Each year this recognition is awarded to six outstanding incoming students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and leadership, and whose personal and professional lives reflect a strong work ethic, an indomitable spirit, and compassion.

Students who have been invited into the Honors Program are highly encouraged to apply to this competitive program to become one of the Rose Marie Beard Woman of Spirit® Honors Scholars.

• $4,000 scholarship award (can be combined with other academic and/or athletic scholarships during the first year).
• $3,000 stipend during the junior year to fund participation in an approved, for-credit study abroad program, or to underwrite an Honors research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• Opportunity to apply for a Rose Marie Beard Capstone awards at the end of the junior year. Beard Capstone awards are worth $5,000 toward a student’s senior year tuition, to reduce undergraduate educational loans, or for graduate school tuition expenses. Capstone awards recognize superior academic achievement and leadership during the Beard Scholars’ undergraduate experience.
• The awarding of a Beard Honors Medallion and presentation box at the Honors Convocation, prior to graduation to each Beard Scholar who satisfactorily completes the Honors Program and Beard Scholars requirements.

Students must submit a separate application for consideration as a Rose Marie Beard Woman of Spirit® Honors Scholar by February 15 of their high school senior year. The application packet must include:

1. Personal Essay (include full name and “Beard Scholars Application” at the top of the page). Your essay should clearly and concisely address all of the following:
• Your personal understanding of what it means to be a leader;
• How you have demonstrated leadership through school, community, or service activities;
• How you have exhibited integrity and a strong work ethic in your daily life;
• how you have used your talents to overcome a challenge or obstacle.
2. A résumé including your employment, service, extracurricular, and community activities
3. Letters of reference (optional)

"The Honors Program and designation as a Rose Marie Beard Woman of Spirit® Scholar was a very rewarding experience for me. It appropriately challenged me and helped me to better prepare myself for the world ahead. This challenge has shown me what kind of person I can be, and helped me to be more knowledgeable about issues of importance.

The Beard Scholars Program has enabled me to explore different cultures to better develop my perception of the world."

—Krista Hoover, Class of 2007 Elementary Education major