students. Requirements: Applicants must have 3.0 or
higher GPA in history. Other criteria considered include:
educational benefit to student's plan of study; commitment to
serious study; and financial need. Applicants must also solicit 2
letters of recommendation from History faculty.